Everton's 2-0 win over Mansfield kicks off Carabao Cup success at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton opened their Carabao Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town, sealing progress at their brand‑new Hill Dickinson Stadium. The win, coming a week after a historic first‑team debut against Brighton, gave fans an early taste of the atmosphere the modern arena can generate under lights.

First half: a tactical showcase

David Moyes opted for a balanced 4‑3‑3, allowing his midfield trio to dictate tempo while the back four stayed compact. Early pressure from the Premier League side saw James Tarkowski claim a corner after Luke Bolton's powerful shot forced a weak save. Despite a few trickles of possession from Nigel Clough’s men, Mansfield struggled to breach a disciplined defense anchored by veteran defender James Tarkowski.

Everton’s opening half featured several promising runs from academy graduate Harrison Armstrong, who drifted between midfield and the attacking third, linking play with the likes of Dominic Calvert‑Lowe and James Garner. The visitors, though, found a rhythm in the latter stages, with a near‑miss from Luke Bolton that briefly rattled the hosts before the half‑time whistle.

Second half: goals, youngsters and the win

The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the restart. A slick passing move saw Armstrong thread a precise ball to Charly Alcaraz, who unleashed a curling 20‑yard strike that left the Mansfield keeper flat‑footed. The goal lifted the crowd and underscored the impact of Everton’s youth pipeline.

Substitute Beto, introduced to add fresh energy, made his mark in the dying moments. After Garner’s incisive through ball was collected by Armstrong, the Brazilian forward tapped in a low finish to seal the match. A short cameo from Iliman Ndiaye also threatened the net, but his shot clipped the side‑netting.

Key moments of the encounter can be summarised as:

• Alcaraz’s 20‑yard strike (20' of second half) – the opener.
• Armstrong’s double assist – pivotal in both goals.
• Beto’s late tap‑in – final seal.
• Mansfield’s lone serious chance – Bolton’s effort saved by Tarkowski.

The victory not only marks Everton’s first cup win at Hill Dickinson Stadium but also highlights the depth within Moyes’ squad. With the win, the club moves into the Carabao Cup third round, where they will look to build on the display against higher‑ranked opposition while continuing to integrate promising academy talent into the first‑team setup.