Everton 5 v 6 Crystal Palace(A.E.T.)                         Wed. 12thSep. 2001

Super Kevin Campbell missed a penalty, as The Blues crashed out to Crystal Palace in a penalty shoot-out.
Duncan Ferguson fired us ahead after only six minutes before Palace levelled from the spot through Dougie Freedman. After we were put through another half hour of agony in extra time, the game went into a penalty shoot-out. Campbell blazed over the bar with first spot-kick, and despite goals from Steve Watson, Abel Xavier, Idan Tal and Blue Kipper Star Man Paul Gascoigne, Everton were out. (12/09/01)

MATCH REPORT TOMORROW, AS I'M GOOSED!

Quotes

Walter says: "I am being honest when I say that team was the strongest we could have put out on the night. We wanted to have a go in the Worthington Cup this season, but we are struggling for numbers in the squad at present."

Arl fella behind us at the Park End. When Gerrard came running to take his place for the penalty shoot-out, clapping the fans: 'Don't clap me yer fuckin' dosser. It's your fault we're still sitting here'.

Kipper: 'Class Gazza'

Jogger during extra time: 'Gazza's fucked'

Everton from : Gerrard, Watson, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone, Pembridge, Alexandersson, Gemmill, Ferguson, Campbell, Simonsen, Moore, Tal, Unsworth, Chadwick, McLeod, Gascoigne, Radzinski.

Mark Pembridge, Niclas Alexandersson and Alessandro Pistone are rated doubtful. We will miss Nic, but Pembo & Pisto, well give someone else a chance. They won't be missed. Give Gazza & Kevin McLeod, or Idan Tal a chance.

Walter says: "We will give them every opportunity to be fit but we will have to wait until just before the kick-off before making a decision.

Thomas Gravesen and Gary Naysmith may be fit for the 'Derby'.

Thomasz Radzinski could be the suprise player included in the squad.
Walter says: "The hamstring injury that he has had turned out to be a rather awkward one and we had to give him plenty of time to recover. He had three days training last week which hopefully would have helped settle it down and he'll start again on Monday. I would hope that if there is no reaction then he will be fit for Wednesday and if not then the Derby game against Liverpool."
(11/09/01)

Paul Gascoigne, who has been out for nearly six months, has now completed two reserve team games and will, at least make the bench.

Walter says: "He will come back into our squad for the game. I just didn't feel that the Manchester United game was the right one for him to come back in." (10/09/01)