CarlingNet - No 1 for Match Reports

Wimbledon v Everton 07/09/96 3.00

Wimbledon               (1) 4 Everton                 (0) 0 FT
Ardley 33                     
Gayle 46                      
Earle 59                      
Ekoku 73

Four-goal Wimbledon ripped the heart out of woeful Everton at unsuspecting Selhurst Park.

Merseyside boss Joe Royle is apparently preparing a £4million move for Arsenal striker Ian Wright, but on the evidence of this demoralising display, Royle also has big problems to solve in defence, where goalkeeper Neville Southall was far from his best.

Southall's nightmare started after 33 minutes, when a 30-yard free kick by Neal Ardley bounced through a crowded area and past the static keeper.

It was only Wimbledon's second goal in five games this season - and it gave them the confidence to establish a scoreline which will have shocked the Premiership.

The Dons, looking to build on a midweek victory against Tottenham, had produced little in the opening half-hour when Andrei Kanchelskis had threatened to unlock their defence.

Everton, however, could produce only powder-puff stuff in front of goal and in the second half Wimbledon showed them how it should be done.

Within two minutes of the restart Marcus Gayle arrived at the near post to divert an Ardley corner wide of Southall, who again failed to show command.

And Southall was beaten again in similar fashion after 59 minutes, this time Robbie Earle finding the finishing touch following another Ardley flagkick.

It was no more than Earle deserved after Southall turned his initial effort behind. For a split second it looked as though Earle was going to be denied again as his header was half-blocked on the line, but he reacted instantly to make sure.

And there was further embarrassment for Royle after 73 minutes, when Efan Ekoku raced into the area and despatched a low shot past Southall and into the bottom left-hand corner.

Everton showed glimpses of their ability after youngster Michael Branch had been sent on in place of Tony Grant, but too-casual Duncan Ferguson was a guilty party when it came to their failure to snatch even a consolation effort.

Ferguson had a header smothered on the line after 66 minutes, but should have done better four minutes from time, when another close-range effort was blocked.

Come the final whistle, Vinnie Jones was the first to milk the applause - three days after the 12th dismissal of his career.