FA Cup 5th Round Draw

Home tie against probably Bournemouth. It’s a good draw but no complacency allowed. Could this be our year, an
Everton v Chelsea final ?

For those who like a good omen… Last time Scotland retained the Calcutta cup was 1984.

If we get through then all the big guns (including us) in last 8

Decent draw.

But the quarters will be very tough, all favourable draws for the big teams, by the looks, Likely all of City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Spurs will be in the quarter finals.

#1 @Tony,is not yet Uhuru for us, let's just watch and see. The 5th round draw is a going one.
Let's just hit the ground running and win well against Newcastle on Tuesday.

Look at the draw
On paper a PL club through in every game

And it's a Wednesday game?!

Curious draw, keeping the remaining PL clubs largely apart.

Only one definite all PL tie - Saints v Hammers - and one potential one - them v Norwich.

Good draw for us. Cummon Boreham!

Brent 7

How do you know its a Wednesday game, I think we will have to wait till we find which match will ITV feature guess not ours so we could be Sat.

Brian, I think Wednesday is the default day unless live TV dictates otherwise. The FA website has it as Wed 2nd March.

Boreham Wood at Goodison Park. The beauty of the FA Cup.

Brian the “official” date on the FA website is Wednesday 2nd. I suspect they may use the Tuesday or Thursday for TV but it’s definitely going to be midweek

A good draw and a very good chance to progress to the 6th round.

If it’s Boreham Wood it will be on telly I would think. Perhaps they would actually fulfil their full ticket allocation……

Interesting [if you're as sad as me] trivia. While the football club is 2 words, Boreham Wood, the town is one word 'Borehamwood'. Guess who is at No.1 on the town's list of celebrity residents? A certain Dele Alli!

Hopefully Borehamwood then Cardiff

We're IN the 5th Round.

Thanks Frank.
One positive step at a time.

"He's One of US Now
He's One of US Now
Franky Lampard
He's One of Us Now !"

Hope so Frank.

(I DID have these lyrics earmarked for Delle Ali too, but, so delighted after yesterday).

Alexander, another rehash of an oldie but goody.

Lampard had a dream to make our club supreme,
So he used Moshiri's money to build a team of his own.
We play from the back, with Dom in attack.
The School of Science is definitely back.

Stephen, always liked that song and your rehash is even better.

Let's get those Frankie T-shirts in and take a step back to the glorious '80s.

Any takers for "Frankie says Kopites are Gobshites"?

Yes, we have Newcastle on Tuesday; yes, it will be a tough quarter-final, if we get through...

But for now can we all take a look at the previous shitfest, forget about that and the next game until Monday, and bloody enjoy the remainder of the weekend?

Has been a long time coming, make the most of it and enjoy.

I don’t think Liecester is going through. Forest is laying a beating on them.

Does the Fifth round revert to replays if the first game is drawn or is it the sixth round when replays reappear?

Ste Neil. & Bri

Our feelgood IS BACK

Let's enjoy

I'll smilingly sing these songs wearing Brians T-Shirt
Happiness as an Evertonian these recent years is brief and impermanent

Now, selfishly.
I have a longer term project in mind.
An Everton Anthem.
Something that literally stuns opposition into dread, fear and RESPECT.

Presently, I have two favoured options.
One by a Boston-Irish band which is already their football tribute (albeit that pathetic american version of chasing the egg)
The second a haunting brilliant reworking of a lesser known Dylan, from Sons of Anarchy.

One:
Link
Dropkick Murphys "Rose Tattoo"
I'd rebadge as "BLUE TATTOO"
It's Irish Punk Anger appeals to My Royal Blue Toffishness
As do some lyrics
"I SWEAR to God in Heaven I would DIE for You"

Two:
Link
Audra Mae
Personally, the lyrics need only minor minor tinkering.
But
Forever Everton

Nicholas @ 16,

Well I'll go to the foot of our stairs, where you could knock me over with a feather. Many such strange omens are cropping up! I know Dele is not available (Cup Tied) but Do-De-Do-De-Do-De, we are now entering the Twilight Zone!

