But it wasn't a pretty performance as two teams with entirely different reasons to fight for victory took part in one of the dullest 45 minutes of football ever seen.
Training matches have more passion and commitment than the dirge that was the first half.
With Europe on the horizon for Everton and relegation looming for the Hammers both sets of fans were expecting a blood and guts battle but what they got was a dreadful encounter that sucked the life out of the normally raucous Goodison crowd.
Things started brightly with a goalbound effort in the second minute. Thomas Gravesen launched a neat curling cross into the West Ham box and Tomasz Radzinski rose to head towards goal but David James handled the shot easily.
But that was it as far as entertainment until after the break when a different Everton side took to the pitch.
They were brighter and more determined and their sharpness woke West Ham from their slumber.
David Moyes made three substitutions on 55 minutes with Wayne Rooney, Kevin Campbell and Li Tie all coming on and making an immediate impact.
And it was Campbell who helped fashion the Toffees' first chance of the half.
He knocked the ball down to Radzinski who ran with the ball before firing in a shot which failed to beat James.
Then Thomas Gravesen played in Steve Watson who showed good control managing to beat the defender and give himself a golden opportunity to put his side ahead.
But his follow up shot wasn't up to the task and feebly drifted wide.
When West Ham woke up it was Jermain Defoe and Trevor Sinclair impressing the most. Sinclair played in a fine throughball for Les Ferdinand who - clear in the box - had the ball plucked from his feet by Richard Wright.
But neither side could break the deadlock and it was a game where the defence came out on top.
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