Kenny howler gifts Everton a point

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, seen here in action in February 2007, handed Everton a share of the spoils as his error allowed Mikel Arteta to clinch a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny handed Everton a share of the spoils as his error allowed Mikel Arteta to clinch a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

United were leading through Rob Hulse's first half strike until Kenny spilled a straight-forward catch and brought down Andrew Johnson as he tried to salvage the situation.

Arteta converted the spot-kick with 15 minutes remaining and Neil Warnock's side were left to rue the loss of two points that would have eased their relegation fears significantly.

Everton will be much happier after moving into sixth place to boost their hopes of a UEFA Cup place following a run of just one defeat in their last seven matches.

Kenny should have realised it was not going to be his day when he almost handed Everton the lead in embarrassing fashion after seven minutes.

Phil Neville launched a long throw into the penalty area and Kenny completely misjudged the bounce, allowing the ball to shoot past him, but Derek Geary and Claude Davis were on hand to clear the danger.

Jon Stead had United's first chance when he wriggled into space in the penalty area and curled a low shot goalwards, but Tim Howard was able to save comfortably.

Geary suffered a cut lip after being caught by an arm from Arteta as the match grew increasingly tetchy, but the Spaniard escaped punishment as the incident was not spotted by referee Mike Riley.

Davis came to United's rescue when he cleared off the line again after Australia midfielder Tim Cahill met Gary Naysmith's cross with a header that Kenny was unable to reach.

Egypt international Ahmed Fathi fired wide from long range as United tried to capitalise on that let-off.

Stead tested Howard with a drive that skimmed off the turf before the American managed to smother it.

Everton suffered a blow when Cahill was forced off with a foot injury on the stroke of half-time.

Warnock's side were quick to seize the initiative after half-time and were rewarded with the opening goal in the 52nd minute.

Colin Kazim-Richards drilled a cross into the penalty area and Hulse rose above Joseph Yobo to head past Howard for his eighth goal of the season.

Kenny had given a less-than-convincing display and the Ireland goalkeeper was finally punished when his error helped Everton equalise in the 75th minute.

He spilled a simple catch and Johnson pounced on the loose ball to go around the keeper and past Davis. Kenny's attempt to redeem himself by tackling Johnson was unsuccessful as he only managed to trip the Everton striker.

Johnson has been accused of diving on several occasions but there was no doubt about the decision this time. Arteta took full advantage as he stepped up to drill the penalty off the crossbar and past the hapless Kenny.

Everton could have won it in the closing stages but Kenny produced his one good moment of the day to keep out Arteta's free-kick, and then Leon Osman headed wide from close range.