Everton made a short trip up the Lancashire coast to Morecambe, where they played League Two side in the first pre-season game, a testimonial for Jim Bentley who has been manager of The Shrimps since last year.
The Everton line-up was short a few stars, with international players and others still on extended summer leave, despite the rest of the squad having gone through David Moyes's infamous pre-season bootcamp in Austria. The quartet of young England stars, Ross Barkley, Luke Garbutt, Hallam Hope and John Lundstram would not play a part as they have been away in Estonia.
So barely half with Premier League experience, the remaining players in the Everton squad still absent... and the kick-off was delayed until 2:15pm because of traffic issues.
Jim Bentley shook hands with Everton skipper Leon Osman before he kicked off his final ever game in a Morecambe shirt.
After just 7 mins, Everton took the lead through a great 25-yard shot from Francisco Junior. Morecambe were furious though, as Vellios was in an offside position right in front of goalkeeper Roche but the linesman gave the goal.
Apostollos Vellios made it 2-0 for the visitors before the break. Wright gave the ball away on half-way line and Leon Osman broke to play in Vellios who slid the ball under Barry Roche in the Morecambe goal.
Rodwell made it 3-0 after an error by Haining, with a lovely cute finish lifting the ball over the keeper after being played in by Osman.
After half-time Conor McAleny and Tony Hibbert replaced Sam Kelly and Leon Osman. Morecambe made six changes to their midfield and forward line, with the back four remaining the same.
Roche had to be at his best to turn away Victor Anichibe's low free kick and then tip a header over the bar from the resulting corner.
After the hour mark, Tyias Browning came on for Sylvain Distin, with Hibbert moving to centre-half. Anichebe then makes it 4-0 to Everton with a fine low drive from outside the box that beats Roche low down to his right.
As the game wound down, Jim Bentley came on for the last few minutes in his final game in a Morecambe shirt. A lifelong Blue, he received a warm welcome.
Bentley was then announced as Man of the Match, let through on goal and his shot is saved, much to everyone's confusion... Then he scores! Everton 'keeper Taudal hadn't read the script properly, but eventually lets the main man have his moment.
Morecambe: Roche, Parrish, Threlfall, McGee, [Bentley]McCready, Haining, Fleming, Wright, Alessandra, Redshaw, Ellison
Everton: Taudal, Rodwell, Distin (62' Browning), Osman (46' Hibbert), Coleman, Vellios, Anichebe, Duffy, Kelly (46' McAleny), Bidwell. Subs: Neville, Forrester.
The attendance at Morecambe has been confirmed as 4,223 — with the travelling Toffees accounting for an impressive 2,060. Everton are promising to have highlights of the game available online after 9pm tonight — but only for those who have ordered the six-game pre-season package at EvertonTV.
Michael Kenrick
To come
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