DAVID MOYES feared the worst when Everton FC went behind to Sheffield United – but praised the manner in which his team responded to earn victory.

The Goodison Park side booked their place in the third round of the Carling Cup last night with a 3-1 win over Sheffield United however they had to fight back having trailed to Richard Cresswell’s strike.

Moyes revealed his concerns that Everton’s woes, after defeat to Queens Park Rangers last weekend compounded news of the club’s financial constraints, were set to deepen when the League One outfit went 1-0 up.

Fortunately, Cresswell helped Everton draw level when he deflected Jack Rodwell’s effort past goalkeeper Steve Simonsen three minutes later before further first half goals from Victor Anichebe and Mikel Arteta readdressed the balance and put Everton in a commanding position.

Moyes felt his side were favourites to open the scoring after a positive start to last night’s Carling Cup tie, played out in front of just 17,173 spectators, but admits Everton will continue to be punished for defensive lapses, with Phil Jagielka’s mistimed header allowing Stephen Quinn to pick out Cresswell, who made it 1-0.

But the home side’s reaction was positive and Moyes believes a greater margin of victory would not have flattered his players.

“I thought here we go again, it’s just where we are at the moment,” said Moyes, on going 1-0 down.

“But we showed great resilience and the players didn’t let it get to them.

“We also didn’t have that period where we had to dwell on it for long.

“We had played well and hadn’t deserved to go a goal down.

“But we made a mistake, and like on Saturday, we got punished for it.