EVERTON 1-0 BLACKBURN ROVERS | GBAMIN SCORES WINNER IN PRACTICE MATCH

Jean-Philippe Gbamin stepped up his comeback from injury by playing 45 minutes and scoring in a 1-0 practice match victory against Blackburn Rovers at USM Finch Farm. The Ivorian, who featured in the first half of the training game, capped a lively performance by scoring the only goal just before half-time. Gbamin showed impressive tenacity to win the ball in midfield before sliding a pass into the path of Moise Kean – the Italian’s powerful strike was parried by the Blackburn goalkeeper but Gbamin slammed home the rebound from close range. Everton made wholesale changes at half-time and midfield duo Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan saw their first match action of pre-season, playing the full second half for Rafael Benitez’s side. Everton had threatened on numerous occasions before breaking the deadlock. Anthony Gordon and Andre Gomes were foiled by last-ditch blocks by Blackburn defenders, while James Rodriguez’s 20-yard curling effort was tipped around the post by Rovers keeper Thomas Kaminski. Fabian Del