Back to 18th October 1997: Cadamarteri shines on Merseyside derby debut

Teenager Danny Cadamarteri scored one goal and made the other in his first Merseyside derby to give Everton victory over rivals Liverpool. Cadamarteri, in his first match since turning 18, took his goals total to four from six Barclays Premier League appearances since the start of the season and helped the Toffees climb out of the relegation zone. The victory followed a 4-1 midweek defeat in the League Cup at Coventry City and manager Howard Kendall said: "This was a totally different performance from the one at Coventry. "It's changed the mood in the club, was great for the fans and gives us something to build on." Liverpool had the best of the early chances with two created by Steve McManaman. The winger first crossed for Robbie Fowler, who scuffed his shot, and then for Karlheinz Riedle, who also missed the opportunity. At the other end Cadamarteri fired wide before Liverpool goalkeeper David James stopped a shot from John Oster and the follow-up from Duncan Ferguson. Everton took the lead shortly before half-time when Andy Hinchcliffe swung over a corner and Cadamarteri challenged James for the ball, which hit the goalkeeper's hand and deflected into the net off helpless defender Neil Ruddock for an own goal. Craig Short went close to doubling their lead after the break but James caught his header before Toffees 'keeper Neville Southall dived at the feet of McManaman. Everton looked the more dangerous in the closing stages and, after Oster had come close, Cadamarteri confirmed the victory when he robbed Bjorn Kvarme of the ball and ran on to slot it past James. Despite his scoring run and having a continued spell in the team, Cadamarteri did not score again for the rest of the season as Everton survived relegation on goal difference. Liverpool finished third, 12 points behind second-placed Manchester United and 13 back from Barclays Premier League champions Arsenal.