Exeter City 1 - 4 Everton

Half-time: 0 - 3

The first match of the West Country pre-season mini-tour saw Walter Smith finally fielding all six of his new signings, with five of them starting the match. 

Alex Nyarko along with Niclas Alexandersson and Thomas Gravesen appear to making a real difference to the Everton midfield, and scoring goals – something which will be very important in the upcoming campaign.

Afterwards Everton manager Smith was in confident mood as he said: "It was a good work-out. Everybody is responding well."

The Everton goals came from Alexandersson who latched onto a cross from Jeffers, found himself totally unmarked in the box, and volleyed the ball into the net after 16 mins.

Everton's second goal and Nyarko's first was a speculative 18-yd shot at the near post.  The keeper diving, got a hand to it but couldn't stop the goal.

Everton's third and Nyarko's second came with a left foot from 8 yds out.  Nyarko, who had all the time in the world, made the scoreline 0-3, just before half time.

The first half performance was 100% better than that of Wednesdays' against Tranmere.

In the second half, the heat began to take its toll.  If we were in 3rd gear in the first half, we had dropped down to 2nd, in the second half.

The big plus point for me, was new boy Gravesen, whose work rate was excellent for the full 90 mins.  At one point, he lost possession inside the Exeter box and ran the full 30 yds to regain control.

Chances fell to Joe-Max Moore on 56 min, forcing the keeper to make a save.  Just under 10 mins later, Jeffers increased the scoreline to 0-4.  Pembridge received the ball on the half way line, ran 35 yds unchallenged, and somehow crossed to Jeffers in the box, who scored with one of the easiest headers he will ever make in his Everton career.

The biggest cheer of the day – from both sets of supporters – was when Gascoigne came on as substitute for Mark Hughes after 67 mins.

Exeter on 90 mins, scored their consolation goal, when the Everton defence failed to clear a corner. Mark Burrows for Exeter lashed out to take advantage of the situation.

All in all, a good pre-season game for the Blues.