Anichebe goal gives Everton first Australian win

A Victor Anichebe goal immediately after halftime gave Everton a 1-0 win over Sydney FC in the first match of their three-game Australian tour here on Saturday.

Spurred on by a healthy crowd of over 40,000, the reigning A League champions took the game right up to their more illustrious opponents but were gradually worn down as the match progressed.

The home side looked far from overawed and had the first chance of the match after just five minutes, when Alex Brosque pounced on a poor Leighton Baines pass but fired the ball straight at goalkeeper Iain Turner.

Everton, playing in their new hot pink away strip, hit back immediately and began to control the play, Jack Rodwell just missing with a left foot shot that went wide.

Soon after, Baines found Anichebe with his back to goal and the Nigerian turned and blasted a shot which Sydney keeper Ivan Necevski only just managed to keep out.

The scores were locked at 0-0 at halftime but in the 46th minute Sydney paid heavily for leaving Anichebe unmarked a second time.

Baines again found the Nigerian international in the box and Anichebe turned brilliantly and shot, this time giving Necevski no chance.

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta was impressive all night, while Leon Osman, Baines and Anichebe were the visitors’ best.

Sydney were far from disgraced and enjoyed a decent share of possession, creating some good chances for lively striker Brosque.

Everton’s Australian midfield star Tim Cahill played the second half, receiving a huge ovation as he came out onto the field ahead of his teammates.

Everton play new A League Club Melbourne Heart on Wednesday before taking on Brisbane Roar next Saturday.