Roberto Martinez delighted with Everton response

Everton manager Roberto Martinez declared himself pleased with his side's reaction as they drew 1-1 away to Stoke City on New Year's Day.

Oussama Assaidi gave the home side the lead before Leighton Baines rescued a point with a stoppage time penalty.

Martinez told Evertontv that his players responded well to going a goal down.

Martinez said: "I never felt that we didn't have a chance because the character of the team was immense.

"I knew that with the conditions of the weather and the way the game was being played that the first goal was going to be significant. We were very unfortunate to hit the crossbar twice and [when that happens] you feel it is not going to be your day.

"But I couldn't be happier with the reaction. I thought we were patient enough at times but penetrating enough too. Probably we should have got the three points rather than one but it is a positive result. It will seem a significant point at the end of the season."

The draw means that the Blues drop out of the top four in the Premier League.