No shine for Silva as his Toffees toil

MARCO SILVA finally found some home comfort but this performance will not lift the mood at Goodison.

Everton won their first home game since November 24 as they saw off League Two leaders Lincoln, but it was a struggle for the Premier League big boys against the minnows.

Everton were 2-0 up after 14 minutes thanks to goals from Ademola Lookman and Bernard, but they were dragged into a battle as the Imps pulled one back through Michael Bostwick.

“It looked in some moments that we didn’t want to have a quiet afternoon,” said Everton boss Silva.

“After the second goal we lost the focus and gave them some hope.

“It is something that has happened in the last few games and it is something we must stop.

“But we achieved the main thing which is to play the next round.”

Lincoln never gave up the fight and almost got their reward but Everton substitute Richarlison cleared off the line for the Toffees as Jason

Everton 2 Lincoln 1 Chris McKenna

Shackell headed a corner goalwards late on.

There would be no fairytale finish for Lincoln and their managerial duo of brothers Danny and Nicky Cowley.

Danny said: “I think we can be really proud of our efforts. When you are 2-0 down at a Premier League team you can fear the worst, but we had the confidence to go toe-to-toe with Everton.”