Everton overcame the determined challenge of Plymouth to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Goals from Leon Osman and James McFadden looked to have all but put the Premiership club in the hat for Monday's fourth-round draw by half-time.

But, after Bjarni Gudjonsson pulled a goal back before the interval, the battling hosts threw everything at the visitors.

It needed substitute Nick Chadwick to calm Everton's nerves with a third goal in the dying minutes.

Plymouth had Graham Coughlan back after a three-match ban, while Gudjonsson also returned after injury to face Premiership Everton.

Lee Hodges played in attack following Steve Crawford's transfer to Dundee United.

Crawford's replacement, former Tranmere striker Scott Taylor, was cup-tied following his move from Blackpool and missed out.

Despite doubts about his match fitness, £6million striker James Beattie made his Everton debut in this third-round tie at Home Park after joining from Southampton this week.

Everton boss David Moyes made four changes from the side which beat Portsmouth in midweek, with Thomas Gravesen and Tim Cahill rested to the bench and Tony Hibbert and Kevin Campbell left out.

In came Alessandro Pistone, Kevin Kilbane, Marcus Bent and Beattie.

Teams

Plymouth Larrieu, Connolly, Doumbe, Coughlan, Gilbert, Capaldi, Hodges (Keith 84), Wotton, Friio, Gudjonsson, Evans.

Subs Not Used: Norris, Lasley, Adams, McCormick.

Booked: Connolly.

Goals: Gudjonsson 34.

Everton Wright, Pistone, Yobo, Stubbs, Naysmith, Carsley, Osman, Kilbane, McFadden (Chadwick 79), Beattie (Cahill 71), Bent (Gravesen 79).

Subs Not Used: Weir, Turner.

Booked: Beattie.

Goals: Osman 16, McFadden 18, Chadwick 84.

Att: 20,112

Ref: M Messias (S Yorkshire).