Everton edge out Charlton

Duncan Ferguson scores from the spot

Charlton Athletic 1-2 Everton

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Everton started the season in style with an impressive victory against Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Walter Smith's side had been tipped to struggle in the Premiership as they battle against a cash crisis and the departure of youngsters Francis Jeffers and Michael Ball this summer.

But - inspired by a rampant Duncan Ferguson - Everton battled back from a goal down to pick up a deserved three points against Alan Curbishley's injury-hit side.

It proves that a fit Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell can make such a big difference to Everton

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley

Charlton held on as Everton dominated the first half, then took the lead against the run of play when Finn Jonatan Johansson headed home early in the second period.

But Everton were not to be denied, and sunk Charlton courtesy of a Ferguson penalty and a 77th minute winner from Scotland defender David Weir.

Everton dominated the early exchanges - with the giant figure of Ferguson the focal point of their attack.

He put pressure on Charlton keeper Dean Kiely as Everton almost took the lead after 14 minutes.

Kiely lost the ball under a heavy challenge, and debut boy Luke Young needed to step in with a desperate clearance, but referee Neale Barry had blown for a foul.

Everton were in the ascendancy, and Kiely needed to be in impressive form again to deny the Merseysiders as they turned on an impressive first half show.

Pistone of Everton challenges Charlton's Bartlett

Swede Niclas Alexandersson should have done better with an angled drive that was blocked by Kiely - but Charlton finally posed a threat after 32 minutes.

Scott Parker unleashed a fine left foot drive, but Everton keeper Paul Gerrard was alert and saved well.

Everton almost got the goal their supremacy deserved in first half stoppage time when Ferguson rose above Charlton duo Mark Fish and Graham Stuart, only for Kiely to come to the rescue again.

Big Dunc is a threat to any team when he is up and playing - he has had a lot of pre-season training and he is as fit as he has been for two years

Everton manager Walter Smith

Curbishley made two switches after half-time when Gavin Peacock replaced Parker and giant centre-back Jon Fortune was given the job of taming the rampaging Ferguson.

It had the desired effect as Johansson headed Charlton into the lead after 58 minutes.

Weir faltered as he attempted to clear and Johansson - Charlton's top scorer last season - looped a header over Gerrard and in off the underside of the bar.

Everton were stung and deservedly restored equality six minutes later.

Ferguson stepped up to send Kiely the wrong way after Chris Powell upended Campbell in the area.

Everton continued to press and Weir made amends for his earlier error when he fired home right footed through a crowd of players following a corner with 13 minutes left.

It was a perfect start for boss Smith - but a disappointment for Charlton counterpart Curbishley.

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Charlton: Kiely, Brown, Young, Fish, Powell, Salako, Johansson, Parker, Stuart, Bartlett, Euell. Subs: Ilic, Konchesky, Peacock, Fortune, Lisbie.

Everton: Gerrard, Watson, Stubbs, Weir, Pistone, Alexandersson, Gravesen, Gemmill, Pembridge, Campbell, Ferguson. Subs: Unsworth, Simonsen, Tal, Moore, Chadwick.

Referee: N Barry (Scunthorpe).