BORO 0 - 2 Everton
Despite the determined start from both sides, few chances were created and a series of no-nonsense challenges in soggy conditions showed each side's willingness to grab a result.
Former BORO striker, Yakubu, was given a tough time from the home crowd and, indeed, from the BORO deffence with some good hard challenges from BORO's Robert Huth, who gave one of the best performances in a BORO shirt.
With both Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta missing for Everton, Gareth Southgate was feeling confident that his team could grind out a result. However it wasn't going to be easy against a side that have lost twice in their last sixteen games.
BORO, filled with confidence from their 1-0 win against Portsmouth showed courage and invention going forward, but few solid chances were presented before Stewart Downing saw his effort cleared off the line by Phil Jagielka.
BORO still looked favourite to score in the second half and would have taken the lead if not for a great save from Tim Howard to deny Gary O'Neil from close range.
Then in the 67th minute Everton made BORO pay for their lack of finishing quality as Andy Johnson found himself open inside the box to knock the ball past keeper Mark Schwarzer.
Just five minutes later Everton struck again as Johnson combined with McFadden to set up the Scot for Everton's second and to give BORO no way back.
Attendance: 27, 028
BORO Blog BORO Man of the Match: Luke Young
Photos courtesy of BBC Sport (www.bbc.co.uk/sport)
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