A goal from Leighton Baines has given Everton a deserved half-time lead over Newcastle United at Goodison Park tonight.
The England full-back, who netted on international duty last weekend, got himself on the scoresheet again when he applied the finish to a fine Toffees move.
After linking up with Steven Pienaar on the inside left, Baines collected a clever back-heel from the South African before skipping past Steven Taylor and firing low into the net.
The two players had earlier combined to set Pienaar up for a first-time strike, but he blazed wide from Baines's cutback, while he also sent a great opportunity off target as the half-time whistle approached.
Baines was also influential at the other end and capped a superb first-half display by clearing a Vurnon Anita shot off the line.
Home boss David Moyes chose to start summer-signing Kevin Mirallas alongside Nikica Jelavic in attack, and the Belgian was lively throughout the period.
He twice tested replacement keeper Steve Harper with powerful low efforts after earlier going close with a curling long-range strike.
A fantastic 45 minutes was soured slightly for Everton when an injured Jelavic was forced off and replaced by Victor Anichebe.
Joe Fish
