Half-time: Everton 2 QPR 0

Nikica Jelavic – a transfer target for QPR – scored just before half-time to leave them facing an uphill task in the FA Cup third round clash at Goodison Park.

Jelavic, making his first start since September, netted from near the edge of the penalty area after Ross Barkley had put Everton ahead.

With keeper Julio Cesar making his first appearance of the season, Rangers were on the back foot for most of the first half.

Cesar saved from Jelavic at his near post and was also able to gather shots from Barkley and Gareth Barry.

Gary O’Neil missed a great chance to put QPR ahead against the run of play, failing to connect with Danny Simpson’s 24th-minute cross from the right when it seemed easier to score.

Rangers were soon under pressure again and Cesar produced a fine save from Barkley, with Leon Osman failing to hit the target from the rebound.

But the Brazilian could do nothing when Barkley fired home after being found by Bryan Oviedo’s clever pass.

And worse followed for Rangers following Simpson’s poor pass to Karl Henry, who was robbed by Barry.

The ball broke to Jelavic and the Croatian striker sent an unstoppable shot beyond Cesar.

Everton: Robles, Coleman, Oviedo, Stones, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Barry, Naismith, Barkley, Osman, Jelavic.
Subs: Howard, Hibbert, Heitinga, Pienaar, Mirallas, Vellios, Lukaku.

QPR: Cesar, Simpson, Onuoha, Hill, Assou-Ekotto, Traore, Phillips, Barton, Henry, O’Neil, Austin.
Subs: Murphy, Dunne, Johnson, Onyewu, Kranjcar, Zamora, Benayoun.

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