Everton fought out a 2-2 draw with Coventry yesterday at the Ricoh Arena — minus Joleon Lescott.

The Toffees were without defender Lescott — the subject of two recent bids from Manchester City — because of a hip injury.

Northern Ireland international Sammy Clingan played the full 90 minutes for his new club Coventry and was a genuine threat from set-pieces.

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill gave David Moyes' side the lead in the 15th minute when keeper Keiren Westwood failed to hold his initial shot.

Leon Osman went close to a second before Clinton Morrison crossed for Michael Doyle to slide in an equaliser.

Everton regained the lead just five minutes later when teenage substitute Jose Baxter fired into the bottom corner through a crowd of players.

But Aron Gunnarsson salvaged a draw for Chris Coleman's side when he headed a Doyle cross in at the near post and ensured Sky Blues veteran Marcus Hall's testimonial ended on a positive note.

A late David Goodwillie penalty ensured Dundee United grabbed a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in their challenge match at Tannadice.

Andrew Carroll's strike on the hour mark gave the visitors the lead, and Steve Harper saved a Danny Swanson penalty five minutes later after Kevin Nolan had handled in the box.

Then five minutes from time the hosts were awarded a second penalty when Ryan Taylor was adjudged to have pulled at Craig Conway inside the box — and this time Goodwillie sent Harper the wrong way.

Before kick-off there was a minute's applause as tribute to former England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson who died from cancer last week. For most of the game the Geordie fans alternated between singing in praise of Robson and against owner Mike Ashley.