McKinlay impresses

FIERY Everton striker Francis Jeffers sparked a three-goal blitz inside six second half minutes to sink Rovers in their final league game of the season last night.

Ian Miller's men were in full control until Jeffers pounced on a Danny Cadamarteri centre in the 60th minute to fire Everton ahead.

Then, less than a minute later, Jeffers and substitute Leon Osman combined to release Jamie Milligan who beat John Filan with a vicious cross-shot.

And to compound Rovers misery, the quicksilver Jeffers was on hand again to slot home another Cadamarteri cross five minutes later to put the Toffees in full command.

Earlier Rovers had made all the running with Billy McKinlay outstanding in the centre of midfield. The impressive Ryan Baldacchino fired just over the angle of post and bar and keeper Steve Simonsen tipped over a Darren Peacock header.

Jeffers was lucky to stay on the pitch after aiming a kick at Damien Johnson on the stroke of half time.

After the break, Rovers continued to press forward as Simonsen saved from both Peter Murphy and Baldacchino.

But Everton suddenly struck three times in six minutes before Gary Hamilton pulled one back for Rovers following a Marc Richards nod down.

Hamilton should have reduced the deficit further but he failed to beat Simonsen after racing onto a weak defensive header.

But Everton's Phil Jevons had the final say with a fierce drive from the edge of the box which scorched past Filan into the far corner.

Rovers: Filan, Grayson, Murphy, McKinlay, Peacock, Hawe, Baldacchino, Johnson, Burgess, Hamilton, Forsyth. Subs: Richards (for Burgess, 15), Not used: O'Brien, Bingham, Howson, Douglas.