Rooney blank as Everton XI go down

An Everton XI suffered a 2-0 defeat at First Division Crewe in a pre-season friendly.

Around 8,000 fans turned up at Gresty Road where they saw England striker Wayne Rooney lead the Everton attack alongside Duncan Ferguson.

However, the 17-year-old could not find his scoring touch despite a couple of chances, with first keeper Clayton Ince and then, late on, the post denying him.
Dean Ashton put the Railwaymen 1-0 up just before the break, with substitute Ben Rix netting just after the restart.

There was better news at Spotland for David Moyes, though, where his other XI beat Rochdale 1-0.

Alan Irvine took charge of the side, which included Steve Watson, Kevin Campbell and Tomasz Radzinski, the Canadian striker grabbing the only goal of the game just after the hour.