About time if you ask me? :-)

If we progress the “big” clubs usually put out weaker teams for the QF as they’re focused on CL and the title. But after Wigan and Boro in years gone by I’m not gonna look past the next game as it will be difficult

Alexander #25, amen. I have always believed this club needs better music. If your campaign can give us something good, I'm right behind ya.

Nothing beats "We Shall Not Be Moved" belting out from the fans at Goodison.

Up there with "We're on the March with Frankie's Army"!

Barry # 24. As far as I can see, there are no replays at all in this seasons FA Cup. All games to be decided on the day.

Thanks Rob @31, that makes sense, with so many postponed league games still to be arranged.

Mike G @29

Here's a song for You Our Royal Blue American Brother.
Born a Blue

Mike Badger is a Local legend, Evertonian, Artist and Musician. Founder of Scouse Indie Cult Band, The La's.

Featuring Danny Roberts: Vocal/ Guitar, Mike Badger: Vocal/ Guitar, Anthony Foley: Bass, Sean Payne: Drums, Matt Dean: Back Vocal

This used to be played at half time.
It must be restored again.

Should Boreham Wood get through this, which I doubt they will, but when was the last time we played a non-league side in the cup? I'm thinking it was Woking in the '90s.

We were drawn away but the game was changed to Goodison so a larger crowd could see the game. We nearly made a right pig's ear of that one, scraping through with a 1-0 win. Didn't Sheedy score the winner?

Rob, my memory says it was Keown playing makeshift centre-forward, at the Gwladys Street End, but I could be wrong. If it wasn't Keown, I definitely remember him playing up front!

Rob, looked it up. You were right, Sheedy it was. Other non-league teams I remember we've played against: Kings Lynn, Bedford and Altrincham.

Boreham Wood lead.

Boreham just scored, but early days yet. I would rather we played them, not because of anything else, but it gives struggling clubs a massive boost, getting through, especially if televised!

Come on, Boreham! Don't bore us! :-)

I had forgotten about Woking but did remember us playing Telford at Goodison (3-0) and they tried to kick us off the park.

Thinking of the Altrincham game, John Connolly saved us with a late equaliser at Goodison. One of my sports teachers at School played for Altrincham that day (can't remember his name - I think his surname was Smith). He was an Evertonian strangely enough and gave a mate and me a lift to the League Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford in 1977.

For those wondering, we won the replay 2-0 which was played at Old Trafford to help Altrincham make the most of it money wise.

Altrincham was my first game, Neil, wasn't it 1975? We went to Wembley in March 1977, I know because I got sacked from Scott's for going.

Phil.

Fulham beat us at Goodison in 75 after us going all the way to Plymouth (still hurts) so I think it was 1974.

Phil, yes it was, I should have been a bit clearer in my post.

I think the teacher's name was Graham Smith btw.

Neil (39), that Altrincham game was the first game my son, Tony, went to, I think Dave Clemence scored the equaliser with a penalty, unfortunately John Connolly was carried off with a broken leg just before half time.

Dave @43

Like you, I was at the game but can't remember too much about the game. I think they had a guy playing called Tony Swindells who, although getting, on played well.

I just wish I had your memory, Dave, sometimes I can't even remember who scored for us in games this season.

One-nil to Boreham Wood.

20-odd minutes left.

Everton v Boreham Wood. Oh I hope so!

See you all there!!!

Dave, thanks for the correction, my recollection is not good sometimes. Having said that I've remembered the teacher's name – Phil Smith

Wasn't Gary Jones sent off for punching an opponent?

Neil 47, Graham Smith worked for Everton as a youth coach in the late 70 s early 80s, he was a sports teacher when I was at Anny Comp.

Jeff, it was Phil Smith that I was thinking of. But, now that you mention it, we had a sports teacher called Graham Smith during my last year (5th) at Quarry Bank in 1976-77. He was very good as I remember. Perhaps he moved on to Anfield Comp from Quarry? Or, the other way around?

So! We've got this year's romance tie in the 5th Round. Almost certain to be on TV.

