EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

Everton 2-1 Newcastle

Goals from both Wayne Rooney and David Unsworth secured a vital win at Goodison Park against Newcastle. The win took Everton to 5th, and above local rivals Liverpool.

The match started at a frenetic pace, as you'd expect from two sides with everything to play for.

Rooney appeared to be clean through after 30 seconds and berated himself after Given blocked his shot, but an offside flag meant the goal would not have stood even if the striker had converted.

The opening was an end-to-end affair, Kieron Dyer had a reasonable penalty appeal rejected after David Weir appeared to haul him to the ground.

The referee then rejected a penalty appeal at the other hand when a powerfully struck shot hit Jonathan Woodgate on the arm.

Everton began to take control of the game. Everton's committed start paid off with Wayne Rooney netting his fifth premiership goal.

Weir flicked Gravesen's shot goalwards and Rooney reacted faster than Bernard, heading into the corner from seven yards.

One goal wasn't enough...Everton wanted a second. Kevin Campbell made a vicious connection shooting on the turn but his shot was straight at Given, who just saved., and not long after Wayne Rooney shot from an acute angle, forcing Given into action once more.

Newcastle steadily imposed themselves on the game and equalised in spectacular style.

Woodgate picked out Laurent Robert with a raking pass and the French winger smashed the ball home with a diagonal shot of awesome power.

4 minutes after that, Newcastle were unlucky not to be in the lead, Woodgates attempted header crashed off the underside off the crossbar.

Half-Time - Everton 1-1 Newcastle

England’s number 9, Wayne Rooney forced Given back into action a minute after the resumption of play as Everton started the second half in determined fashion.

Everton then took the lead for the second time when Unsworth scored from the penalty spot following Woodgate's tangle with Campbell.

The Newcastle defender lay prostrate on the turf as play carried on around him and despite Newcastle urges for Everton to put the ball out of play, Rooney skipped past a plethora of challenges during a mazy, cross-field run and slipped the ball to Campbell who was brought down in the box by Woodgate.

The referee, Neil Barry gave the penalty and the visitors were furious.

Protests began...The Newcastle players surrounded Neale Barry, the bench showed their disagreement, and it was a good couple of minutes before the penalty could be taken.

Despite all the protests, David Unsworth kept his calm and smashed home the 22nd successful penalty kick of his Everton career to put The Toffees back in front.

Newcastles frustration seemed to let them down, Everton were now looking the better side.

Everton players were aware that is only takes Newcastle minutes to turn a game round as they learned at St James’ Park back in November.

Newcastle pushed forward in desperate search of an equaliser late on. They very nearly got what they hoped for, Jermaine Jenas had an effort saved by Richard Wright.

The Everton goalkeeper made an even more spectacular save deep in injury time to deny a header Titus Bramble

The match proved to be a typical Everton Vs Newcastle match...excitement, drama and goals.