Everton: Martyn, Yobo, Stubbs, Weir, Hibbert, Watson, Carsley, Osman, McFadden, Rooney, Radzinski.

Bench: Linderoth for Radzinski (86m), Campbell for McFadden (45m), Chadwick for Watson (72m), Wright, Clarke.

Referee: Steve Dunn

After all the torture allegations that have been dominating the media in the last few weeks, it reached horrifying new levels at the City of Manchester Stadium yesterday. Rumours were circulating around the ground that the Yanks had flown in a load of Iraqi detainee’s so their ordeal could continue, to new levels of sadistic repeated abuse.
Normally when the season ends I am counting down the days and weeks till August arrives, but this Summer I can’t wait to get the barby out, crack open a few cold ones and watch the Euro Championships, supporting a team who stand half a chance of winning it. England that is before all the funnies starts.
Anyway lets pick through the pieces of yesterdays humiliation. Jogger and Myself set off down the Lancs still on a high from our fantastic evening on Wednesday. To any of the 300 or so who attended our Annual Bluekipper evening, will know what I am talking about. What an evening. What a top table. Ratters, Sheeds, Joe Parky, and Dobbo, what would we give for one of those past stars to grace our team today, never mind all four. Quality is what we are sadly lacking in our present set up, and after watching them yesterday a bit of passion aswell.
In fairness we started badly then faded. These were two extremely poor teams, with only The Rad, and The Duke showing any interest early doors. Everton old boy the Honey Monster pulled down The Rad, in the opening salvos, but referee Steve Dunn waved away our penalty claims, when it looked like we had a fair shout. That was a good as it got as City sprayed the ball around the park with consummate ease, and it seemed only a matter of time before Everton’s rear guard slipped.
It did just that on the sixteen-minute mark, after some slapstick defending by the Blues allowed Wanchope to score the inevitable opener. More was to follow as Wanchope, scored his second and Annelka made it three before the half. Lee Carsley went close to pulling one back for the lads, but with just James to beat he miss hit his effort to the cheers of the City faithful.

Half Time: City 3, Everton 0

After the half time bollicking that must have ensued in the Blues dressing room, Everton came out only marginally better. The Duke upped the tempo, but was ploughing a lone furrow, as nobody else seemed to be arsed. After a spell of Everton pressure, Campbell reduced the deficit to two heading in from a corner. Jogger I said to my rotund friend we could do this, he replied was I arsed, and I suppose in the scheme of things, I wasn’t really. Roll on Ibiza that I suppose is all I am arsed about now. City made the scoreline a bit more flattering to them when Siberski, and Wright-Phillips finished off the rout.
My starman today goes to Nige Martyn who kept the score in single figures. Well played son.
Interestingly we did stay for a few moments after the final whistle to watch Rooney’s reaction leaving the pitch. He was the last to leave off the Everton contingent, sort of lingering on the pitch, applauding us fans that had traveled to see this debacle. He struck me that he was saying his final farewell, but we will have to wait and see what the summer brings. I believe the powers that be at Goodison are waiting to see what type of Summer The Duke has with England, and if it goes well that might throw another £5 million on his price tag. With no Russian billionaires out there, is it the only way forward to bring some serious money into our once proud club. Fourth from bottom, and with no new players or cash on the horizon, maybe the Nationwide may not be too far away, as one year we will definitely not get away with it.

Full Time: City 5, Everton 1

Lavington Reports from City of Manchester Stadium

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Blue Kipper Star Man

Without Nige It Could Have Been Double Figures

 

 

First Of Season, That Says It All

Quotes

An Irate and Disgusted Moyesy says: "There are no words for that, it just wasn't acceptable for Everton Football Club and it hasn't been acceptable all season and now we have to do something about it. It was the last game of the season and there are a few players here now who will not be here when we start again in August. One positive after today is that I don’t have to pick some of the players I have been picking, I’m going to have to do something and if I’m here I’ll do what I can.” (15/05/04)

Off The Ball

Did anyone see the ten year old City fan doing his impersonation of Eddie Cavanagh. He legged it on the pitch evading about ten stewards and coppers to the cheers of the City faithful.