It should be a walkover but these are the massive, massive banana skins. Every man, woman and dog will be hoping we slip up.

Jay (8) Boreham Wood. Wasn't that your nickname at school?

Boreham Wood it is. A potential banana skin.

A night under the lights for Boreham Wood at Goodison Park. A fairy tale for them. Cannot wait. We'll done Boreham Wood.

Dele, mixed emotions for you that night? Ha ha!

Will that be our third non-league opponent?

Altrincham 1974
Telford 1985

I was at both of those. 48 years ago against Alty.

It’ll be the same guy Neil, fair hair, 5,9” ish always had time for the sporty kids, especially the Evertonians.

Brian (44),

Being honest, my long-term memory is a lot better than the more recent memories and I have to really concentrate on this season's games, but they are mostly better forgotten anyway!!

Neil (47),

Yes, Gary Jones was sent off for punching an opponent in that game, beaut of a punch as well, right on the jaw.

“He could have been a contender”, Gary, but picked the wrong sport.

Rob Halligan - Tamworth 2012; 3rd Round at Goodison.

Simon 51,😂😂, it still is to some on here.

Neil, think it was against Altringham in the cup in 1975 they drew with us at Goodison and changed the venue of the replay to Old Trafford.

A salutary lesson in view of the result at Bournemouth.

One of the Boreham Wood players has just put on an Everton shirt with Hibbert, #2 on it...

It's a pity it's a midweek fixture for the travelling Boreham fans, however, it's not a given that Everton will progress even if they should do, so we'll need our fans to be as up for the tie as their fans are going to be.

I just wonder what stupid o'clock kick-off times the TV companies will come up with for these 5th Round ties.

Supposedly we're playing at Anfield on 23 April which is also the weekend of the FA Cup, semifinals. I don't want to get ahead of myself but I hope we are playing those bastards at Wembley instead.

Just watched Boreham Wood beat Bournemouth.

Will they bring more fans than Brentford managed yesterday?

Average home attendance 900 apparently!

I was at the Telford match. A bunch of thugs, built like rugby players and dirty bastards.

I hope Boreham Wood don't take that approach. The game has changed now and they would get sent off these days. We don't need the injuries.

Treat them with respect and we should win 4-0 to disappoint the rest of the nation.

Tony,

I'd be happier if we were playing Norwich at Wembley! Can't count our chickens though, we have to beat Boreham Wood in the next round and another team before we can think of Wembley.

Woking '91 was the last non-league game. We scraped through with a 1-0 win

Gerry @60,
ITV4 coverage said one of their players is an Evertonian. Smith, I think.

Yes I remember Telford had a scouser called Ken McKenna who had goals in him, he could put his foot in too, and did.

Kristian- Tamworth 2012

Did I see one of their players running around at the end with a Tony Hibbert shirt?

Or am I going mad?

We'll have Forest in the final.

Stephen 59, yes I wasn't very clear with the dates in my original post, thanks anyway.

Jeff 55, that's him! I never realised he was an Evertonian, he was good to me though, I was never particularly blessed technically but always gave 110% and he seemed to really respect and appreciate that.

He ran our third eleven that season and although all our games were only “friendlies” we went unbeaten having played around 12 games with some of them against other schools first eleven. The team we had consisted of lads that just wanted to play but not considered good enough for the first or second elevens.

Mike @70 yes, mentioned on ITV4, one of their players is an Everton fan.

Hibbo shirt on back-to-front!

I feel more confident in cup runs with Frank rather than Moyes, they were lucky yesterday.

2 March, 7:45pm kickoff.

I don't think I've ever seen a game put on the fixture list so quick before!

I attended a Boreham Wood game in November 2019. They beat Maidenhead 2-1 in the National League. They looked a decent team then but the chairman, Andy Hunter, was complaining in his programme notes about the home attendances not reaching 750, which was their break-even figure.

They had the lowest home gates of any club at that level although he paid tribute to the band of regular away supporters numbering 30 to 40. It will be interesting to see how many jump on the bandwagon for a day out at Goodison.

