By Rhys Lewis
November 29 2005

Everton secured their fourth win of the season by beating Newcastle United 1-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon. The result takes Everton's points total to 13 and it is now 10 points from a possible 15. The first half was a fairly even contest with little between the two sides. If anything it was Newcastle who shaded it slightly. Newcaslte had a couple of clear cut opportunities with Alan Shearer, often the thorn in Everton's side, missing two very good chances. One was a shot on turn, which Nigel Martyn instinctivly saved. The other, after being played through on goal, Shearer took too long and Martyn smothered the first attempt before James Beattie brilliantly cleared off the line from the follow up, also from Shearer. The most contraversial moment in the first half was when Shola Ameobi's shot was handled on the line by James McFadden. It was a clear penalty and he should have been sent off. Everton used this bit of luck as a spring board and didnt look back. However the controversy didnt end there. There was a scrap between Cahill and Babayaro in which they both could have been sent off. Everton should have gone in at half time 1-0 up when first Andy van der Meyde failed to open his Everton account when in on goal and James McFadden blazed the rebound over from 20 yards.

The second half was a very one sided affair. James McFadden looked a completely different player, he twisted and turned with confidence before shooting from 20 yards, which the excellent Given tipped round the post. From the resulting Mikel Arteta corner, Joseph Yobo, who was a rock all game, towered above Ramage to power a header home for his second goal of the season. Goodison was jubiliant and you could feel the confidence being restored. From that moment on there was only one winner. Newcastle threatend rarely and the chances kept coming for Everton. The best of which fell to James Beattie, a break down the right resulted in Davies finding himself in on goal. He cleverly played a revers pass to James Beattie, who somehow from 10 yards out in acres of space blasted the ball over and left 34,000 Evertonians in shock. It was a shame for Beattie, he played fantastically well, showing more signs of why Moyes made him Everton's record signing by bullying the Newcaslte defence all afternoon. James McFadden also nearly found himself on the scoresheet. Firstly he used his skill to fool the Newcastle defence as he had done all half before Given saved his powerful right footed effort. Then minutes later McFadden found himself in space on the left but was once again denied by Given, the following effort was also saved by Given from Tim Cahill before Cahill put the third attempt straight at Given.

In truth it could have been a lot different had Howard Webb seen James McFadden's handball but Everton could also have won by a few more goals having had this piece of good luck. With Blackburn up next, Everton cant afford to have another repeat of West Brom if they are to claw their way out of trouble.