Everton 2 Ipswich 2: Toffees leapfrog Man Utd into 14th but throw away two-goal lead in entertaining draw
JULIO ENCISO fired a worldie as relegated Ipswich pulled off a stunning comeback draw.
Everton looked in complete control for much of the first half, boosted by Beto’s brilliant headed opener on 26 minutes and a low-25-yarder from Dwight McNeil soon after.
But shortly before the interval, Enciso flashed home a right-footer that swerved all over the place on its way past keeper Jordan Pickford.
The Toffees responded after the interval by pushing for a third goal – only to be caught on the break.
Sub George Hirst rewarded Ipswich’s hard-grafting second period by leaping high to nod a backpost leveller on 79 minutes.
And after that it was the Tractor Boys who sniffed a winner, albeit one that never came.
Nonetheless, the point was enough for Everton to leapfrog Manchester United to go 14th in the Prem.
It was the Toffees’ second-last game at Goodison Park.
Among the legendary ex-Everton stars in attendance were top-flight title winners Graeme Sharp and Peter Reid.
And they witnessed an entertaining stalemate, although Ipswich are doomed in third-bottom place – 14 points below West Ham.
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But Tractor Boys’ chief Kieran McKenna will have been impressed by his side’s bold display, laced with some real attacking intent and verve at times.
For Ipswich, a 15th Prem draw of the season quelled some of the party spirit.
But there’s sure to be an electric atmosphere for the Goodison finale – against bottom side Southampton on May 18.
The Toffees will move in at their £750million-plus new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock over the summer.
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