Everton beat Middlesbrough to reach FA Cup semifinals

08 March 2009 18:18
Everton, who had not reached the semi-finals of the competition since they last won it in 1995, join Manchester United, Chelsea and either Arsenal or Hull City in the last four. A tight contest was brought to life when Wheater headed Middlesbrough ahead shortly before the break, goalkeeper Tim Howard getting a hand to it but unable to prevent the ball crossing the line. Middlesbrough's joy was short lived, however, as almost immediately after the break Marouane Fellaini took advantage of Brad Jones' indecision in the Middlesbrough goal to level the scores. A flighted ball in to the box left Jones unsure if he should come to meet it or hold his line and in the end he got stranded between the two, allowing the Belgian to flick the ball over him in to the empty net. Minutes later, and with Everton on top, the home side had the lead. Steven Pienaar was given time and space collect an overhit cross on the left, turn and send over a teasing cross to the near post. Saha, on as a second half substitute, was unmarked as he lept to meet it and complete Everton's revival. The home side dominated the second period and ran out deserved winners to book their trip to Wembley. Middlesbrough, meawhile, are left to concentrate on a grim survival battle that sees them in serious danger, second bottom in the Premier League.

Source: Telegraph