Everton gave their followers one thing to smile about after a poor begin to the season as Iliman Ndiaye marked his full debut with a superb solo effort in a complete 3-0 Carabao Cup victory towards Doncaster.
Having seen a 3-0 residence defeat to Brighton of their Premier League opener compounded in a dull 4-0 loss at Tottenham, the Toffees might ill-afford to come back unstuck towards League Two opposition.
These sides met on the identical stage of final season’s Carabao Cup and Grant McCann’s aspect seemed able to a shock, just for Tim Iroegbunam’s first-time strike early within the second half – that Dwight McNeil claimed to get a contact on – to place the hosts in entrance.
Everton’s first purpose of the season was adopted by Ndiaye capping a full of life show with an important flip, run and end, with Beto including late gloss to a morale-boosting victory forward of internet hosting Bournemouth.
Doncaster’s first go to to Goodison Park since 1985 had began effectively sufficient as they defended effectively and grew in confidence as the primary half progressed.
Rovers’ followers have been in superb voice as they goaded the Premier League strugglers, who have been relieved to see Jordan Pickford cease Jack Senior’s curling effort halfway by way of the opening interval.
Everton’s play lacked crispness and confidence, however they went up a number of notches as half-time approached and James Garner twice went shut.
First the midfielder noticed a shot blocked by Tom Nixon, with the Toffees man then smashing the ball towards a put up from a nook in stoppage time.
Doncaster held out for the break, however simply eight minutes after the restart they have been behind. Full debutant Jesper Lindstrom reduce the ball again for Iroegbunam to hit a first-time drive from the sting of the field that went in off the toe of McNeil.
There was palpable reduction and Everton sought a second, with Garner lashing narrowly large earlier than Ndiaye and Beto had probabilities.
Doncaster threatened to stage however substitute Joe Sbarra didn’t beat Pickford on the finish of a crisp assault – a missed alternative the guests rued within the 74th minute.
Summer season acquisition Ndiaye collected the ball in midfield and span away from his man, driving ahead, beating Joseph Olowu and scoring well previous goalkeeper Ian Lawlor at his close to put up.
Beto – who scored when the edges met in the identical competitors at Doncaster final August – added a 3rd within the 83rd minute, prodding residence from shut vary after being discovered by a Vitalii Mykolenko cutback.
Dyche happy with Everton win
Everton supervisor Sean Dyche
“In many ways (it was satisfying), yeah,” Toffees boss Dyche stated. “I think the first thing is the performance level.
“With out actually opening an excessive amount of within the first half, I assumed it was a really stable efficiency and we have been asking questions.
“Second half, a little bit more freedom came into the play, particularly in the top third, which is what I spoke to them about at half-time and I’m pleased they delivered that.
“We scored three targets – on one other day might have had perhaps one other couple – so total pleasing.
“You know, a lot of noise about our start, but I think it showed we’ve still got a group that are alive here and some good players.”
McCann hails ‘ingenious’ Doncaster towards Everton
Doncaster supervisor Grant McCann
“I thought we were good first half. I thought we played well, kept the ball well, caused some problems, had a good few efforts at their goal, particularly from set plays. We looked inventive.
“However look, second half in all probability simply sums up the distinction within the high quality.
“I feel like I’ve got a brave team who will obviously overcome this and react to this and look forward to Saturday (at Port Vale).”