Another non-league team we have played at Goodison was Kings Lynn in the third round in 1962. We won 4-0 with Bobby Collins and Roy Vernon among the goals.

Paul #54, well, I must be an old codger because I also remember Kings Lynn 4-0 (H) and Bedford 3-0 (A)

Jeff #68.

In the interest of geographical accuracy, and not upsetting Dave Abrahams: Kenny McKenna's not a Scouser he's from Birkenhead.

Telford didhave a Scouser playing for them, though, but that was Davy Mather, who'd also played for the Blue Union.

I had the pleasure of playing with him in a tournament in the Isle of Man, which the Blue Union won. Worked with him too for a year or so. He was a good lad and a good player too, as is Kenny.

The Evertonian in the Boreham Wood team is Kane Smith who was man of the match when I saw them play.

Tony @74 7:45 on 2nd March is shown in red so not yet confirmed. Bound to be on TV though.

Bournemouth were poor and Boreham Wood rode their luck after a bright start. This one cannot be a banana skin, surely?

I'm already dreaming of Huddersfield/Forest in the quarter-final.

John #78, the Goodison crowd should give him a nice round of applause when he's introduced on March 2. That was a nice tribute.

Great achievement for Boreham Wood FC, a stone's throw away from me. I worked in Borehamwood years ago and worked with locals in the area at the time, regularly attending home games. I'm sure those and many more from the town will make the deserved journey up.

Nice day/evening out and a few quid in the coffers.

Good, uplifting story about their man, Adrian Clifton, who got himself in a mess and changed his life when in prison, after meeting Ian Wright for a documentary a while back.

This is real stuff.

Their full back is buzzing, loved his celebration at the end of the game with Hibbo's shirt!.

Best team for these, eh, Frank... they ain't conceded a cup goal yet!

Well done to Boreham Wood,a great effort... but hopefully it ends at the Old Lady!

Yeh Allen, it also gives the same time and date for Liverpool's game against Norwich, and with Everton not having a game until the following Monday at Spurs, maybe the Liverpool game might be moved forward, even though they are playing Chelsea at Wembley two days before?

The Champions League is starting again soon, and that's when these teams sometimes have big decisions to make about what competition they're going to prioritise, but it's gotta be the FA Cup for Everton, I hope.

Showing my age. A girl I knew was from that part of the world. Near Elstree studios. Films involving the sea were all filmed "in a tank at Borehamwood".

Ed @80, from the way Forest played, no thanks. Liverpool first. And see if they play their kids.

Boreham Wood player, Kane Smith, celebrated their win today against Bournemouth by wearing a Tony Hibbert Everton shirt. Smith is a massive Evertonian and goes to matches often.

Big anniversary for me today. I emigrated from England to the USA on 6 February 1982. I could not have imagined that I would watch FA Cup games on TV.

I could only get football results by listening to the BBC World Service on a short-wave radio. I was forced to take an interest in ice hockey and American football for many years. How things have changed.

Ed. I lived in New York in the 80s. I used to have to take the fire escape up to the roof of my building to pick up the signal for the BBC World Service to get the final scores; then wait for my mate, Jimmy Burns, to send me the pink Echo to read the match report. Those were the days.

Gerry,

I strung up a wire antenna (aerial) across the living room at a right angle to the direction to England. The 1985 FA Cup Final was nerve-wracking late in the second half as we hung on to that one-goal lead and the radio signal was fading in and out.

Brian (77), I think I might be getting mixed up but I have it in my head that Telford were managed by Johnny King, he owned a scaffolding firm in Liverpool, and there were two or three Scousers in the Telford team, they had a few “dirty bastards” in the side and were not slow to hand it out, playing football was the last thing on their minds that day.

Most probably wrong about Johnny King being the manager and having Scousers in the side but definitely right about the way they played on the day.

Brian @77, regarding geographical accuracy, I've always thought it funny that Birkenhead is a lot closer to say Liverpool Town Hall, The Pier Head etc, than places like Bootle, Fazakerley, Garston Speke, West Derby etc. All considered to be bastions of scousers.

