Half-Time Report: Steven Naismith double gives Everton the lead

A first-half double by Steven Naismith has given Everton a 2-0 lead in their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Stevenage.

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The home side wasted the chance to take an early lead when Joel Robles spilled the ball into the path of Lucas Akins, but he saw his shot blocked on the line by John Stones.

Everton quickly made them pay for that miss, as they opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Kevin Mirallas saw his shot saved by Chris Day, but the ball broke to Aiden McGeady, who pulled it back for Naismith to fire into the roof of the net.

There was a long stoppage in play as Bryan Oviedo received treatment on the pitch for an ankle injury, before he was eventually stretchered off.

When play resumed, Luke Freeman fired in a low free kick that had to be tipped wide by Robles.

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Leon Osman should have added a second for Everton, but he fired over after being picked out at the back post.

Stevenage then came close from another set piece, as Filipe Morais saw his free kick palmed away by Robles.

In the 32nd minute, Naismith doubled the visitors' lead when after being played through on goal by Osman, he poked the ball past the keeper.

McGeady came close to a third goal before the break, but his curling effort was well held by the keeper.