Everton Reserves' 100 per cent start to the season has ended after they drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough at the Stobart Stadium.

It was very much a game of two halves in a clash that saw Andy Holden’s side winning by two goals at half time after a very convincing display.

But two goals in two minutes saw Boro get back into the game after 70 minutes – knocking Everton’s confidence very much in the same way as the first team was rocked against Newcastle on Sunday.
 
The draw sees Everton remain in second spot in the league – with a game in hand on league leaders Man City who are two points above the Blues..

Holden fielded a strong side consisting of five players with Premier League experience – and that proved too much for Boro in the first half as they struggled to get a grasp of the game.

The Toffees started with an impressive strike-force of Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan.

And Everton’s first goal came in the opening minute of the game after a through ball from John Irving played in Anichebe. The Nigerian international’s shot was parried directly to the feet of Dan Gosling, who had the composure to hit the target from 10 yards.

Vaughan then put the Blues 2-0 up after just 12 minutes when Jose Baxter put the striker through on goal. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, Vaughan showed the coolness to take the ball around the Middlesbrough goalkeeper, before passing it into the net.

Carlo Nash, who was making his first appearance in goal for the Blues on the night, was rarely troubled, as the Everton defence forced Boro to settle for speculative efforts from 25 yards. 

Middlebrough’s Joe Bennett went into the book on 42 minutes after he went through the back of Baxter – a foul that could have seen red in the Premier League.

The rain lashed down in the second half, and appeared to dampen the Blues’ competitiveness – allowing Boro back into the game.

Tom Craddock was found unmarked in the area on 68 minutes and headed past Nash in the Everton goal, who had no chance.

Craddock then pulled his side level just minutes later when Boro were awarded a penalty after Sinnott grabbed the shirt of the opposition.

The Middlesbrough striker had no problem in converting the resulting penalty. 

Chances were few and far between in the final 20 minutes and in the end Andy Holden’s side were forced to settle for a draw.