Baines and Saha on the mark as Everton beat Brum 2-1

Everton recorded a 2-1 win today at St. Andrews against Championship contenders Birmingham City with 2nd half goals from Leighton Baines and Louis Saha

An unconvincing first half performance was rectified with a decent effort after the break when Everton recorded a 2-1 win at newly relegated Birmingham City. After producing very little in the first half Everton finally woke up and scored 2 goals in quick succession - firstly Leighton Baines curled in a free-kick on 58 minutes and shortly after Louis Saha, newly arrived as a substitute for his first run-out of the pre-season, netted with his first touch of the match to give the visitors a comfortable 2-0 lead. New signing Adam Rooney put a more realistic reflection on affairs by recording a consolation goal in front of a crowd of 7,572 (including 1,116 travelling Evertonians).

This was hardly a convincing performance but the result at least would have pleased David Moyes more than the performance. It is always important to get match fitness and create the right impression as well. 

A number of players made their bow for the side this pre-season - Howard, Hibbert and the aforementioned Saha (as a substitute). Absentees included Mikel Arteta, Jack Rodwell and Marouane Fellaini.

Details:

Everton: Tim Howard, Tony Hibbert, Leighton Baines (Louis Saha 59), John Heitinga, Phil Jagielka (Sylvain Distin 46), Dimitar Bilyaletdinov (Yakubu 68), Jermaine Beckford (Tim Cahill 46), Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman (Ross Barkley 63), Victor Anichebe (Magaye Gueye 87).

Subs (unused): Jan Mucha, Apostolos Vellios, Joao Silva, Conor McAleny.