LUKAS JUTKIEWICZ’S third minute strike wasn’t enough for victory for Everton Reserves as they rounded out 2008 with a 1-1 against Manchester United.

Jutkiewicz’s strike was cancelled out by United’s Manuch in the second half.

From the Blues’ first attack, Jutkiewicz’s flick-on ricocheted back into his path and the striker’s shot was forced over the line by Kieran Agard.

Jack Rodwell reverted to centre-half for the clash and was tasked with shackling Angola striker Manucho.

It was to be a busy opening half for the 17-year-old as much of United’s goal threat was carried by the gangly striker.

First, his left foot shot was expertly saved by John Ruddy, then he made a couple of surges through the defence only to be denied by first John Irving, then Ruddy again.

Manucho wasn’t done yet though, picking himself up off the floor to fire a free-kick over on the half hour.

For Everton, Eunan O’Kane was forced off with injury 10 minutes before the break, to be replaced by Scott Spencer. The change didn’t affect Everton though, as they soaked up plenty of United possession without allowing them a decent sight of goal.

Danny Drinkwater’s lob and Manucho’s drive both had Ruddy worried at the start of the second half, with the the forward then seeing a far post header deflected wide by Irving with the goal gaping.

So it was no real surprise when Manucho equalised with a header from Magnus Eikrem’s cross in the 55th minute. Everton’s attempts to re-establish their lead saw John Paul Kissock fire over twice, with an angled drive from Spencer also failing to trouble keeper Gary Woods. Both sides tired and subsequently no clear cut chances ensued until Ruddy superbly tipped Drinkwater’s shot round the post in the last minute.

EVERTON RES: Ruddy, Irving, Craig, Wallace, Barnett, Rodwell, Kissock, Gosling, Agard, Jutkiewicz, O’Kane.