Everton Reach FA Cup Final After Penalty Shoot-out

20 April 2009

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Everton ended Manchester United's dreams of five trophies when they knocked them out of the FA Cup in a penalty shoot-out after a goal-less game and extra time.

Alex Ferguson rested key players for United including Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar, who were not even on the bench, instead choosing to go for a side of youngsters.

Everton could have gone ahead after just 10 minutes when Marouane Fellaini sent Phil Neville clear into the area after just ten minutes but he shot well off target.

Ten minutes later United keeper Ben Foster almost gave Everton the opener when he stumbled when trying to clear and nearly let Louis Saha score.

Two minutes later Everton had a scare when Rafael's cross was touched on by Danny Welbeck, and then a deflection off Joleon Lescott sent the ball on to the post.

After the break Ji-Sung Park shot just wide before United brought on Patrive Evra for Fabio then Darron Gibson's long range shot was saved by Howard.

United were denied a penalty when Jagielka hauled down Welbeck. Referee Mike Riley waved away United's appeals and Ferguson looked furious.

With just seven minutes left Welbeck curled a great effort just off target and extra time beckoned.

Tim Cahill looked like scoring two minutes in but Foster saved his effort with his legs. Cahill again could have broke the deadlock when he looked like finding a shot from James Vaughn but neither sides could get the winning goal.

Tim Cahill missed Everton's first penalty but Tim Howard saved United's first two from Dimitar Berbatov and Rio Ferdinand.

Leighton Baines, Neville and Vaughan all scored for Everton and Nemanja Vidic and Anderson responded for United.

Phil Jagielka stepped up for Everton, knowing that if he scored they would be through to the final, and cooly slotted home. Everton now face Chelsea at Wembley on May 30th after they beat Arsenal 2-1.

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