Match Summary

David Moyes finally decided to start with a recognized striker, loan acquisition Denis Stracqualursi being given his full debut to start upfront. It was also a full debut for Royston Drenthe an opportunity for Mucha Neville and Heitinga to get some matchplay... but not Louis Saha whose pouting tweets about being overlooked are unlikely to change anything:Moyes doesn't think he's ready after being out for most of the last six months.

The game was very slow and laboured for long periods in the first half, the early chances falling to West Brom with both Tchoy and Odemwinge firing over, the latter when a lose return ball from Ross Barkley was pounced upon.

Everton had most of the possession and Baines set up Fellaini for a good header that was just wide. Rodwell tried to drive one through the crowd but it screwed wide of the post.

Stracqualursi was a little too prone to the Argie habitat of rolling around in agony at the slightest contact.

Coleman went on one of his runs as half-time approached but nothing came of it and that summed up a frustrating half with WB determined to stifle and stymie The Blues.

Coleman led a brighter start top the second half, with a couple of his trademark lively forward forays.

A chance finally came with a free-kick to the back post were Fellaini headed it back into the danger area that led to a strike from Strac, palmed away by Martin Fulop.

Jan Mucha was adjudged to have brought down Odemwinge for a penalty, even though he looked to have dived. Brunt bashed home the spot-kick and Everton were behind.

Moyes reacted by bringing on Cahill and Vellios in place of Stracqualursi and Barkley, neither of whom had impressed tonight. Drenthe then went in the book for a mistimed sliding tackle.

With Everton showing no initiative, David Moyes introduce his Secret Weapon, Magaye Gueye, in a last desperate attempt to stay in the competition. Seamus Coleman gave way for the last 12 mins.

Even Baines was reduced through malaise to driving his free-kick into the defensive wall.

With two minutes left, Fellaini chested the ball down nicely on the edge of the area, turned on a sixpence and drove it just inside the post to equalize. Everton finally woke up and bombarded the West Brom goal, while the sparse crowd finally got some voice. But there was not enough for the goal that would have prevented extra time.

Little seemed to be happening in extra time until Drenthe set up Phil Neville for a wonderful left-footed strike into the top corner that took everyone including Martin Fulop by surprise to possibly put Everton in the hat for the last 16.

Mucha needed to be alert to save a shot from Scharner near the end and it was enough to give Everton the win.

Michael Kenrick

Match Preview

A third round League Cup tie against Premier League opposition was probably not high on David Moyes's wishlist when the draw was made last month but home turf is a valuable advantage and the Blues will be hoping to get the job done and progress to round four unscathed.

West Bromwich Albion have had their successes against Everton in recent seasons but their confidence will have been dented by a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at newly-promoted Swansea City at the weekend.

Moyes's men, meanwhile, should have their tails up after a 3-1 triumph over Wigan Athletic, and though there may be a few personnel changes from the side that started against the Latics, the Blues will be hoping to put a consistent run together now that they've put their poor opening-day start behind them.

Among the players who could start as Moyes will likely shuffle his pack — as he usually does for Carling Cup ties — are Royston Drenthe, Denis Stracqualursi, Ross Barkley and Jan Mucha. Louis Saha, who aired his frustration at being omitted from the squad on Saturday, is unlikely to figure as his manager gives him some time to dwell on things.

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