Everton progressed to the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale on Tuesday night. Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring in the 34th minute, and James Garner sealed the win with a second-half strike.
Calvert-Lewin breaks the deadlock
The Premier League side dominated possession from the outset, and the breakthrough came just after the half-hour mark. A cross from the right found Calvert-Lewin, who headed past Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman to give the visitors the lead.
Preston, who play in the Championship, offered little in attack in the first half, with Everton's defence comfortably dealing with their limited threats. The home side's best chance came from a long-range effort by Ali McCann, which was easily saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Garner doubles the lead
Everton doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Garner collected a pass from Dwight McNeil and curled a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The goal effectively ended Preston's hopes of a comeback.
The home side pushed forward in the final 20 minutes in search of a consolation, but Everton's defence held firm. Preston manager Ryan Lowe made three substitutions in a bid to change the game, but his side could not find a way past Pickford.
The victory continues Everton's strong start to the season under manager Sean Dyche, who has now won three of his first four matches in charge. Preston, meanwhile, will turn their attention back to the Championship, where they sit 14th in the table.
