A fortuitous Everton won 1-0 against an extremely uninspiring Middlesbrough side. Boro were lucky as the Toffees had many a chance to double and treble their lead. The goal itself epitomized the game as a scrappy tap-in by Tim Cahill took all three points back to Merseyside.

At a nealy sold-out Riverside Stadium a poor Mike Riley got the game under way. After a few minutes the ball was in the net, but it was ruled out to Pienaar’s disgust. The second time in as many games that the little South-African had had a goal ruled out, a picky decision for a ‘six of one half a dozen of the other’ type push in the area.

After the Blue’s early threat the game started to settle; the next chance came in the twentieth minute, Cahill laying the ball back for Pienaar to rattle the post. But from this point on the game seemed to be swaying into Middlesbrough’s hands’, with O’Neill and Tuncay having shots well saved. Dan Gosling missed from close range with the only other Toffees chance before half time coming courtesy of Joleon Lescott who couldn’t sort his feet out in order to force the ball towards goal.

Half-time arrived after a dull half with the Blues unlucky not to be in the lead. But as soon the second half was under way the breakthrough came. 6 minutes in, a corner from the left by Mikel Arteta was swung in, Cahill met it but was denied by a good save from Ross Turnbull. Then Lescott had another go prompting another save, but the ball fell to Cahill who, after passing it into a Boro defender then turned the ball home. There was pandemonium in the stands, a sell out away end had received a belated late Christmas present.

Everton started to press a bit whilst at the same time snuffing out any Boro attack. Gosling had the only two notable chances before the game was up. The first came from a cross by Fellaini who dinked the ball over the defence and keeper only for the England U-19 international to blast over on the half volley from 5 yards out with the goal at his mercy. The second was harder but still the 18-year-old could and maybe should have buried it. The ball was crossed over from the left by the brilliant Pienaar, and drifting in from the right Gosling headed from point blank range down Turnbull’s throat.

Everton weren’t really threatened, Alfonso Alves the substitute had a half chance, which was the only vague signs of life coming from the Boro end. A half volley from the Brazilian at the death was seen over the bar by Tim Howard.

A good second half was brought to an end by Mr Riley and Everton had won their seventh league game away from home, an incredible feat, and if they’d had the bit of the luck they’ve had away at Goodison the Blues would be right up there with the likes of Chelsea and United.

The Referee

Just a point on the referee. I am not one to have rants, but today’s display by Mr Riley in my opinion was disgraceful. Whenever anyone jumped for the ball he would give a free kick. No matter what happened. Any 50 fifties were always blown up and given to the defending side. He didn’t let the game flow and looked as if he’d eaten a bit too much turkey yesterday. He’s a Premier League referee and what angers me, not with just him but others as well, is that he just doesn’t read the game. No common sense, no attempt to try and make the game run.

Next up

Sunderland (h) – After a few really good looking wins the northerners were held to a draw by Blackburn. The impotency shown today will hopefully continue to Sunday’s game. Although I won’t expect a repeat of last seasons magical encounter I will probably settle with a 6-1 win!!! I hope we can get another one over on them and continue well in our quest for European football next season. there may be a few links for the game as there were today. If you want to watch the match you need to register in the forums and we will advise you as to how you can watch it.*

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