Everton are safely through to the group stage of the Europa League after a 1-1 draw in the Czech Republic giving Everton a 5-1 aggregate win over the two legs. Most people thought the tie was over after the toffee’s commanding win over the Czech side at Goodison Park but a few finger nails would have been chewed when after 7 minutes of the match Tony Hibbert was given a straight red.
 
Hibbert was sent off when a Leighton Baines pass-back put a Sigma player clean through on goal and Hibbert tried to make a last ditch tackle to stop the striker from pulling the trigger but unfortunately missed timed the challenge and brought him down. The referee had no other option but to send off the right-back for a professional foul.
 
From the resulting free-kick Sigma hit the crossbar and was eventually cleared by Jack Rodwell. That was Sigma’s only real opportunity of the first-half as Everton defended solidly after the early sending off, which led to Olomuc only having long range speculative shots.
 
Pineaar broke the deadlock after 42 minutes after good work from Leon Osman. The make shift winger broke free down the right and whipped in a cross which found Pineaar in acres of space and calmly controlled the cross with his left foot and half volleyed it into the top right-hand corner with his right foot.
 
Sigma equalised on 80 minutes when a neatly worked free-kick saw substitute Sultes strike the ball from 25 yards out and nestled in the bottom left hand corner giving Tim Howard no chance.
 
The main positive to take out of tonight’s game for Everton is the long awaited return of Yakubu. He was given a 15 minute run-out by Moyes and should be in the squad for the game against Wigan on Sunday.
 
The draw for the group stage of the Europa League is tomorrow (Friday) at 12:00 P.M. As soon as Everton’s opponents are known you can find out on http://followeverton.com/.
 
Job-done in terms of getting through the tie with relative ease but if Everton are to get three points at Goodison Park against Wigan they will have to improve immensely after watching this performance.

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