March

A cold Wednesday evening clash at Blackburn was the first game in March and an uninspiring goalless draw was the result.

Next though, Cup fever was back as sixth round opponents Middlesbrough arrived at Goodison Park.

It started badly as Everton struggled and David Wheater put Boro ahead. But a tongue-lashing at half time from Moyes and Steve Round galvanised the Toffees and Marouane Fellaini and Louis Saha weighed in with headers to send Everton to Wembley for a semi-final date with Manchester United.

Stoke were also sent packing at Goodison with Fellaini, Jo and Joleon Lescott on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory. The Blues were now hot on the heels of Aston Villa, the Midlanders who sat fifth in the Premier League.

Finally in March, the Blues travelled to Portsmouth. But despite a dream start thanks to Leighton Baines’ sublime free kick – his first goal for Everton – defeat followed. Giant striker Peter Crouch struck twice for Pompey, securing a win that triggered his side’s relegation escape act.

The game was also Lars Jacobsen’s first for Everton.