Everton advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals after a narrow 2-0 victory over a stubborn Boreham Wood.
Two second-half goals from Salomon Rondon settled the tie favouring the Premier League side, who avoided a huge upset.
The dream is over for the National League side, but they can undoubtedly leave Goodison Park with their heads held high.
Starting Lineup:
EVERTON (4-3-3): Asmir Begovic;
Nathan Patterson, Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane, Jonjoe Kenny;
Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Vitalii Mykolenko (captain);
Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon, Anthony Gordon.
SUBS: Andy Lonergan, Richarlison, Mason Holgate, Ryan Astley, Isaac Price,
Lewis Dobbin, Alex Iwobi, Seamus Coleman, Reece Welch.
BOREHAM WOOD (3-4-1-2): Taye Ashby-Hammond;
Connor Stevens, David Stephens, Will Evans;
Kane Smith, Frankie Raymond, Mark Ricketts (captain), Jacob Mendy;
Josh Rees; Tyrone Marsh, Scott Boden.
SUBS: Nathan Ashmore, Adrian Clifton, Jamal Fyfield, Connor Smith, James Comley, Nile Ranger.
Goals:
RONDON! 1-0 Everton! The hosts have the long-awaited breakthrough. Rondon reacts quickly to meet Kenny’s low cross and beat Ashby-Hammond at his near post.
RONDON!!! 2-0 EVERTON! That will settle the tie. The Venezuela international climbs to meet Townsend’s deep cross, and his header is over the line before Ashby-Hammond pushes it out.
Frank Lampard has implored Everton to channel their togetherness into getting through a crucial period of the season.
On Thursday, the Toffees booked an FA Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace after beating Boreham Wood at Goodison Park.
Lampard’s team are teetering just above the Premier League relegation zone.
“Every player wants to play big games, and Crystal Palace will be a huge game with what is at stake for both teams,” said Lampard.
“We have to keep working. When I came here, I knew there was work to be done on many levels.
“You can’t fix everything in a day, but in terms of performance, I am seeing things that are improving, and we will work every day to add results to that.
“There’s an excitement about getting to the next round. It is a magical competition, the Club has a lot of history, so I’m excited to be involved, as are the players.
“In the league, we have to keep going and use the feeling in the Club, the togetherness with the fans, to move forwards.”
So, what’s next for Everton and Boreham Wood?
Everton returns to Premier League action away at Tottenham Hotspur following Monday.
Meanwhile, Boreham Wood head to Wrexham as they resume their quest for promotion from the National League.
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