Everton squeeze past Macclesfield thanks to James Osman strike

Everton's progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup - after round-three KO's in the past two seasons - was accomplished with relative ease.

But it took a spectacular stop from keeper Tim Howard in the last minute of injury time to deny a gallant Macclesfield a replay.

In truth, the League One side barely deserved a second bite of the cherry, as once David Moyes' men broke the deadlock just before the interval only one outcome was ever likely.

Moyes' assistant Steve Round said: "Tim had absolutely nothing to do all match and then to his credit he pulled off an incredible save right at the death.

"We knew it would never be easy coming to Macclesfield and we are very pleased to be going through."

Macclesfield, attempting to gain their first-ever fourthround spot, had more than held their own until just before the interval.

They looked nothing like a side which had shipped nine goals in their previous three games, with Richard Walker and Sean Hessey in defence dealing with most of what Everton had to offer.

But the Toffees' patience and increased probing paid off in the 43rd minute.

Mikel Arteta's influence in midfield was beginning to show and when the Macclesfield defence only half-cleared his cross, Leon Osman hit a blistering shot into the top corner.

The Silkmen's best two efforts came right at the beginning and at the end of what proved a rather sporting Cup tie with not a single player booked.

Terry Dunfield's explosive second - minute shot from 18 yards just skimmed the Everton upright.

They rallied gamely in the dying minutes and when the Everton defence only halfcleared a ball into their area, sub Simon Yeo hammered it goalwards, forcing Howard into an acrobatic dive.

Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander said: "It was a hell of a save that prevented us from scoring. But when you get chances against a team like Everton you have got to take them.

"I think we were the better team until they scored, but after that they just kept the ball."

Phil Jagielka (twice), Victor Anichebe and Leighton Baines all went close in the second half as Everton took control.

Round added: "Our final ball let us down. We should have taken advantage of our possession but just could not tie it up with a second goal."

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