EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton

Veteran striker Nigel Jemson dumped Everton out of the FA Cup with a precious double as Shrewsbury recorded the surprise of the FA Cup third round with a 2-1 victory at Gay Meadow.

The 33-year-old former Nottingham Forest man, currently playing for his 13th different club, smashed home a 38th-minute free-kick and then, after substitute Niclas Alexandersson had levelled on the hour, glanced an 90th-minute header past Richard Wright to seal a famous victory.

It was little more than the Division Three outfit deserved on a day when Jemson and 21-year-old sidekick Luke Rodgers outshone the other 20 players on the pitch.

Everton could have suffered an even worse result if it wasn't for Richard Wright, Wright had kept Everton in the game with saves from both Jemson and Rodgers before the deadlock was finally broken.

Everton were far from at their best and could have few complaints about the final scoreline.

Shrewsbury boss and Everton legend Ratcliffe pitted his wits against a side managed by David Moyes - who once plied his trade as a player at Gay Meadow.

The Merseysiders, despite a run of four successive Premiership draws, arrived in Shropshire still flying high, while their opponents ran out having suffered mixed fortunes in recent weeks, losing 6-0 at Boston and 5-1 at Rushden and Diamonds either side of a 4-1 home win over Bury.

Wright could not do nothink to prevent Jemson's curling free-kick from nestling in the top corner five minutes later after Thomas Gravesen halted Rodgers' progress illegally 20 yards out.

Moyes made his move at the break when he sent on Alexandersson in place of a poor Thomas Gravesen, and the change was to prove vital at the time.

Everton had to wait until the hour-mark for their equaliser, and it came courtesy of an error from the unfortunate Dunbavin, whose mishit clearance allowed the visitors to mount an attack.

Everton began to look the better team. Scot Gemmill powered his way to the edge of the box before sliding a pass inside full-back Alex Smith for Alexandersson to fire low past the keeper's right hand to level.

That was the signal for Everton to step on the gas, and although Jamie Tolley forced a 73rd-minute save from Wright, it was Everton who looked the more likely winners.

Alexandersson had a shot across goal from a tight angle 15 minutes from time and substitute Li Tie miskicked with his first touch... perhaps he should of scored. Mnutes later Rooney tried to catch Dunbavin off his line with a cheeky 84th-minute chip, but his effort comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Shock was to follow. Jemson rose to meet an 90th-minute free-kick from former Forest team-mate Ian Woan and glance a header past Wright to clinch a remarkable victory for the home side.