What are folk from Birkenhead called? I've always called them Birkenheadtheballs, but what is their true race?

I've always called the Wirral lads 'plastic scousers'!

Jeff #93.

A good point, mate, but woe betide anyone from Birkenhead (or the Wirral where Mr Abrahams holidays) who claims to be a Scouser, not that we would.

I've been called many things over the years, even by fellow Blues, including Wool, Woollyback, Plazzy Scouser and others I can't print.

Our true race? An interesting and totally true story of course.

We colonised the Wirral first, coming from God knows where and lived quietly for some time. Then there was a spate of wheels going missing from our horse-drawn carts. The culprits were caught and basically banished across the river.

And that's the honest truth!! Honest.

Brian # 77 & Jeff # 93 - facts about me😉

Born in Birkenhead
Went to Laird Street school
Evertonian
Could head a ball when I was younger.

Does this remind you of anyone? Just asking like.

Dave #92.

Not sure about Johnny King, mate, but Davy Mather was a Scouser. I worked with him at Vauxhalls for a year. A cracking lad and a great striker. He played for the Blue Union from Garston before "hitting the bigtime."

Kenny McKenna was from Birkenhead, an Evertonian, who was a good player too. They did hand it out and the game became a bit "feisty" because of it.

Shame really as I hoped they'd enjoy the day and play the game. Few too many kopites in their team for that though.

Now that's opened a can of worms!

I'm a huge promoter of the Greater Liverpool Region and inclusiveness in all things Scouse-ness.

Bootle, Litherland, Crosby (Sefton). Halewood, Huyton, Kirkby (Knowsley). All Liverpool and part of the Scouse family to me.

Birkenhead. Up for discussion. There's a natural water boundary. A bit like the misconception that Gateshead is part of Newcastle. But they're part of the Geordie nation, so why not Birkenhead?

One nation!!!

Laurie #96,

Sounds a bit like my dad's old mate (William) Bill, though he never used his first name. ;-)

Hey Danny. I love you mate but no discussion thanks very much!

Don't be trying to integrate us. We'll just keep the passport regulations in place necessary for crossing the great divide, thank you very much. :-))

Brian # 99 - you have got it.

Laurie, did you set a goal-scoring record?!

Brent # 102 - yes & no😉

John # 94 - you wouldn’t have said that if you had been at the battle of Ilchester Square when it rained milk bottles.

Laurie. My Aunty Kate and Uncle Tony lived in Illy Square.

I remember the first time I visited them on my own and got stopped at the entrance and grilled. Luckily my credentials held up and I not only survived but was escorted to my aunty's door.

Good as gold after that and played many a game of footy among the glass and debris that was often there. :-)

Dave #92,

Telford's manager was Stan Storeton, proud Yorkshire man who played at Tranmere for many years.

He ended up cleaning my windows for many years. Always good for a story and was not very complimentary about the response that their rugged performance got from the Everton hierarchy!

The Great Man insisted he was a "wacker"

Brian @ 21. If we end up playing them at Wembley, the club should issue one with every ticket.

Indeed he did, Phil. A term I've only ever come across in old Andy Capp comic strips!

John @94,

The term 'plastic' infers that someone wants to be something they're not. Have you considered that Wirral people have their own identity and have never called themselves scousers?

As a youngster, I was led to believe that scousers were those from the Scottie Rd area only, like the Bow Bells cockneys... anyone else heard that?

Laurie #96, are you 115 years old? Nickname rhymes with Pixie? and have one bollock?😂😂

Pete (105), thanks for that. I don't know how Johnny King comes into my head over that game.

As for Birkenhead, I worked in Cammel Lairds for about 6 months when The Windsor Castle was getting built... the most depressing place I ever worked in – I hated every day I worked there, except for the dinner-hour football kick about.

Some good footballers there, Scousers and lads from the “One Eyed City” aka Birkenhead. Being honest, I never knew any real difference between the two of us, although there is always a difference.... look at Laurie Hartley. I've never met him, but know he is an absolute gentleman... and then there is Brian Williams!!

