Dunfermline 0 v 3 Everton                                   Friendly. Sat, 27th July 2002. Kick-off: 3.00pm.Att:

Everton: Gerarrd, Hibbert, Stubbs, Weir, Loupoutis, Watson, Carsley, Pembridge, Naysmith, Campbell, Radzinski.

Subs: Alexandersson on for Watson (56m), Unsworth on for Naysmith (56m), Linderoth on for Carsley (61m), Gravesen on for Pembridge (61m), Said on for Hibbert (70m), Pistone on for Loupoutis (70m), Rooney for Radzinski (70m) Simonsen, Tal.

Scorers: 0 - 1 Naysmith (19min)
              0 - 2 Gravesen (75min)
              0 - 3 Campbell (81min)

Everton left Big Dunc, who pulled a hamstring while fastening his laces in the hotel. As we reported yesterday, Richard Wright will play at Hibs. Everton started brightly with Hibbert, Watson, & Pembridge knocking the ball around well. The Rad had our 1st chance when he was well positioned, but fired wide. Everton took the lead when the Dunfirmline defence stood & watched as Nace went on to smash a cross shot past Ruitenbeek in the Dunfirmline goal. Things are definitely looking up for Nace. He is back fit faster than we thought, & scoring goals, when usually he balloons them over the bar.

Pembo was bossing the game, continuing where he left off from against Shrewsbury. He nearly scored when Stubbsey layed a ball off to him, but Pembo's drive was just too high. Super should have scored a second for Everton, when the ball broke to him in the 6 yard box. He shot well, but the goalie spread himself well to block. The only chance Dunfirmline had in the 1st half was when Gerrard blocked a near post header.

Everton were doing well down both flanks, with The Hibbert, & Wato taking turns to cross from the right, & Kony & Nace doing the same on the left. In fact Tony Hibbert found Nace who hearly scored his 2nd with a header, which just cleared the bar. Then it was trialist Konny, who repayed the compliment. This time it was Wato's turn to shoot over the bar. This has been a big change in the way Everton play under Moyesy. He has given the full backs licence to get forward as much as possible. You can see that the players are much fitter. They have to be.

Half -Time Dunfermline 0, Everton 1.

For the 1st time in all the friendlies, Moyesy made no substitutions. Makes you think. Everton didn't look as busy when they started, & Dunfirmline took advantage. They hit the bar, & the rebound was hit over. Soon after the subs started coming on.

The Duke replaced Radzinski with 20 minutes left, & got the travelling fans jumping about when he nearly scored with his first touch. A power header hit the underside of the bar, & bounched to saftey. Everton finally got the 2nd goal when Tonny Grav hit a blistering shot, from the edge of the box. Tommy, & then the Duke went close but couldn't score the third. It finally came when Kevin Campbell latched onto a quick throw from Tommy Grav, & blasted a right foot drive into the corner of the net.

Everton played a better opposition today than in previous games, & won well, but Dunfirmline had their moments. Players who took the eye today were Loupoutis, who looks good enough to take a chance on, Pembo, & Nace who both had a great first half, & Tommy Grav who did well in the last 20 minutes.

See you at Easter Road, Hibs.

Full - Time Dunfermline 0, Everton 3.

Quotes

Moysey:“I actually thought we played quite well in the first half, we pressed the ball and got after Dunfermline and forced the goalkeeper to kick the ball long and it probably suited us,”

“They were unfortunate not to get a goal early in the second-half and that could have changed the game because at the end of the day goals win games."

Moysey on Nace: "Gary has had only bits of games and it is not easy after being out for that long injured. At the moment, I think the Scotland game next month would probably be too early for him." "The great thing about Gary is he has got great determination. He wants to play and he wants to train.
"He is desperate to be involved and, when you have got that, anything is possible.

Kipper: Whats with this Rooney kid. He never scored.

Lard: He's overated. He was on for 20 minutes and he only had three efforts.

Sausage: You 2 must be fuckin mad. He will be the best thing that has ever happened to us.

Kipper and Lard: Sausage you are easy

Sausage: Grow up you pair of Pricks

Team News

Everton from : Simonsen, Gerrard, Watson, Clarke, Weir, Said, Stubbs, Unsworth, Louboutis, Pistone, Naysmith, Hibbert, Alexandersson, Pembridge, Carsley, Gemmill, Gravesen, Linderoth, Tal, Radzinski, Campbell, Rooney, Chadwick, Ferguson.

Richard Wright will miss out, but will play against Hibs next week. Also out are Kevin McLeod, Joey Yobo, & Scott Gemmill who have not recovered from injury. (26/07/02)

Injured stars, Joey Yobo, & Duncan Ferguson will have fitness tests today, to see if they are ready for tomorrow. The feeling is that they will both be OK, but Joey will be left out until The Hibs game. 'Arfur' Daley has been left out of the tour, but other trialists, 'Enough' Said, & 'Kony' Louboutis will be given another run out. New signing 'Juli' Rodrigo is still on Coppacabana beach, Rio. Richard Wright, England's Number 1 should play some part, after completing his 1st training session, as a Toffeeman.

Dunfermline will be Everton's best test to date, as they open with a game at Celtic next week. (25/07/02)

Tammy Shanty
reports from
East End Park