Everton v Middlesbrough
Everton are back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Blues welcomed Mikel Arteta and Tim Howard back into the side, but it was Joleon Lescott then Steven Pienaar who were the scorers in a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on the club's Ladies Day.
Joleon Lescott gives Everton the lead on six minutes
Arteta, recovered from an ankle problem, volleyed over with the first sight of goal in the third minute.
Boro had an even better chance a couple of minutes later, when Dong Gook Lee found the marauding George Boateng who steered his effort wide of Tim Howard's goal.
Everton took a sixth minute lead when Lescott headed in after Jonathan Woodgate had denied Yakubu a dream goal against his former club with a goal-line clearance.
In giving Everton the lead, the central defender netted his fourth goal of the campaign.
Gary O'Neil was presented with a great chance for Boro to hit back almost immediately, but he shot tamely at Howard whilst in space in the box.
Soon, Alan Stubbs was called upon to block Mido's strike and at the other end Yakubu nodded a great chance over after good work by Arteta and Baines.
Mikel Arteta tussles with George Boateng
The Nigerian forward was involved in much of Everton's exertions in the early stages, including winning a couple of challenges in the left back area.
But notice of the visitors' threat was served 25 minutes in, when Lee headed Luke Young's centre off the bar.
Yakubu, still desperate to punish his old side, saw a volley comfortably saved, and a deflected Arteta shot was also snaffled by Mark Schwarzer in the Boro goal.
Tony Hibbert tackles Stewart Downing
Arteta was again in the action as he released Hibbert down the right flank, with the defender's cross headed over the bar by Steven Pienaar.
Chances began to flow for Everton before the break, Phil Jagielka having a shot blocked, McFadden nodding into Schwarzer's hands and even Phil Neville testing the stopper from distance.
Boro were probing for an equalizer and George Boating headed wide on 52 and Lee lashed a volley wide moments later after Mike Riley had awarded a strange free kick against Pienaar.
And so it was vital that Everton were able to grab a second goal just before the hour mark. It was Pienaar who finished a splendid move with a simple finish, a strike that was his first for the club.
Andrew Davies floated a free kick over the bar and O'Neil headed another chance over but Boro were unable to mount a comeback.
Steven Pienaar celebrates his first goal for Everton
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