Aberdeen 2 - 3 Everton

Everton kicked off and in a quiet opening spell they carved out the first chance when McFadden tested Langfield with a 30-yard free kick that was comfortably held by the keeper. Aberdeen should have opened the scoring three minutes later when some fine passing play ended with Jamie Smith setting up Darren Mackie 8 yards out. Somehow the striker failed to control the ball with the goal gaping. McFadden squandered an equally simple opportunity in the 9th minute when he sliced the ball when a tap in looked easier. Perhaps both sides were leaving it for Russell to lead the way.

Jamie Smith then went close in the 12th minute after winning a free kick on the edge of the box. He stepped up and curled the ball inches wide of Howard's right hand post before Langfield was forced into action at the other end. Smith came even closer in the 20th minute after good play from Clark on the left, he found Smith who cut inside and fired the ball against the upright with Howard well beaten. A poor effort from Severin two minutes later was almost turned in by Mackie, but the keeper gathered near the goal line.

Some wonderful passing play ended with Hart cutting back to Dempsey and the midfielder calmly stroked the ball past Howard. Lee Carsley received a severe lecture a minute later after upending Jamie Smith from behind. In normal competition it would have earned him the first yellow card of the game. It was handshakes all round however as the match continued in a good spirit.

Everton made three changes at half time while only Soutar replaced Langfield for the Dons and he was almost called into action in the 47th minute when Cahill latched on to a poor clearance from Diamond. Fortunately the Aussie spared Zander's blushes by firing over from 10 yards. Everton were enjoying the better of the opening exchanges and had Aberdeen pinned back when they levelled in the 54th minute. Soutar won't want to see a replay of this goal as ex-Ger Arteta swung in a cross that the keeper totally missed as Beattie challenged. The outcome was the ball nestling in the back of the net direct from the speculative cross.

Two minutes later Lovell went close with an audacious lob that beat the keeper but also the bar. Seconds later Considine replaced Diamond thus giving the whole bench a run out. Everton forced an equaliser with five minutes to go when Anichebe cut the ball back from the right for Cahill to prod home and atone for his earlier miss. Everton completed their comeback and spoilt the party in the 90th minute when Anichebe was given acres of space inside the box and fired the ball low past Soutar to win the match.