Everton 2 Middlesbrough 1

Last updated : 14 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Kevin Campbell gave Everton their first home win of the season as they came from behind to see off Middlesbrough.

The home side fell behind to a Szilard Nemeth goal in the 10th minute, but thanks to some clever David Moyes tactics and fine football they fought back to take the lead.

The Boro breakthrough came from a combination of pace, vision and poor Everton defending. Geremi won the ball in midfield and spotting a gap left by the Blues back four launched a fine ball down the left wing.

Massimo Maccarone sped past Tony Hibbert and with plenty of space set off on a 20 yard run into the penalty box.

One-on-one with the keeper he fired in a shot and Paul Gerrard saved but the rebound fell to Nemeth who had plenty of time to walk the ball into the net.

Boro had dominated the first half and the first chance came in the first minute when a mix-up between Alan Stubbs and David Weir gave Maccarone a golden opportunity but he fired wide.

But Everton came back with a goal against the run of play from Campbell. A cross in to the box came to Niclas Alexandersson who nodded on to Thomas Radzinski.

The little Canadian headed the ball onto the post and as the rebound bounced along the goal-line Campbell lunged and knocked the ball in the back of the net.

Wayne Rooney replaced Alexandersson in the second half as Moyes went all out for victory with a bold 4-3-3 formation.

And the change paid off as Everton's second-half performance was ignited by the 16-year-old striker.

His vision and awareness gave the home side added impetus and they set up camp in the Boro half.

And in the 77th minute a Gravesen corner was met by Campbell and he rose above a crowded penalty box to head home the winner