Everton 0 v 1 Athletico Bilbao                              Friendly. Sat, 10th Aug 2002. Kick-off: 3.00pm.

The David Unsworth Testimonial                                                                         Att: 13,678

Exclusive - David Unsworth Interview            Unsey's Testimonial Year

Everton: Wright, Hibbert, Weir, Stubbs, Naysmith, Alexandersson, Linderoth, Gravesen, Unsworth, Campbell, Rooney.

Subs: Li Tie for Linderoth (70m), Rodrigo for Alexandersson (74m), Pembridge for Naysmith (74m), Radzinski for Rooney (79m), Li Wei Feng, Carsley, Gerrard.

Joey Yobo didn't make it, so Stubbs & Weir were paired in the heart of the defence. Before that the crowd gave Unsey a great welcombe, as he came onto the pitch with his 2 daughters Courtney & Finley dressed in their Everton kits.

The game started as a typical friendly with both teams, passing the ball about like a training stint, that was until Tommy Grav had a go at Super after a misplaced pass. He seemed to be having a go at everyone, & in 1 extrodinary moment later on in the game, he said something to Nace, who snapped & run 20 yards to smack him in the mush.

Tommy had Everton's 1st effort after 15mins when he hit a crisp drive from a great Campell lay off. The game was moving into gear, & there was vsome tasty tackles going in, especially from The Hibbert, & Toby.

Unsey then nearly scored at the far post, after great work from Saint Nic, who actually beat a man, went to the bye line, & crossed. Unsey's effort hit the side netting. Athletico were having most of the play. At times it was like keep ball. Everton couldn't get it back. But when Everton got hold of the ball again they nearly scored. Campbell again did well to set up Alexandersson. He squared it to the incomig Rooney who connected well but it blocked by the goalie. After some treatment, Lafuente is replaced by Aranzubia in the Athletic Bilbao goal.

At the other end, Richard Wright made a fantastic save, when he blocked a one on one shot from Etxeberria. Rooney had a shot dip just over the bar. Then just on half time Athletico took the lead. Some lovely one touch football, ended with Urzaiz scoring with a delicate placed shot, which left Wright rooted to the spot.

Half Time: Everton 0 v 1 Athletico Bilbao

Everton started with the same 11. This looks like the team Moyesy will start with next week. Everton had most of the play with Campbell, & Ronney having good chances. The best move of the match came when Li Tie, who looked impressive, sent Hibbert away he crossed for Pembo to set up Rodrigo who crashed a volley in, but it was well saved by Aranzubia. The game just drifted away in the end.

Both Li Tie, & Rodrigo did their chances of starting next week no harm when they did well in the 15mins they had to impress. Campbell & Rooney looked a good combination. The big one starts next week.

Full Time: Everton 0 v 1 Athletico Bilbao

Quotes

Unsey says: “I was petrified. It was the most nervous I have ever been, more than anything. I tried not to let it show and it was a big, big day for me. That will live me forever. Just waiting in the tunnel it was amazing, the kids were there and it was really, really, special. Without a doubt that was the proudest moment of my career and that will be the most proudest moment without a shadow of a doubt.”

Team News

Everton from: Wright, Hibbert, Stubbs, Weir, Naysmith, Alexandersson, Gravesen, Linderoth, Unsworth, Rodrigo, Radzinski, Rooney, Watson, Pembridge, Carsley, Tal, McLeod, Yobo, Li Tie, Li Weifeng, Simonsen, Gemmill.

Campbell, Big Dunc, Pisto, & Chaddy are all out injured. Joey Yobo has a chance of playing. Moyesy will bring the Chinese lads in to give them some experience of Goodison Park. We could see the smallest front two for some time, with The Rad & The Roones on from the start.

All Evertonians should note that the Top Balcony will not be open.

Prices are Adults: £15, Kids & OAP: £5 (09/08/02)

Kipper
reports from
Goodison Park

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