Perfect Goodison comeback for Cahill

TIM CAHILL scripted his comeback to perfection with his first goal in almost a year as Everton secured victory in their UEFA Cup Group A opener against Greek outfit Larissa.

On his first start since the beginning of March after a metatarsal injury, the Australia international midfielder opened the scoring with a delightful diving header in the 14th minute.

It was classic Cahill and in the 50th minute his outstanding pass helped to orchestrate Leon Osman’s brilliant clincher from 22 yards.

A 65th-minute strike from Cleyton Alexandre Silva had home nerves jangling but substitute Victor Anichebe ensured Everton rounded off proceedings with a superb late third.

And with Thomas Gravesen also making a return, Everton followers left Goodison Park encouraged their side can make a serious impression in the competition.

Blues boss David Moyes made five changes to the side which lost 2-1 at home to Liverpool. Larissa, meanwhile, included former Everton striker Ibrahima Bakayoko in their starting line-up.

Everton drew first blood in the 14th minute. Osman and Mikel Arteta worked a quick one-two from a corner on the left and Osman’s whipped cross was greeted with a diving header from Cahill which flew into the back of the net. The manner in which Cahill celebrated his goal said everything about his bitterly frustrating spell on the sidelines.

In the 39th minute a deep free-kick from Arteta was volleyed wide by Lescott at the far post and seconds later Cahill fired goalwards from 20 yards with a shot which Kotsolis turned away for a corner.

Everton needed just five minutes of the second half to extend their advantage thanks to Osman’s brilliant effort. The architect of the goal was Cahill, whose outstanding pass sent Baines clear down the left flank. He whipped in a low cross which Pienaar audaciously flicked into the path of Osman — who slammed the ball into the top corner from 22 yards. The Greeks pulled a goal back in the 65th minute after Lescott was dispossessed inside his own 18-yard box by Cleyton. The striker showed admirable pace before striking a low shot past Tim Howard.

Anichebe eased home fears in the 85th minute with a superb run and shot from inside the visiting penalty area to seal a comfortable win.

EVERTON: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Pienaar (Stubbs 87), Osman, Carsley, Cahill (Gravesen 65), Arteta, McFadden (Anichebe 65). LARISSA: Kotsolis, Galitsios, Foerster (Venetis 79), Dabizas, Venetidis, Cleyton, Fotakis, Kiriakidis (Labropoulos 75), Sarmiento, Parra (Kalantzis 58), Bakayoko. Referee: Martin Ingvarsson (Sweden).