A Ryan Shawcross own goal has given Everton a 1-0 lead at the half-time stage of their Premier League clash with Stoke City.
© PA Photos
The visitors were the first to threaten the opposition's goal when Seamus Coleman's cross was turned goalwards by Nikica Jelavic, but Shawcross stuck a boot out to block the effort.
Kenwyne Jones almost capitalised on some loose defending by the Toffees midway through the half, but his ambitious effort flew over the crossbar.
Steven N'Zonzi squandered a great chance for the hosts with just over 10 minutes left, heading an effort straight at Tim Howard from four yards out.
© PA Photos
Everton responded with a near miss of their own, Naismith lifting the ball over Asmir Begovic, only for Shawcross to get back and clear it off the line.
The Stoke skipper went from hero to villain just minutes later, however, when he turned Steven Pienaar's in-swinging cross into his own net.
Leon Osman could have made it 2-0 five minutes before the break when he had a shooting opportunity from 10 yards out, but he placed his effort past the post.
Barney Corkhill
