Everton gave their fans something to smile about after a poor start to the season as Iliman Ndiaye marked his full debut with a fine solo effort in a comprehensive 3-0 Carabao Cup victory against Doncaster.
Having seen a 3-0 home defeat to Brighton in their Premier League opener compounded in a lifeless 4-0 loss at Tottenham, the Toffees could ill-afford to come unstuck against League Two opposition.
These sides met at the same stage of last season’s Carabao Cup and Grant McCann’s side looked capable of a shock, only for Tim Iroegbunam’s first-time strike early in the second half – that Dwight McNeil claimed to get a touch on – to put them in front.
Everton’s first goal of the season was followed by Ndiaye capping a lively display with a great turn, run and finish, with Beto adding late gloss to a morale-boosting victory ahead of hosting Bournemouth.
Doncaster’s first visit to Goodison Park since 1985 had started well enough as they defended well and grew in confidence as the first half progressed.
Rovers’ fans were in fine voice as they goaded the Premier League strugglers, who were relieved to see Jordan Pickford stop Jack Senior’s curling effort midway through the opening period.
Everton’s play lacked crispness and confidence, but they went up several notches as half-time approached and James Garner twice went close.
First the midfielder saw a shot blocked by Tom Nixon, with the Toffees man then smashing the ball against a post from a corner in stoppage time.
Doncaster held out for the break, but just eight minutes after the restart they were behind.
Full debutant Jesper Lindstrom cut the ball back for Iroegbunam to hit a first-time drive from the edge of the box that went in off the toe of McNeil.
There was palpable relief and Everton sought a second, with Garner lashing narrowly wide before Ndiaye and Beto had chances.
Doncaster threatened to level but substitute Joe Sbarra failed to beat Pickford at the end of a crisp attack – a missed opportunity the visitors rued in the 74th minute.
Summer acquisition Ndiaye collected the ball in midfield and span away from his man, driving forward, beating Joseph Olowu and scoring smartly past goalkeeper Ian Lawlor at his near post.
Beto – who scored when the sides met in the same competition at Doncaster last August – added a third in the 83rd minute, prodding home from close range after being found by a Vitalii Mykolenko cutback.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. If D Nunez, N Jackson, R Hojlund were on the same team Which Artety do you like? Liverpool transfer market Somehow this is true Lionel Messi's magical feet during the 2022 World Cup. Somehow this is true What a journey it has been! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, AZRorganizat...
Al-Hilal determined to sign Hernandez as soon as possiblePer Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to complete a transfer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. They have agreed on a deal with the Serie A side and have initiated talks with the Frenchman.Why new contract for Pulisic remains unsignedUSMNT star Christian Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract at AC Milan, which was ...
Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Gabriel Martinelli, who is reportedly one of several players Arsenal will consider selling this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Per BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern are eager to add a new player to their Harry Kane-led attack and reportedly have their eyes on Gunners star Martinelli. The German giants were also keen on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club earlier in the s...
Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing the Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.According to journalist Luis Alberto Lopez, Manchester United are willing to pay €15 million in order to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper. However, the Spanish club is ready to sell him, but they will hold out for a fee of around €20-25 million.Man United make enquiriesThe Premier League side ...
Paul Pogba agrees transfer to Champions League club as ex-Man Utd star makes 'significant financial sacrifices' to seal return to footballWHAT HAPPENED?Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French side, as reported by Le Parisien. The former Manchester United midfielder has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he ...
Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man CityAlfie Haaland says son Erling remains happy and committed to Manchester City.The Norway striker is back and fully fit for the Club World Cup after a difficult 12 months due to injury.Speaking with Marca, Haaland Snr said: "Real Madrid and Manchester City? I think they are the favourites to win this tournament , the Club World Cup. We are seeing some ...
Juventus fullback Cambiaso: Man City talks were niceJuventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso has confirmed talks with Manchester City in January. The Italy international attracted an approach from City - which was rejected by Juve - during the winter market last season.In the US for the Club World Cup, Cambiaso admits he spoke with City officials about a move.He said, 0"Let's say that they have almost un...
Chelsea, Man Utd threaten Juventus plans for Kolo MuaniChelsea are interested in Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.Kolo Muani is currently with Juve at the Club World Cup, where he is on-loan from PSG. After joining the Bianconeri in January, it was agreed that Kolo Muani could extend his loan to the end of the Club World Cup.Juve do not have a set option to sign the France international permanen...
Tottenham's Mathys Tel scored the decisive goal for the French Under-21 sideThanks to two goals in the final ten minutes, France turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win as they booked their ticket for the semi-final of the U21 Euros at the expense of Denmark in an entertaining thriller Sunday evening in SlovakiaG9rald Baticle’s men came into this match looking to build on their unbeaten start (W...
Kompany hails ‘special’ Messi for lighting up Club World CupBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been amased by Lionel Messi’s performances at the Club World Cup and believes fans should treasure the Inter Miami star.The Argentina international sealed a comeback win with a brilliant free-kick, giving Inter Miami a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages."Inter Miami they ...
- 1 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 2 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 5 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 6 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 7 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 8 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 9 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 10 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025