Carling Cup round-up
Coventry old boy Robbie Keane relieved some of the gloom hanging over managerless Tottenham as he inspired a comfortable victory in the Carling Cup second round clash at Highfield Road tonight.
The Republic of Ireland star set up Spurs' opening goal for Frederic Kanoute and then produced a superb individual effort to effectively kill off the tie by half-time.
Then to put the icing on the cake youngster Rohan Ricketts scored a superb solo goal five minutes from time.
It was just the tonic for Spurs after the sacking of Glenn Hoddle at the weekend following a disastrous start to their Premiership campaign.
Keane was the instigator behind most of Spurs' threat and Coventry struggled to cope with his awareness and speed.
He enjoyed the rare experience of being applauded off by both sets of supporters when he was substituted with 10 minutes remaining and the tie safely in the bag.
Mario Jardel beefed up Bolton's Carling Cup challenge with a double on his full debut against Walsall tonight.
The big Brazilian headed a 14th-minute opener then fired home a penalty rebound in the second half.
Jardel had also rattled the Walsall crossbar and narrowly failed to complete his hat-trick with a diving header 10 minutes from time.
Kevin Nolan's clattering 69th-minute drive had appeared to make the game safe for the Premiership side but four minutes later Paul Merson temporarily reduced the deficit.
Jardel wrapped up the win by following up his initial spot-kick which was saved by keeper James Walker but knocked straight back into the striker's path.
Duncan Ferguson scored twice in his first start for Everton in more than a year but James McFadden was the star of the show as David Moyes' side eased into the Carling Cup third round.
McFadden, who arrived at Goodison Park on transfer deadline day from Motherwell, was full of zest and imagination as he led his side to success over their Second Division opponents.
After Ferguson opened the scoring from the penalty spot and Nick Chadwick added another on the stroke of half-time, 20-year-old McFadden set up the third with a glittering run early in the second period.
After beating two defenders and the goalkeeper during a mazy run from deep, McFadden laid the ball on a plate for 31-year-old Ferguson to roll home his second goal of the night.
The visitors, currently managed by caretaker boss John Hollins, battled hard but Everton's class shone through after they overcame an edgy opening.
- Leeds United and Swindon are playing extra-time after the game at Elland Road ended 2-2 after 90 minute. Middlesborough and Brighton are also battling it out in extra-time after both sides ended the 90 scoreless at the Riverside.
Results
Bolton 3-1 Walsall
Coventry 0-3 Tottenham
Everton 3-0 Stockport
Oxford Utd 1-3 Reading