Wanderers Reserves went down 2-1to a Paul Gascoigne-inspired Everton at Widnes last night despite holding the lead for a long period.

Gascoigne gave a great display at the Reebok last Saturday for the first team and was in form again.

Fielding only keeper Steve Banks and Bo Hansen with any experience, Wanderers came under early pressure.

Banks produced a good save from Kevin McLeod while a well-timed tackle from Wayne Buchanan stopped Gascoigne in his tracks.

Wanderers went ahead in the 19th minute when Michael Eckersley and Ciaran Ryan combined to set up Hanson, who sent a curling 20-yard shot beyond keeper Paul Gerrard.

With Gazza in fine form, the home side had the better of the second half. They equalised in the 65th minute with a powerful low drive from Idan Tal. Alec Clelland twice went close before Everton struck the winner nine minutes from time. A left-wing cross from Danny Cadamarteri evaded Banks' punch and George Pilkington put the ball in the net at the far post.

Wanderers' best efforts late on came from Hansen but were from long distance and failed to trouble Gerrard.

Wanderers: Banks, Hunt, O'Hare, Dootson, Livesey, Buchanan, Eckersley (Byrne), Ryan (Hamlin), Hansen, Bird, Downey.

Everton: Gerrard, Hibbert, Pilkington, Sausa, Clarke, Clelland, Valentine (Eaton), Gascoigne, Cadamarteri, Tal, McLeod.