Match Preview

After throwing away 2 points at home against Newcastle, we went one better and tossed 3 away at the Riverside last Sunday, so hardly ideal preparation for the annual banana-skin...  Without the inept initial 45 mins (well actually 40 - we dominated for 5 mins right up to them scoring!) we would have walked away with 3 points and kick started our season.

Instead we are left to do that in the Carling Cup (the League Cup's latest disguise) at home against Stockport.  Due to the sacking of Carlton Palmer last week � did Royle really try to sign him? � Kevin Richardson arrives in joint charge.

The last time Stockport came to Goodison in '96 they very nearly embarrassed us in a 2-2 draw.  Back at theirs a last minute thunderbolt from John Ebbrell (!!) saw us scrape through 3-2.

Then their front-line was led by Alun Armstrong who went on to get a big move to Middlesbrough, their hot shot this time around, Luke Bennett, is out injured.

There's not really much else to say.  Moyes suggested that he would have given Osman a chance but a possible fractured rib has put paid to that, but we should see McFadden granted his first start given that Kevin Kilbane is cup-tied.  Duncan Ferguson is strongly rumored to be in the starting line-up, and Chadwick's form for the reserves may see him given an opportunity later in the game.  At the back Weir must surely be given a game.

Even with a few people rested we should have far too much for Stockport but then we should have had far too much for Shrewsbury last year, and a myriad others the years before that, so a certain degree of nervousness will undoubtedly exist.

An early goal would help but surely we can't embarrass ourselves again... can we?

Blue4Ever

Lee Doyle

Report

Stockport started quite brightly and their No. 19 (Welsh?) was giving Hibbert plenty to do.  Early touches from McFadden looked very promising as he pushed down the left wing, while in the middle, Gravesen was showboating a bit but he was effectively running the show, so who's to argue?

You have to judge the performances with reference to the calibre of the opposition but the back four were playing very well.  Pistone was commanding; Yobo was ice cool compared to his recent performances; and Weir was posing the question, "Why haven't I been playing recently?"

Hibbert was pushing forward well and in the 17th minute Everton got their first of umpteen corners but it went straight to their goalie.  Five minutes later, Gravesen gave us our first shot on goal.  Two or three minutes later and Hibbert was brought down in the box.  Dunc stepped forward to smash the penalty home.  1 - 0

The next few minutes showed Everton stepping up a gear.  Chadwick started to lose his early nerves and was working hard, getting into the box but getting no luck.  McFadden was really coming in to his own down the left wing.  Weir came close with a powerful header from a Gravesen corner and Chadwick just failed to convert a flicked on header from Steve Watson.  The first 45 minutes had elapsed when Gravesen threaded a delicate pass through to Chadwick who forced it home from close range.  2-0 as they trooped off at half-time.

Half-time reflections included some furrowed brows about the enigma wrapped within a puzzle that is Sandro Pistone.  Apart from one careless backpass which put Martyn under needless pressure, he was superb.  I was pleased for Chadwick who had been working hard with little result before his goal but I fear that he still has a lot to do before he persuades Davey Moyes that he's worth a regular starting place.

No change as they emerged from the tunnel and within a couple of minutes, Chadwick had a good chance to make it 3-0 as he blazed a shot over the bar from the edge of the area.  A couple of minutes later, Yobo had a deft flick tipped over from a Gravesen corner. 

Duncan seemed to be striking up a good relationship with McFadden (Scottish Mafia at work?) and was constantly feeding the lad with intelligent flicks and nod-downs.  There was also the remarkable sight of Dunc running a good 60 yards to chase a ball, the like of which I thought I'd long seen the last of from our talisman.  He's certainly looking fitter and happier these days and was playing like a seasoned pro.

An inspired run by McFadden saw him go past three or four County players, showing great resilience to keep his balance under challenge, before cutting it back past the despairing hands of Stockport's keeper for Ferguson to smash it home. Duncan wheeled round to start his celebratory run before checking and turning back to congratulate the youngster.  Nice touch, I thought.

A quarter of an hour into the second half, one Stuart Barlow came on for County.  Jigsaw got a good reception before he soured it somewhat in a spat with Gravesen.  A few minutes later, Gravesen, Yobo and Hibbo went off to be replaced by Rooney, Clarke and Unsworth.

Rooney was obviously under orders to sit deep behind the front two, a la Liechtenstein.  I got the impression that he was relishing the opportunity to develop this role and was not averse to defending against corners etc when required.  He was playing quite well but to be honest, McFadden was the star of the show with Duncan Ferguson orchestrating many of the moves. 

As we moved towards full-time, Stockport had a few attempts on goal and a couple of corners but they were mostly dealt with by our lads with ease.  When the final whistle blew, we saw Wayne graciously obliging Stuart Barlow with a shirt swap.  Duncan was first off the pitch, you'll be interested to know, but for once you didn't get the impression that this was because he was in a huff.

So overall marks:

• Martyn - 5, did everything he was asked to but needs time to establish a proper rapport with his defenders
• Pistone - 8, looked comfortable on the ball and was a regular provider down the right
• Yobo - 7, showed none of the indecision that has marred his recent performances and was unlucky not to net early in the first half
• Weir - 6, played well and should be preferred to Stubbs against Leeds
• Hibbert - 5, not at his best and got caught out a couple of times
• Watson - 6 industrious throughout and had a couple of good chances on goal
• Gravesen - 8, the classic alpha male tends to sulk if he's ignored but fair dos, he was at the heart of most things positive tonight.
• Carsley - 6, covered every inch of the pitch but remains a squad player at best.
• McFadden - 9, I dont think many people present tonight would contest that he was man of the match. Showed skill, composure and great energy
• Ferguson - 7, very pleasing return to form and I think he should stay in the team for the weekend
• Chadwick - 6, gets into the right positions but doesnt convert enough of his chances for me. Subs:
• Clarke - 6, thinks about his game but still needs work to become the finished article
• Unsworth and Rooney - both rate a 6 for competent but unremarkable contributions

John Kane