EVERTON'S miserable season continues to grow darker after they LOST a behind-closed-doors friendly against non-league opposition.
Sean Dyche's men were in action against National League North side Chester, who play FIVE divisions below the Premier League.
The friendly took place at Everton's training complex Finch Farm.
But home comforts were not able to help them swerve embarrassment from a 1-0 defeat to Chester.
And this is despite fielding a team containing EIGHT first-team stars.
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Among them was Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was stepping up his recovery following a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old has not featured since February 4, and has been plagued with injury throughout the last two seasons.
This season alone he missed the entirety of November and December, while also not making his first appearance of the campaign until October.
Dyche will be happy his main striker has stepped up his recovery with the Toffees Prem survival hanging in the balance.
However, the result itself will be disappointing considering the involvement of a number of senior stars.
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Yerry Mina, Conor Coady, Nathan Patterson, Tom Davies, Ellis Simms, Mason Holgate and the suspended Abdoulaye Doucoure were all involved in the defeat.
Everton's next crucial game as they bid for top-flight survival will come against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
They have failed to win any of their last three, and are teetering precariously above the relegation zone on goal difference.