Everton 2-0 Tamworth

Everton survived a few scares but secured their safe passage into the FA Cup fourth Round after a 2-0 win over non-league Tamworth.

The Lambs are actually struggling for form in the Conference itself so a trip to Premier League Everton should have been a torrid one for the Midlanders, but they did their manager Stuart Law credit against under-performing Everton. David Moyes named a strong side for this FA Cup third round tie and all looked rosy for the Toffees when Johnny Heitinga leaped unmarked in just the fifth minute to nod them into an early lead. Tamworth were finding it desperately hard to live with Everton's quick passing tempo in the opening stages and goalkeeper Joe Collister had to be at his best on three occasions to prevent Victor Anichebe, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Landon Donovan extending the lead. However, as the half wore on and the hosts continued to waste chances the more Tamworth grew into the game and began to pose a threat of their own with striker Karl Patterson hitting two efforts from range, one which left Tim Howard rooted to the spot as it flashes narrowly wide before he then forced the keeper into action just minutes later. After the break, the Toffees struggled to really get any momentum but Tamworth were unable to really test Howard as they began to tire in the frantic pace of the game. The tie was finally ended as a contest when Royston Drenthe was felled in the penalty area and Leighton Baines stepped up to slam home from the penalty spot with just 12 minutes left. There was still time for Landon Donovan to smack a long range drive against the angle of post and bar before the referee blew the final whistle to end Tamworth's FA Cup dream.