FA Cup 4rd Round.                     Sat. 27th Jan 2002

Attn: 35,851(should have been JOE-MAX)

Everton: Simonsen, Hibbert, Naysmith, Weir, Unsworth, Stubbs, Alexandersson, Gascoigne, Gemmill, Campbell, Ferguson.

Bench: Gerrard, Tal, Moore, Clarke, Chadwick.

Subs: Alexandersson (Moore 45),Naysmith (Tal 84)

Scorerers: (og), Ferguson, Campbell (2)

I never had enough time to have my usual St Ivel (5 pints) plus snifters. I had to get a good spec, I took my darling wife and two lovely daughters with me. I was in the upper Gwladys for the first time in years. And what a spec it was, 2nd row right behind the goal.

It was an unchanged team and bench. When was the last time that happened? The toffees got off to a decent start and were on top for the opening stages. We went one up after 10 minutes when Tony Hibbert found himself clear on the right. He threw a wicked cross over into the danger area, McGhee the centre-half tried to head it clear, but headed it into the back of his own net like a bullet.

Scot had Everton's next shot two minutes later from just outside the box, but was well saved by the keeper.

Super should have made it two after he was put clear by a superb chip by Gazza, but he dragged his shot wide.

Gazza was really enjoying himself. He was all over the place. On 32 minutes he was on the right, a bit of a jink and a push he broke clear and gave Duncan a simple chance from 6 yards, which he despatched gleefully.

Only a couple of minutes later Orient pulled one back. Simo couldn't hold a shot from outside the box and dropped to Canham to score.

Everton made it 3-1 when again Gazza, this time on the left, burst into the box causing mayhem the ball broke to Super who scored.

Half-time 3-1

Saint Nic went off just before the half and was replaced by Joe Max who done more in his first 5 minutes than Nic had done in the previous 45.

Joe-Max battled well on the right to create a chance for Super. He turned and shot but was denied his 2nd by a great save from Barrett.

Duncan decided he was going to take a free-kick just outside the box. He shouldn't have. He hit it straight at the wall.

After 78 minutes Gazza brought the house down. He was still in his own half on the left when he started one of HIS runs. He ghosted past 4 Orient players then gave the Skipper a ball that dreams are made of. Super had his 2nd of the game. Kev decided to celebrate by carrying Gazza back to the half way line. Hope his back's ok after that.

The Skipper struck just wide in an effort to get his hat-trick.

Even in injury time Gazza was still probing. This time on the right he played a 1 2 burst into the box but his shot was well wide.

Blue Kipper star man was Gazza. It was a pleasure to be there to watch such an entertaining performance.

Quotes

Walter: "Paul did very well today,”

“I know him well and we’d say it was a touch of vintage Gascoigne, especially for the fourth goal - and a good finish by Kevin Campbell. He created one or two opportunities during the game and I was delighted by his contribution.”

Jogger to Ms Junior Jogger: Who's your favourite player ?

Ms Junior Jogger: Gazza he was brill

Team News: It looks like it will be the same team that played Spurs last Saturday. Steve Watson and Jesper Blomqvist have not recovered from their injuries that kept them out last week.

Walter said :“Steve will miss the cup game on Saturday, obviously it is a blow as we had hoped to welcome him back this weekend.”

The usual suspects are still missing Tomasz Radzinski Alessandro Pistone and Mark Pembridge. But there is good news on the Mad Dog front. Someone spotted him in Stanley Park training for the Olympics. He was seen throwing a Cup-a-Soup over his head. (24/01/02)