Hibs 2 v 2 Everton                                   Friendly. Mon, 29th July 2002. Kick-off: 7.45pm.

Att: 8,325

Everton : Wright, Said, Weir, Stubbs, Pistone, Alexandersson, Linderoth, Gravesen, Unsworth, Radzinski, Rooney.

Subs: Naysmith on for Stubbs(58m), Loumpoutis on for Pistone(21m), Carsley on for Linderoth(58m), McLeod on for Rooney(63m), Campbell on for Radzinski(58m), Pembridge on for Gravesen(71m).

Scorers: Rooney(31m), Unsworth(86m).

Bookings: Rooney(62m), Gravesen(70m)

As expected Richard Wright made his debut. And also as expected Duncan didn't recover from his back problem to play. Upfront we had the Duke and the Rad. I wonder how many times we will see that this season.

Everton had their first decent effort when the Rad was put through by Tommy Grav, but his shot was well saved by Colgan.

Pistone was replaced by trailist Kony after only 21 minutes.

The Duke and Rad looked pretty good together and their combined efforts forced a corner. Saint Nic took it and Wayne Rooney scored his eigth goal in five games. It looked as it his shoulder on the way in. I don't care if they hit his arse as long as he's the right place at the right time.

A Stubbsy cock up allowed O'Conner to score

Half Time 1-1

Hibs made it 2-1 after five minutes into the 2nd half when McManus clean through shot past Wrighty.

Everton decided to change it around on 58 minutes when Nace, Harry Hill and Super all came on.

Five minutes later The Duke was subbed after he was booked for a scuffle with McManus.This time Kevin McLeod coming on for his place.

Yet another sub was used after 71 minutes when Pembo came on for Mad Dog. This action was taken after Tommy got himself booked for a stupid tackle and some afters.

The Toffees managed a equaliser with 4 minutes to go when Unsy struck home a pen after Doumbe had handled.

All the headlines will not this time be about Rooneys goal but about the barney he was involved in. Put your dukes up Wayne.

Full Time 2-2

Quotes

Moysey: “Wayne's said he’s been stood on and he’s reacted and it was the same with Thomas Gravesen. But we don’t want any sort of dissent so I took them off right away."
"It was a smashing game, more like the real pre-season games – the Scotland v England ones that I remember. It was a step up, even from Saturday, and I thought it was a decent workout.”

Jogger: Did the Duke throw a punch then?

Kipper: Yep

Lard: Saint Nic stepped in to sort it.

With all the World Cup boys now back into the full routine, we are nearly back to a full strength squad. Rodrigo is stiil missing and Joey Yobo hasn't fully recovered.

Moysey said:I want him back quickly because we need him to get some practice and training with the lads to help him get used to us as much as anything else. It is a blow. He tried jogging today and he is still sore at the moment. Obviously it is very frustrating when you can’t get him involved.”

Richard Wright will make hid debut against Hibs.

Moysey said:"Richard could well play against Hibs. It is important he has a little time to work with his new team-mates but he is keen to get into action" (28/07/02)

Jock Burns
reports from
Easter Road

Late Pen