Everton too good for Norwich

Everton 3 Norwich 1

Duncan Ferguson’s future at Everton was in grave doubt a few weeks back but he re-established his credibility with two crucial penalties that sent the Merseysiders into the FA Cup’s fourth round.

Ferguson has bounced back after his very public row with boss David Moyes, who must have been pleased to see the big Scot in goalscoring action.

After virtually over-running the First Division leaders for much of the first half, Everton were forced back by Norwich after the break and this victory was much closer than the scoreline suggests.

And Norwich will look to three decisions by York referee Matt Messias that all resulted in Everton goals, as the controversial turning points.

Twice the referee penalised Iwan Roberts in wrestling matches with Alan Stubbs in the box, and twice Ferguson stepped up to roll home spot kicks.

And Everton were put on their way when Messias awarded them a doubtful first half free kick that resulted in Kevin Kilbane’s headed goal.

Canadian international Jim Brennan equalised Kilbane’s opener on his full debut for Norwich, and they deserved great credit for pounding away at Everton for the entire second half, only to have their hearts broken by Ferguson’s second penalty.

Wayne Rooney was given a starting role in this third round tie, with James McFadden also coming into Everton’s side.

Norwich, beaten once in their previous 12 games, gave Darren Huckerby his debut following the completion of his permanent move from Manchester City while Welsh veteran Roberts took over from the injured Mathias Svensson.

The occasion initially looked too much for the First Division leaders as Everton threatened to overrun them in the opening phase.

First Rooney sent a 20 yarder fizzing past Robert Green’s right hand post, and then McFadden’s 25 yarder spilled out from the ’keeper’s arms but evaded the onrushing Ferguson.

And then the big Scot saw a header from Kilbane’s cross sky into the air after hitting the, with everyone watching as the ball bounced down onto the woodwork again.

Gravesen was next to try his luck with an 18 yarder just wide, but on 12 minutes Rooney mugged Malky Mackay with a slick turn onto a McFadden shot, but lifted his effort over.

Norwich had barely got out of their half at this point and Everton eventually took the lead from a 15 minute free kick when Marc Edworthy was harshly judged to have fouled Gravesen on the right. And when the free kick curled uncontested into the six yard box, Kilbane headed home.

Green was having a nervous time, and fumbled a Ferguson header away as Everton turned up the pressure.

But Norwich managed to avoid further damage before equalising on 27 minutes.

Gary Naysmith was booked for a foul on Paul McVeigh, and from Edworthy’s free kick the ball sailed beyond the far post for Damien Francis to head back for Jim Brennan to curl his shot in off the far post.

Norwich were now inspired and when Huckerby ran at Everton’s defence and slipped the ball into Roberts’ path to push past Nigel Martyn, the offside decision was marginal.

But Everton hit back with another Gravesen drive held by Green, and a deflected shot on the turn from Rooney that flew wide, and from the corner, the hosts were soon ahead again.

Roberts was penalised for fouling Stubbs and Ferguson stepped up to roll home the 37th minute penalty.

Everton lost Gravesen at half time with Joseph Yobo coming on and skipper Stubbs pushing into midfield.

And that unsettled the Premiership side as Norwich poured forward, with Huckerby twice seeing efforts blocked, before a combination of Martyn and Yobo stopped a fierce Brennan free kick on the line.

Norwich continued to pour forward, and a rattled Everton had Yobo and Hibbert booked as they fought to hold their lead.

But on 69 minutes another penalty gave Everton a welcome lifeline.

Roberts again looked to hold back Stubbs as the pair went for a corner, Messias again pointed to the spot and again Ferguson rolled the penalty home.

Huckerby was next into the book when Messias further enraged the visiting fans by booking the winger for diving in the box.

Norwich kept coming forward, but it was a forlorn hope by now.

Their fans sang “We’ll be back again next year” and you had to agree they had a point after this show.