Beto ensures Everton beat Mansfield after stadium hit by kick-off delay

The first game under the lights at Hill Dickinson Stadium was illuminated by Carlos Alcaraz’s fine finish and the promise of Harrison Armstrong. Everton’s cutting edge may remain a concern for David Moyes in the long term but a potentially awkward tie was eventually navigated in straightforward fashion. Alcaraz broke the deadlock against Nigel Clough’s resolute League One side with an excellent strike from 20 yards. Armstrong, who spent last season on loan at Derby, was the provider and also created Everton’s late second for Beto as Moyes’ team made it two wins from two at their new home.

The combined appeal of a new ground and a sensible ticket pricing policy ensured the first cup tie at Hill Dickinson Stadium was a sell-out. Mansfield, also benefiting from reduced prices of £15 for adults, £10 for over-65s and £5 for under-18s, brought over 6,000 fans to the banks of the River Mersey to contribute towards Everton’s biggest home attendance for a League Cup tie since 1987.

Unfortunately, many had problems gaining entry and kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes to “ensure all supporters have safe access into Hill Dickinson Stadium” according to a statement released by Everton. The delay can be filed under teething troubles, but it had been predicted by Evertonians when highlighting numerous issues with the club’s new digital tickets on social media before the game. On top of complaints over how the Club View section of the East Stand operated against Brighton on Sunday, complaints that Everton have acknowledged, there is clearly work to be done on improving the match-going experience at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Despite a combined history of 275 years this was the first competitive meeting between these clubs. The noise from a raucous away section when the half-time whistle went confirmed who was the happier with a goalless first 45 minutes.

Moyes selected a strong side for the tie with Jack Grealish again starting on the left. He also gave some required game-time to the fit-again Vitalii Mykolenko, who missed the first two Premier League games of the season with a groin injury, Dwight McNeil and Séamus Coleman, who received a rousing reception before kick-off. Everton were bright in patches, but only in patches.

Mansfield goalkeeper Liam Roberts made an impressive early save from Carlos Alcaraz’s low drive and stopped another effort from Harrison Armstrong after the teenage midfielder had been released in space by Grealish. Otherwise, Everton struggled to break down a disciplined League One defence. McNeil sliced over when found unmarked inside the visiting penalty area by Grealish, having missed a similar invitation from the same player against Brighton, and the England international also skied a decent chance from James Garner’s pass. Mansfield looked increasingly comfortable as the first half wore on and began to take the game to their Premier League hosts.

The break came at a bad time for Nigel Clough’s side. Everton re-emerged for the second half with greater intensity and a willingness to commit more bodies forward. Mansfield came under sustained pressure as a result, with Grealish forcing Roberts into another important save, before it finally told. Armstrong was the instigator as the 18-year-old homegrown talent increased Moyes’ dilemma over whether to retain his services or loan them out this season. Collecting a lay-off from Thierno Barry, Armstrong showed neat footwork inside the area to keep possession under pressure before laying it back to Alcaraz. The Argentina midfielder picked his spot to perfection and swept an unstoppable finish beyond Roberts from 20 yards. Everton’s new £40m signing Tyler Dibling was introduced for his debut on the hour with Grealish making way.

Beto also came on as part of a double substitution and should have put the tie beyond Mansfield when a Michael Keane challenge broke kindly to him on the edge of the area. The striker had time and space to finish, perhaps more than he realised, but rushed a tame shot straight at Roberts. Beto also headed wide from Mykolenko’s deep cross into the Mansfield six-yard box.

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It was not all one-way traffic following Alcaraz’s breakthrough, however. Mansfield substitute Luke Bolton threatened an equaliser when cutting across Coleman and unleashing a powerful shot that appeared destined for the far corner until it struck James Tarkowski’s head and deflected over. Armstrong almost created a second goal with a defence-splitting pass to Iliman Ndiaye but the Everton substitute, tumbling under pressure, fired into the side-netting.

But Armstrong would get his second assist of the night. With a minute remaining Garner picked out the youngster’s run behind the Mansfield defence with a beautiful ball. The midfielder squared along the face of Roberts’ goal and Beto was perfectly placed to convert.

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