Shit! I just checked my work diary and I have to be in the East Midlands for 2 days at the start of March.

I hope this game is played on the Tuesday. I won't get home till midnight and then a 6 am start. But that's okay. If it's Wednesday, I've no chance as I'm already booked in.

Do you think the TV companies and FA would listen to my case? Oh well. I'll be there in spirit at least.

Mr Abrahams! I can be hurt you know!!!

Brian, (113), alright Brian seen as you called me Mr. Abrahams, I have to say you’re not all bad!!

Just mostly! I'll settle for that mate.

I'm sure Adam Eaton played for Telford that day. He went to St Teresas in Norris Green. Telford and Altrincham both thuggish teams. The player who broke Connolly's leg, was a teacher in Liverpool and received threats for what he did. Jones got fed up with getting no protection from the ref and decked one of them!! Woking were much more mundane. Borehamwood look hard as nails to me and haven't let a goal in during this cup run. Should make interesting viewing.

Shropshire Star: Flashback – February 17

Eaton is the guy immediately below the goalie in 2nd photo,

Found these match reports. It wasn't for the feint hearted back then. The only people this lot didn't kick was us lot in the crowd. Reports from the Echo.

1975 FA Cup 3rd round Everton FC 1 Altrincham 1 Replay Altrincham 0 Everton FC 2

“IT’S wet and windy with a deep depression over Bellefield,” joked Billy Bingham with press-men on the eve of Everton’s third round tie in 1975.

He was referring to Everton’s injury list. But barely 24 hours later he might have been referring to Everton’s FA Cup fortunes.

Against Northern Premier League Altrincham, Everton came as close as they ever had to suffering the shame of being knocked out by a non-league side. It was almost the shock of the season. Everton went into the third round tie one point off the top of the table – but after a superb autumn, Billy Bingham’s Blues had wobbled as Christmas approached. To add to the inconsistent form, Bingham revealed an injury list on the Friday – which would worsen the next day. “Steve Seargeant is out,” he revealed. “Martin Dobson will not play, John Hurst is not fit and Mick Buckley cannot be risked.”

As a result Ken McNaught made his Blues debut – and hit the crossbar within 10 minutes – while Gary Jones hit the post 10 minutes later. But a nine minute spell threatened to wreck Everton’s season. Saturday’s Daily Post had warned: “30-goal John Can Be A Danger” – and John Hughes did, as Horace Yates had warned: “slip one past them.”

Perhaps shaken by the goal, winger Gary Jones then lost his composure, swung a right hook at Morris – which connected – and was sent off, then a minute before half-time a “vicious looking tackle by Davison” left John Connolly with a leg broken in two places and he was stretchered out of Everton’s season.

“The Everton and Altrincham players looked at each other threateningly,” reported Ken Lawrence “and the match never recovered.”

Everton’s 10-men equalised 20 minutes from time, skipper Dave Clements hammering a shot into the roof of the net after Dave Irving had been tripped. With a full complement of 11 players for the replay, staged at Old Trafford, Everton won comfortably with goals by Lyons and Latchford.

But Altrincham did get their top flight scalp 11 years later, when Birmingham City were dispatched in the third round. For an hour at Goodison Park one wintry afternoon in 1975 it was very nearly Everton.

1985 FA Cup 5th round Everton FC 3 Telford 0

TELFORD United made life ‘tough’ for Everton in the spring of 1985, literally.

The sight of six players queuing for treatment at Bellefield on Monday as Everton chased a trophy treble spoke volumes.

The sight of Graeme Sharp being carried off on physio John Clinkard’s back with a blanket wrapped round him (the 80s was no place for the niceties of golf buggies or stretchers) was a symbolic image of an afternoon when Telford accepted that they couldn’t outplay Howard Kendall’s talented young side, so tried to outmuscle them.

The Daily Post’s Ian Ross had no doubt who was to blame. “By showing a basic lack of respect for the rules, referee Mr Trevor Spencer allowed Stan Storton’s over zealous tough guys to dictate the pattern of play,” he reported. “They were never going to win, and they knew it, but my goodness how they managed to soil Everton’s eventual triumph.

