Everton: Wright, Pistone, Weir, Stubbs, Unsworth, Watson, Gemmill, Gravesen, Naysmith, Campell, Radzinski.

Bench: Gerrard, Yobo for Pistone (88m), Li Tie, Rooney for Gravesen (78m), McBride for Campell(64m),

As expected Moyes changed the starting line up to face Boro reflecting the finishing line up that beat Southampton. A few eyebrows were raised when it was Li Tie who gave way to Gravesen and not Gemmill, but seeing where we are now compared to where we were 51 weeks ago not too many can seriously question Moyes. By the way it was 51 weeks ago that we traveled to the northeast for that 3-0 defeat in the quarter final of the FA Cup. How things have changed.

The opening exchanges were fairly uneventful, with no real chances to either side in the first 15 minutes, though Super Kev was unlucky not to get on the end of a neat through ball from Gravesen. Gravesen was again involved when he pinched the ball in midfield and fed the Rad on the left who showed good skill and a clean pair of heals before firing a great ball across the face of the Boro goal. There was no end result this time but 5 minutes later the Rad broke again.
This time he picked out Campbell at the back post who squeezed the ball back to Stevie Watson who managed to hook a shot round Southgate and into the far corner. 1-0.
After the restart Boro had a 5 minute spell but the Blues did not allow them any opportunities. Stubbs and Weir putting up stern defence and keeping Boro to a half chance to Jeremi and a long range effort from Cooper. Worth noting that Wright claimed a couple of crosses too.

Half time – comfortable 1-0.

Steve McLaren rung the changes at half time, introducing Macorone and Juninho to the delight of the home crowd. This served to open up the game as the second half opened in a lively fashion, though again no real chances. At this stage I still fancied the next goal would come from the Blues and only a mistake from would let in Boro.

Campbell had a chance when Watson headed back a deep Unsworth cross but his half volley flew wide. Shortly after Super Kev was replaced by McBride.

Watson then created another chance when he retrieved an over hit corner and turned his marker inside out before sending a great cross to the far post. Weir rose and connected well but couldn’t keep his header on target.

The game was opening up more and more and it was a mistake that allowed Boro back into the game. Watson showed great skill to beat Queerdo but his cross was cleared. Gravesen then committed himself deep in the Boro half and Boateng was allowed to run a full 50 yards before feeding Macarone whose ball across the Everton goal was smashed home by Juninho from at least 2 yards. 1-1.

On 78 minutes the boy was released, replacing Gravesen. As the game was already open it seemed strange to open up the midfield further, but obviously Moyes fancied us the pinch a win rather than conceding a second. Yobo replaced an injured Pistone for the last couple of minutes. It seemed Sandro had caught his hair in his boots, as when he was receiving treatment his head jerked violently ever time his foot was moved. Anyway there was still enough time for the Blues to carve out 2 more chances.

The first fell to McBride direct from a corner but he made poor contact with a free header. The second was just what we had hoped for. Stubbs found Rooney with a 40 yard ball splitting the Boro back 2, which the Duke took down brilliantly with his first touch. Unfortunately the ball seemed to get tangle in his shorts, which allowed Southgate to recover and deflect Rooney’s shot wide of the post. Uriah Heap failed to give us a corner but his overall performance was a definite improvement on previous encounters.

A point is a bit disappointing having had control of the game, but it still takes us into fourth place (Champions League place – discuss whether we want this or not in your own time). Generally I think we gave the ball away too much in the second half and allowed Boro back into the game. Perhaps against a better team we will struggle in the middle of the park. Still, the Rad played well and looked threatening, while Stubbs and Weir were solid at the back. But for his tireless effort, desire and goal Steve Watson is my star man.

Lard Reports from The Riverside

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Blue Kipper Star Man

Stevie Watson