Everton vs Ipswich Town. Premier League.
Goodison ParkAttendance39,305.
Everton 2
- Beto (26th minute)
- D McNeil (35th minute)
Ipswich Town 2
- J Enciso (41st minute)
- G Hirst (79th minute)
Everton 2-2 Ipswich: Julio Enciso's stunning long-range effort inspires Kieran McKenna's side to comeback vs Toffees
Report and free match highlights as Ipswich came back from two goals down to draw with Everton at Goodison Park; Beto and Dwight McNeil gave the hosts the lead but Julio Enciso's long-range effort sparked the visitors into life before George Hirst equalised
Saturday 3 May 2025 21:03, UK
Julio Enciso's stunning long-range effort inspired Ipswich to come back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Everton.
It looked to be a day of celebration for Everton in the penultimate game at Goodison Park when they raced into an early lead thanks to goals from Beto and Dwight McNeil inside the first half.
McNeil's effort was an impressive strike from distance after Beto's glancing header but the celebrations were cut short by Enciso, who fired in a spectacular goal of his own to ignite the comeback for Kieran McKenna's side.
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Everton gathered themselves after the restart and just as the game looked to be petering out into a routine win for David Moyes' side, substitute George Hirst rose highest at the back post to head home the equaliser with just over 10 minutes to go.
A deflated home crowd were then forced to settle for a 15th draw in the league, while the travelling Tractor Boys' fanbase were finally given something to celebrate before bowing out of the top-flight of English football in three games' time.
The Toffees now move up to 14th in the Premier League table, rising above Manchester United in the process, after previously hovering just one point above the drop zone when David Moyes took charge of the team in January.
Moyes: Enciso goal rocked us
Everton boss David Moyes:
"We are disappointed. We didn't shake them off and couldn't quite get enough. We did a lot of good things and tried some new things to see how players play in new roles.
"The goal just before half-time rocked us. It gave them something to keep going at. We just couldn't get clear.
"The game was always tight but we should have done better. We have done that a couple of times now. We need to understand how to see the game through; there were terrible decisions in the build-up to the second goal and left ourselves exposed.
"I am disappointed we didn't win but there are lots of positives from where we've been. I thought we controlled the game up until the last five minutes."
McKenna praises 'incredible' Enciso
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna:
"It was a difficult spot to be in. It was a big day for Everton and we didn't start badly but there were two moments. The group stuck at it and it was a great goal to get us back in it.
"He has an incredible showreel for a young player. It is in some ways frustrating that we haven't had him for much of the season. He arrived late and had an injury. We are enjoying having him, it's a testament to him. He is a loan player and hasn't quite got the momentum we wanted but stuck at it.
"He is a talent and can make a difference. He made a big difference for us today and did the same at Stamford Bridge and Bournemouth.
"There is no option to keep him. He is a Brighton player come the summer."
Ipswich spoil the Goodison party
Sky Sports' Patrick Rowe:
It has little to no implications on the season but it has given Ipswich fans something to cheer about following the misery that inevitably follows when relegation is confirmed.
McKenna's side played with a fearlessness and determination that had been lacking throughout the season but showed they are capable of competing at this level.
Meanwhile, a 15th draw of the season for Everton dampened the jovial scenes at Goodison Park but with safety now confirmed, full attention can turn to the final home game against Southampton on May 18, where the club will undoubtedly give the iconic stadium the send-off it deserves.
An end-of-season feel to this one but it had stunning goals, heated battles and a late twist in the result. What more can you ask for?
