Vaughan Lifts High-flying Everton

The first phase of Everton's Uefa Cup campaign was brought to a satisfying end with a 100% record here in the Netherlands last night when their substitute James Vaughan scored a 79th-minute winner and their fans enjoyed a cameo from the 16-year-old midfielder Jack Rodwell.

With Everton assured of qualification and a fixture against Manchester United to come on Sunday their manager, David Moyes, rang the changes. Only four players remained from the team that started in the victory at West Ham - Lee Carsley, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Steven Pienaar. But Andrew Johnson gave them the perfect start after only 63 seconds, shaking off the attentions of David Mendes da Silva to score his fourth goal of the season at the near post.

Everton dictated the pace in the early stages but the home side struck back in the 16th minute. After a swift counterattack Graziano Pelle clipped a shot into the corner after good work by Simon Cziommer. Jagielka, however, put Everton back in the driving seat when, with a diving header just before half-time, the defender scored his first goal for the club since his £4million move from Sheffield United. Everton almost added a third when Carsley sent a header narrowly over, but Alkmaar equalised again in the 65th minute through Kew Jaliens. But Vaughan had the final say, set up by Victor Anichebe.