GAZZA COMES THROUGH TESTING DEBUT
Gascoigne’s debut for The Toffees lasted only 45 minutes, as Smith used every member of his squad during the match, although that was enough time for some of the old Gazza magic to show through.
The England international went surging towards the home team’s box, in the first half, in a move that resulted in a corner for the visitors, from which David Weir scored their only goal of the match.
Gascoigne also showed an improvement in his infamous firey temperament, keeping his cool during an incident with United trialist Joachim Fernandez, whose actions eventually forced referee Gary Marshall to ask for him to be substituted.
Another of Walter Smith's summer signings, Thomas Gravesen was also impressive in defeat, as the Danish international's vision and passing were a notable plus in the match, he even came close to scoring when his attempt rattled the United bar at the end of the first half.
The English side were beaten by goals from Steve Thompson and Alex Mathie to help give veteran Malpas an ideal send off to his playing career.
Elsewhere, Dundee United's first opponents in the new Scottish Premier League season, Celtic, also had received a boost in their preparations for the new campaign as they beat West Ham 2-1.
Goals from Tommy Johnson and Stilian Petrov were enough to secure victory for Martin O'Neill's men, although the problems that the former Leicester boss previously highlighted in his defence were again evident as former Celtic player Paolo di Canio scored on his return to Parkhead.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United goalkeeper Jim Leighton saw his testimonial, between Middlesbrough and current club Aberdeen, end goalless, as Boro boss Bryan Robson took a strong squad to Pittodrie to ensure a competitive match for the veteran custodian.
Leighton secured 81 caps for Scotland during his career, before retiring from international football in 1998. His time at Aberdeen was interrupted for nine years when he joined Manchester United, and later Dundee, before returning to the club.
Aberdeen came through to win the match 7-6 on penalties to give the home fans something to cheer. The Scottish club had reduced ticket prices for the match to ensure as large a turn-out as possible for Leighton's night.
Round-up of pre-season friendly results:
Aberdeen 0 v 0 Middlesbrough
Bohemians 1 v 1 Cardiff
Bournemouth 2 v 2 Southampton
Bury 3 v 1 Darlington
Celtic 2 v 1 West Ham United
Crystal Palace 0 v 4 Reading
Derry City 0 v 0 Tranmere Rovers
Dundee United 2 v 1 Everton
Finn Harps 0 v 2 Grimsby Town
Garforth Town 2 v 6 Sheffield Wednesday
Guiseley 3 v 1 Oldham Athletic
Kettering 0 v 2 Notts County
Motherwell 6 v 1 Livingston
Nuneaton 1 v 0 Northampton Town
Oxford United 0 v 3 Birmingham City
Plymouth Argyle 3 v 1 Charlton
Rhyl 3 v 4 Manchester City
Runcorn 1 v 2 Chester
Southend 1 v 3 Gillingham
Wycombe Wanderers 2 v 2 QPR
Yeovil 1 v 2 Bristol Rovers
