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Leon Osman’s goal on the stroke of half time secured victory for Premier League Everton and sent them into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Osman sent a half-volley into the top corner of the net off the crossbar from 18-yards out after Paul Morgan had headed clear Mikel Arteta’s free-kick.

Earlier Nat Brown headed over from close range in what was Macclesfield best chance of the game.

In injury time Everton’s Tim Howard pulled off a fine save from Simon Yeo.

Victor Anichebe, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka also went close for Everton in an entertaining second half.

Late on Macclesfield had a penalty appeal turned down when substitute Danny Thomas went to ground following a challenge from Tony Hibbert.