Former SPFL star becomes first player to score against Everton at their new Hill Dickinson stadium
HISTORY MAKER Former SPFL star becomes first player to score against Everton at their new Hill Dickinson stadium
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A former SPFL star has etched his name into the history books by becoming the first player to score at Everton's new Hill Dickinson stadium.
Ruari Paton opened the scoring in a closed-doors friendly match for Port Vale in their 2-1 defeat against the Premier League outfit in their new home on Tuesday.
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Ruari Paton had an impressive season at Queen's Park
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
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He was loaned to Dundee United last January
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
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Everton's new ground is to officially open next month
Credit: Getty
The former Queen of the South, Queen's Park and Dundee United striker netted after just two minutes, slotting past England international Jordan Pickford.
He almost doubled the lead for the English League One new boys on 20 minutes with a curling effort, after bringing the ball the down and holding off his man, but Pickford saved.
Paton joined Port Vale from Queen's Park last summer for an undisclosed six-figure fee after an impressive year.
He netted 22 goals for the Spiders and was nominated for Scottish Championship team of the season and player of the season.
After struggling for game time at the Vale, he returned to Scotland and joined Dundee United on loan in January.
He made 13 appearances for Jim Goodwin's side but failed to score during his time at Tannadice.
The 24-year-old only played 45 minutes of the friendly against Everton as Darren Moore's side played with two different XIs.
Port Vale's two teams included former SPFL players such as ex-Aberdeen pair Funso Ojo and Jayden Stockley, and there were also minutes for former Motherwell defender Ben Heneghan.
Everton recovered from the early setback to win 2-1, with goals coming from Charly Alcaraz and James Garner.
Next up for David Moyes' side is a trip to the United States to take part in the Premier League Summer Series.
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They'll face Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester United across New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta.
They will then come up against Roma in a friendly ahead of the official opening of their new stadium next month.
The state of the art venue is built at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the River Mersey, with a capacity of just under 53,000.
Liverpool-based law firm Hill Dickinson is the official naming rights partner.
Their old ground Goodison will now become the home of the women's side after plans to demolish the 132-year stadium were scrapped.
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