Soccer Digest:Everton won their Uefa Cup Group A match against Larissa of Greece 3-1 at Goodison Park last night.
Tim Cahill scripted his comeback from his long-term injury to perfection with his first goal in almost a year, a delightful diving header in the 14th minute. It was classic Cahill. And in the 50th minute his outstanding pass helped to orchestrate Leon Osman's brilliant clincher from 22 yards.
A 65th-minute strike from Cleyton Alexandre Silva had home nerves jangling. The striker showed admirable pace to glide past Joseph Yobo, before striking a low shot past Tim Howard. But substitute Victor Anichebe ensured Everton rounded off proceedings with a superb late third.
Bolton, who appointed Gary Megson as manager earlier yesterday on a two-and-a-half year contract, drew 1-1 with Portuguese side Braga. El-Hadji Diouf scored his first goal of the season in the 65th minute but the visitors battled back and secured a point four minutes from time.
Aberdeen endured a miserable start to their Uefa Cup group stage campaign in Athens as Jimmy Calderwood's side went down to a crushing 3-0 defeat to Greek giants Panathinaikos.
Chelsea fined
Chelsea have been fined €43,000 for failing to control their players during September's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester United, the FA said yesterday.
The charge, which Chelsea admitted, related to the conduct of several players towards referee Mike Dean following the dismissal of Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel after 32 minutes of the match for a foul on defender Patrice Evra.
Schmeichel on loan
Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is on the brink of a one-month loan deal with Cardiff. Blues officials have confirmed the move is "95 per cent done" with just the final stages of paper work to be completed. It means the young Dane will go into the Cardiff's squad for tomorrow's game against Scunthorpe. "This does not mean Kasper has no future here, he just needs to get some games," said City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.
In brief
An update on the fitness of Manchester United's Paul Scholes, who had a scan on a knee problem yesterday, and Patrice Evra, who pulled out of the win in Kiev on Wednesday after suffering a calf strain in the warm-up, is expected today . . . Birmingham manager Steve Bruceis to hold talks with the club's prospective owner Carson Yeungafter Saturday's home match with Wigan. Bruce has been seeking a face-to-face meeting with the Hong Kong businessman since he decided not to rubber-stamp the manager's new contract which had been agreed with the current board of directors . . . Former Italy coach Marcello Lippiadmits the chances of him coaching in England are slim because of the language barrier. . . Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Erikssonwill have funds available to buy new strikers in January, according to club owner Thaksin Shinawatra
. . . Rosenborg coach Knut Toerumwas released from his contract yesterday.
