Everton 2 - 2 Leeds United

	David Batty in combat with Joe-Max Moore (AlexLivesey/Allsport)

The French midfielder, sold by Everton to ease the club's financial problems, struck 14 minutes from time after a second half high on drama.

Everton had taken the lead mid-way through the first-half through striker Duncan Ferguson, who was later forced off injured.

Leeds levelled in the 66th minutes when Ian Harte pounced, but their joy was short-lived as Kevin Campbell restored struggling Everton's advantage in the 75th minute.

But within the minute, Dacourt struck again to silence those fans who had adored him during his time on Merseyside.

Ferguson's return to Everton's starting line-up had lasted less than 20 minutes before he was struck down by another injury set-back.

As he chased a Kevin Campbell flick- on, he was clattered by advancing goalkeeper Nigel Martyn and left in a heap by the left edge of the Leeds area.

When Ferguson finally climbed to his feet, he was holding his arm and grimacing towards the bench in obvious discomfort.

Assistant manager Archie Knox advanced to the side of the pitch to check on Ferguson's condition and nodded his consent when the Everton target-man indicated that he wanted to run off what looked like a shoulder or collar bone injury.

The bench granted his request for another five minutes and soon had their forbearance rewarded as Ferguson dramatically put his side in front in the 23rd minute.

Steve Watson's cross created the opening, but Kevin Campbell looked to have wasted it with a mis-hit volley that was headed clear by Lucas Radebe.

Thomas Gravesen headed it back into the danger area, though, and when Martyn mistimed his punch, Ferguson instinctively stuck out a boot to prod the ball into an empty net.

Ferguson was still struggling, though, and had to give way to Idan Tal in the 35th minute after being forced to concede that his mobility had been severely restricted.

Leeds' growing pressure eventually told as Harte drove home the first equaliser.

The Republic of Ireland fullback turned inside Joe-Max Moore on the left before beating Paul Gerrard with a raking low drive into the far corner.

Everton, desperately needing points to pull them clear of trouble, were relieved with Campbell's intervention 15 minutes from time.