Everton and Sunderland will meet again to determine which team will progress through to the semi-final of the FA Cup following their 1-1 draw at Goodison Park this afternoon.
Leon Osman had the first chance of the match for the home side in the third minute, but he headed Seamus Coleman's cross off target.
With their first meaningful effort on goal, Sunderland took the lead. Jack Colback squared for Phil Bardsley, who took one touch before shooting into the bottom corner of Tim Howard's net from 25 yards out with 12 minutes played.
Everton responded positively and levelled in the 23rd minute. Full-back Leighton Baines crossed for Nikica Jelavic, who flicked the ball on for Tim Cahill to head in from close range.
Royston Drenthe went close to putting the Toffees in front before the break, but his curling effort struck the bar.
Cahill had two chances to score his second of the tie early after the restart, but on both occasions Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was on hand to deny the Australian.
Sunderland's Nicklas Bendtner had the ball in the net with 53 minutes played, but he was adjudged to have been in an offside position.
Jelavic then had an effort for Everton in the 63rd minute, but he sent his header from Baines's cross onto the roof of the net.
As the tie approached stoppage time, Mignolet kept the away side in the match with a double save from John Heitinga and Jelavic.
Everton continued to dominate, but they were unable to force a winning goal.
Liam Apicella
