Everton draw first pre-season friendly 2-2 with Tranmere at Prenton Park

Wednesday 23 July 2014 11:18, UK

Everton were held to a 2-2 draw by Tranmere Rovers in the Toffees' first pre-season match of the summer.

Roberto Martinez's side were without several players still taking time off after playing in the latter stages of the World Cup, but twice went ahead on Tuesday night before being pegged back by their League Two near-neighbours.

Steven Naismith bundled in a cross from the left wing by Luke Garbutt to hand Everton a lead they held into the second half, when Cole Stockton capitalised on an under-hit backpass by defender John Stones to equalise.

Leon Osman nodded home a corner with 20 minutes remaining, but Tranmere delighted their fans at Prenton Park when James Rowe drew the home side level with a tap-in after his first effort had hit the post.