“It is to Everton’s immense credit they refused to be intimidated by tackles which would be frowned upon in Sunday football circles and ultimately bury the minnows beneath an avalanche of class.”

Only 23 minutes remained when Peter Reid deftly flicked Gary Stevens’ ferocious drive past Charlton. Kevin Sheedy then buried a penalty and Trevor Steven added a third from the edge of the box.

But an injury list which included Sharp (two week lay-off with damaged ankle ligaments), Peter Reid (damaged achilles and bruised foot), Derek Mountfield (bruised back), Andy Gray (sight ankle injury), Paul Bracewell (knee) and Gary Stevens (ankle and knee injuries) left a sour taste.

Gerry #90,

I moved to the prairies of Saskatchewan in Canada in 1976, there was never any football on TV or scores in the paper.

I started off by phoning home but that started to get expensive. Next, like you, I hooked up to the BBC radio, but to get a good reception, I went in a farmer's storage shed that was made of metal, heating supplied by a fire in an old empty oil barrel in temperatures that got down to –30F.

Came back home in 1978 for a visit and ordered delivery of the pink Echo for a year, problem was it was only delivered with 4/5 copies once a month.

First TV coverage in Canada was about 1994-95 and the only time you got to see Everton was if they were playing Man Utd, who were on every week.

Hate to think how much I have paid to go back to Liverpool always in the season. As you say, those were the days.

Bingham was perhaps our most pragmatic manager ever, made Benitez look positively attack-minded. Had he had an ounce of ambition, we would have won the league comfortably. Losing twice to relegated Carlisle and conceding 6 goals in the process cost us the title.

The difference between the home game and the Old Trafford replay was Martin Dobson, who missed the first game but played in the replay. The Altringham cloggers couldn't get near him.

1984, the year of the Rat, Ratters lifts the FA Cup, oh those omens we clutch at.

As this year is the Tiger, could Lampard put the Grrrrrrreat back into Everton? Could Tony the tiger Hibbert make a guest appearance, and present the Boreham Wood player, with a Signed Hibbert shirt? Or am I just fishing?

Could we revisit 1984 with the Frankie T-shirts? Oh how we clutch at fate and omens.

When you spend time around Derek Knox, it rubs off on you, the little funny puns.

Telford were brutal that year but we stood up to.

Frankie Goes to Wembley. Frankie say Win the Cup.

Brian #120, perhaps we should get Tiger Mcloughlin back until the end of the season.

Jeff # 110 – your questions require 2 sets of answers:

A) Yes, yes and yes.
B) No, no, and no – well at least the last time I checked...

Dave – I have been called a lot of things over the years, but no-one has ever called me that!

Laurie (123), just between us two, you'er the only fella from Birkenhead that has ever been called that!!

Just between you and me, Dave, I am not surprised.

Back on topic – Maybe Danny has got it right about the FA Cup. I think there are plenty of goals in this squad if we keep playing on the front foot, as seems to be our new managers preferred option.

According to the font of all knowlege 'The Bobble' he suggests that the game is provisionally scheduled for Thursday 3rd March with a kick-off time of 8:15pm to be shown live on ITV. Not sure why it would be provisional but that's what Bobble reported.

Barry @126 that might be a good guess from Bobble and it would suit us as we don't play till Monday night. The reason it's provisional is because Klopp hasn't give it the ok yet.

Just seen on the O.S., Boreham Wood only taking the Lower Visitors section which is a shame They surely would have brought many more fans for a daytime game..Confirmed as 1,740 by Boreham Wood

Details in the link below from OS about the 5th round tie, still no date or kick-off time confirmed. Good news for Bullens Road ST holders they won't be moved for this tie as Boreham Wood have taken the lower end of their allocation.

Boreham Wood Tickets

Allan # 128. Boreham Woods average attendance is around 900, so they are bringing twice as many as their average. Like you though, I thought they would have at least asked for the entire away section, which is about 2700.

Barry, 129, I've just bought my ticket and the details show the game as 3rd Match with an 8.15pm kick off.

