Battling Toffees edge out Metalist

by RivalsDM

Updated: October 4, 2007, 4:39 PM EST Comment

But goals from Joleon Lescott, James McFadden and substitute Victor Anichebe sealed a 4-3 aggregate win for David Moyes' team.

Everton's last foray into Europe two years ago ended in double disappointment when they made early exits in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

Metalist, who lie fourth in the Ukraine league, were backed by an estimated 30,000 passionate fans.

They had the advantage of an away goal and expectation was high among the home support.

Lacha Jacobiya found space on the edge of the area but lofted his effort over the bar.

Skipper Phil Neville suggested before the match they might have to show patience and they were being forced to defend in the early stages.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard was called into action after 15 minutes and did well to parry a shot from Edmar to safety.

Metalist took the lead on the night and 2-1 on aggregate through Edmar in the 21st minute.

It was a cool finish from the Brazilian, low into the corner, following some nice build-up play involving Marko Devic.

Everton were rocked by that goal before McFadden weaved his way forward on the 20th minute, however his efforts failed to test the goalkeeper.

A minute later Jakobia stung Howard's fingers with a shot from distance.

Everton squandered a great chance to score in the 38th minute when McFadden picked out Steven Pienaar.

He delivered a good cross into the area but Leon Osman's header was easily taken by the goalkeeper.

While McFadden was doing a lot of running Yakubu was finding it difficult to get into the game.

McFadden was determined to turn things but was unlucky to see a sweetly struck shot from 25 yards find the roof of the net in the 41st minute.

The game took a different complexion in the 48th minute when Lescott pulled Everton level.

He swept the ball in from almost on the goal-line after Pienaar had delivered the cross.

It was the defender's fifth goal of the season - he is Everton's highest scorer - but their hopes of building on that strike lasted only four minutes.

Howard was furious at his defence as Hicham Mahdoufi restored Metalist's one-goal advantage.

He scored from the rebound after Devic's effort beat Howard but came back off the post.

Certainly Metalist were playing all the football and inspired by a raucous crowd.

It was hard to believe Everton were lying fifth in the Barclays Premier League after their victory against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Edmar and Jacobiya were proving difficult opponents for the visitors.

Moyes switched things around in the 63rd minute bringing on striker Anichebe for Phil Jagielka.

It was a brave move. He gave support to McFadden and Ayegbeni Yakubu with Everton desperate for a second goal.

McFadden almost got it in the 69th minute but the goalkeeper made a brave block.

Everton showed their battling qualities to draw level on aggregate in the 72nd minute.

Anichebe released McFadden and he swept the ball home after a quick turn and shot.

The Goodison side now had the advantage due to the away goals rule and Anichebe sealed a fine victory by taking advantage of a defensive muddle two minutes from time.