Tim Cahill helped Everton to a 3-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup over Carlisle United after some early frustrations. Last season's cup finalists struggled past the League One outfit at Goodison Park with a scoreline that flattered their performance and prompted a standing ovation for the visitors.
James Vaughan put the Toffees ahead in the 12th minute and it looked it like it may have been all one-way traffic but the Cumbrians hit back through a scuffed Kevin Hurst equaliser six minutes later.
A defiant Carlisle team frustrated their Premier League rivals and it took an 82nd minute goal from Australian international Cahill to put Everton in front. Cahill had his first shot blocked by Ian Harte before regaining control and firing past Carlisle keeper Adam Collin to put the Toffees ahead.
The win was then cemented when Leighton Baines converted an injury-time penalty after Collin had brought down substitute Kieran Agard in the area.
Cahill's Aussie teammate Lucas Neill played a full 90 minutes in defence in the less than comfortable victory but it ensured Everton entry into the fourth round of the competition.