Smith pressure after Crossley saves Boro

Festa's strike brought Boro at least temporary relief, if not long-term optimism.

The Italian, who only came in for the injured Ugo Ehiogu at the last minute after Colin Cooper was dropped despite being named in McClaren's original team sheet, had a worrying 2001. He had two groin operations and a new Boro contract is still in the balance. So imagine his joy when he crashed the ball into the roof of the net from seven yards in the 50th minute, after Everton had failed to clear a Carlos Marinelli corner.

McClaren said: 'Gianluca has experience and that is important when you need a result as we did today. No-one works harder or keeps himself fitter than him and together with his attitude he gave us that little bit extra.

'This was a massive win. We had a bad December and I'm told Boro had not won on New Year's Day for 43 years. I'm glad nobody told me before the game! We had to be resolute and show a lot of character to stay in the game. The result was vital for us. Hopefully, we will now gain some confidence. We were distinctly lacking that in the first half.'

Boro improved markedly after the goal, even though they hardly troubled Steve Simonsen. The Everton goal-keeper was forced to make a save at the near post from Hamilton Ricard five minutes from time and Ince was inches wide with a low shot, but it was Everton pressing at the end.

The icy pitch survived two inspections and played surprisingly well. But, unsurprisingly since these clubs had lost their previous four games, both began nervously and without confidence. Everton's increased as the uninspired home team struggled to manage even one shot on target in the opening 45 minutes. A Jonathan Greening shot which was blocked and a high and wide drive from skipper Ince was the best Boro could muster.

Indeed, Crossley's first-half performance alone made him a convincing contender for Man-of-the-Match.

Despite picking up an arm injury after only 15 minutes when Cadamarteri, who was starting his first senior match in 11 months, caught him with a boot after chasing a long pass from Scot Gemmill, Crossley made a marvellous diving save from a close-range Alan Stubbs header in the first half.

A long Watson throw-in was then back-headed by Ferguson and Gary Naysmith's good scoring attempt was deflected for a corner. David Unsworth's dead-ball cross was met well by Ferguson's head, but Crossley again saved.

Injury-plagued Ferguson, who was making his first start since October, did manage to beat Crossley once, but saw his volley crash against the bar just before half-time.