Rob # 130 ] Of topic I know, but have you met your "Deepthroat" source in Calderstones Park recently as we could do with an update from someone ITK?
(Of course I appreciate you may still be recovering from the stair-climbing exercise at Newcastle and giving walking a miss)

Sorry Mike, not yet. Could be there this Sunday or Monday as there is no midweek game for us next week.

Rob @130 you say you've bought your ticket ? They don't go on sale till 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Allen, I went into My Account just now and bought my ticket for the FA Cup game.

The Auto Cup scheme allows you to buy a ticket now, otherwise it’s from 10am tomorrow.

Thanks Rob and Brent, I was logged in to my account but had to log out and in again to be able to buy a ticket. I'm baffled how this could be done when the OS clearly states tomorrow. Everton that !!

Neil, I'm not in the Autocup... as far as I know!

Allen, puts that one to bed then! The site won’t let me buy a ticket yet no matter what I try which is why I assumed it must be the Auto Cup scheme. Oh well, have to wait until tomorrow.

Allen, the plot thickens! I, too, haven't enrolled in the Autocup scheme. Unless, when I clicked on the link today, giving me the chance to buy a Boreham Wood ticket, I unwittingly enrolled myself in that Autocup scheme!

Blame Halligan!

Brent, for the Brentford game, there was no autocup scheme, but you could enrol once you had purchased your ticket.

I thought I had, yet when I went into my account my ticket showed as “Reserved” but let me purchase it straight away.

All my card details were held except the security code on the back which I had to input again. Don't know what happened then cos I just assumed my account would be debited.

Rob, my other concern is that I selected "print your ticket" but on checking the purchase it showed as "loaded to season ticket"!

I hope I don't get to the game and find my season ticket isn't loaded. I think a few have had that problem this season?

Club told me a couple of weeks ago that there is no auto cup scheme this season. I'd assumed I was in it as I usually join it on renewing my season ticket. Had to buy my Brentford ticket from the office, no online option.

I was told there were hundreds in the same position. Likewise I can't buy an FA Cup ticket yet, see how it is tomorrow but wouldn't be surprised that, as with Brentford, I can't buy one online. All a bit of a shambles really.

Seems to be a lot of confusion about autocup / No autocup scheme, when you can buy etc. This is the link to the ticket news on the official website

https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2478883/everton-v-boreham-wood-ticket-news

Brent, are you sure you clicked print ticket? Can only assume you never as doesn’t it automatically default to upload onto season card before you can change it?

Rob, pretty sure I clicked on print ticket. From memory there were 4 options and the second was Print Ticket. Am I going mad?

Don't!

Forgetting about the auto cup (which used to be a simple case of joining at season ticket renewal) the biggest cock up is hundreds of season ticket holders not being able to pay for their seat for the Brentford game. Simply no option to do this online. Let’s see tomorrow if Boreham Wood is the same.

I'm sure I'm not in the Autocup. I don't see the point as STH's get a window anyway. And Brent @ 141 I had no problem with my ST for Brentford but I did print and took with me the email confirmation just in case.

Are you sure you aren't Autocup tied Allen?

Dale I've told the club I'm available as a DM, subject to a late fitness check. Will be in the Dark House at 7pm.

Brent, just for you!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6hY_50Dh0

Take your shinpads Allen.

Thank you, Rob. You're a gent!

Had loads of hassle in the past. Just paid for a ticket in the Park End on my membership and printed it.

8.15 KO, Could still be in Goodison after 11p.m after extra time and pens!

We could do with at least 5 more points in the league before this match.

Joe, correct, I think our form and points total could have a bearing on this game, points on the board, relaxed and a decent win.

Still on 19 points, there for the taking.

Evening kick-off. This could mean divorce...

Danny #156.

Come on Danny, nobody's that lucky!

From an email rec'd just now, proof that (a) there is an auto cup scheme this season and (b) I am not in it.

"As you are not opted into the 21/22 AutoCup scheme, you will need to purchase a Boreham Wood ticket to guarantee your seat."

I managed to buy a ticket last night, after a struggle with the website!