Ipswich too good for Toffees

David Unsworth celebrates his penalty for Everton

Everton 1-2 Ipswich
E-mail your reaction to Football Talk

Ipswich made it seven wins in eight Premiership matches as goals from Sixto Peralta and Matt Holland helped them to a 2-1 win at Everton.

The Ipswich strikes, which came either side of a David Unsworth penalty, lit up a poor game of few chances.

  Key moments

11 mins: Peralta gives Ipswich the lead

27 mins: Unsworth levels from the spot

43mins: Holland belter restores Ipswich's lead

Peralta gave George Burley's side the lead on 11 minutes, but Everton equalised from the spot after Kevin Campbell was upended in the box.

Yet as the Toffees pressed, a 25-yard screamer from Holland just before half-time gave Steve Simonsen no chance and sealed a win which leaves Walter Smith's side perilously close to the drop zone.

The visitors, boasting an impressive recent record, were on the back foot early on.

Everton had the first opportunity when Alan Stubbs headed at Ipswich goalkeeper Andy Marshall after a Paul Gascoigne free-kick.

The team were tremendous and our three centre-backs were outstanding against their big men

Ipswich boss George Burley

But the visitors took the lead in the 11th minute, Peralta drilling a right-footed shot past Steve Simonsen after being put clear by Jamie Clapham.

A 20-yarder from Alun Armstrong brought a smart save from Simonsen as the visitors continued to press.

But Everton, who were running out of ideas, were handed a golden opportunity to get back into the game on 27 minutes when Kevin Campbell was felled by Andy Marshall inside the box.

David Unsworth rattled the penalty home.

Suddenly the home side were on top. But despite their possession, Everton were finding it hard to fashion chances.

And they were made to pay on the stroke of half-time, as Ipswich's Matt Holland smashed a 20-yarder past Simonsen to restore their lead.

A fine volley from Duncan Ferguson brought a brilliant save from Marshall on 50 minutes.

But, that chance aside, Everton were struggling to find any fluency to their play.

Tobias Linderoth, on as a second half substitute for Peter Clarke, drilled in a 30-yarder on 62 minutes which Marshall was able to save comfortably.

I accept that we are in trouble, but then so is everybody in the bottom section

Everton boss Walter Smith

Paul Gascoigne also forced a save on 70 minutes with a drive and Alan Stubbs saw a shot blocked, but Everton lacked a cutting edge.

As the match moved into the final quarter hour, the Goodison faithful were becoming increasingly frustrated with their side.

Burley's side were happy to sit on their lead, and Everton rarely looked like grabbing an equaliser, leaving the field to a chorus of boos.

---

Everton: Simonsen, Clarke (Linderoth 45), Weir, Stubbs, Unsworth (Moore 83), Blomqvist, Gascoigne, Gemmill, Naysmith, Ferguson, Campbell. Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Tal, Cleland.
Booked: Stubbs.

Ipswich: Marshall, Makin, McGreal, Venus, Hreidarsson, Clapham, Peralta, Holland, Wright (Magilton 45), Armstrong (Stewart 56), Marcus Bent. Subs Not Used: Counago, Reuser, Sereni

Att: 33,069
Ref: S Dunn (Bristol).