Everton won their first home game of the season after coming from a goal behind to beat Middlesbrough.

Kevin Campbell was the Goodison Park hero after goals in both halves after Szilard Nemeth had given the visitors the lead.

But Middlesbrough, who have won only six league games at Everton in more than 100 years, could consider themselves unlucky after twice hitting the woodwork.

And Everton's third choice goalkeeper Paul Gerrard had kept the Toffees in the game with a string of brilliant saves.

Middlesbrough had taken the lead through Nemeth after just 11 minutes but Campbell's equaliser came just after the half-hour and he then scored the winner in the 77th minute.

Before the start of the game, defender David Weir, who was criticised by Scotland manager Berti Vogts for his performance against Faroe Islands, had a rousing reception from the Everton faithful.

But he almost let Middlesbrough dangerman Massimo Maccarone in for a shot on goal in the opening minutes.

Maccarone's pace was a constant threat and it was his curling shot that Gerrard could only parry leaving Nemeth with a simple tap-in. It was Boro's first away goal of the season.

The goal seemed to stun Everton and it was reflected in their play as they gave the ball away far too easily.

However, they somehow managed to equalise against the run of play through Campbell in the 33rd minute.

Hard-earned victory

He could not miss after a Tomasz Radzinski header had floated over goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, hit the woodwork, and bounced out to the advancing striker.

The goal gave Everton confidence and they continued to run at Boro.

But just before half-time they almost came a cropper as Slovakian Nemeth ran free in the box but his volley was saved by Gerrard.

At the start of the second half, Everton manager David Moyes brought on 16-year-old Wayne Rooney and the youngster certainly livened up the proceedings.

But the home side were caught on the break and breathed a sigh of relief as Maccarone's shot hit the post and rebounded into Gerrard's arms.

But the game swung back into Everton's favour when Campbell headed home from a corner for a hard-earned victory.

Everton: Gerrard, Hibbert, Stubbs, Weir, Unsworth, Alexandersson (Rooney 45), Gravesen, Tie Li, Pembridge, Campbell, Radzinski (Carsley 85).
Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Weifeng Li, Linderoth.

Booked: Stubbs, Rooney.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Stockdale, Ehiogu, Southgate (Whelan 74), Cooper, Geremi, Greening, Queudrue, Job (Boksic 81), Maccarone (Marinelli 81), Nemeth.
Subs Not Used: Crossley, Wilson.

Booked: Schwarzer.

Attendance: 32,240

Referee: M Messias (N Yorkshire)