Once again the heat played a major part in Everton's pre season friendly program, with even cold Scotland getting the balst of the British heat wave. The game was played mostly at a pedestrian pace, and Blues fans got their first glimpse of Tim Howard, who looked assured through out the match. Joleon Lescott came on at half time, and did not look out of it, and AJ and Biffa were paired again, with Biffa looking the more dangerous, especially in the second period when a vicious drive went narrowly wide.

Not surprisingly Mikky got the brunt of the Bhoys fans displeasure, as the ex Rangers player danced his merry way through the Celtic defence, and he was unlucky not to win a penalty when he was brought down by two Celtic defenders. Tiny Tim came on for his first game since his fantastic World Cup adventure, for Leon who as ever was industrious in the heart of the Everton midfield. Tiny went into a more attacking role, and maybe Moyesy who was quoted the other week about using him as a centre fire cracker, wasn't kidding us along.

Celtic won the day however when a low drive from the edge of the area beat Howard hands down, but more importantly for the Blues was the display against a Champions League side, which looked assured, and creative even if no goals were forthcoming.

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Match Report By J.Jennings

So we headed to Celtic Park with continued optimism, after a respectable draw at PNE and two wins at lower league opposition things looked bright. This was always going to be a competitive fixture and it proved to be.

Chances were few and far between in a game played in sunny Glasgow. There were a few glimpses of magic from our record signing the most notable being a through ball were AJ sold the defender and burst off. It was 2 on 2 he decieved the defender, cut back in on his left and fired low at the keeper. Boruc made a good save but it was a sign of perhaps things to come from our cockney striker. He seems to have settled in well but maybe perhaps over-eager at times. He is still to score in the Blue shirt, but this is just pre season, the goals will come.

Tim Howard, playing his first game in the Blue of Everton, was a spectator during an eventless first half until with a few minutes of the half remaining, new Hoops signing Jiri Jarosik slipped the ball through to fellow new signing Derek Riordan. The midfielder shot first time, Howard palmed away, but only to Kenny Miller who poked it home, so it seemed, until luckily scotsman Gazza Naysmith hacked it off the line. The half ended as the heat soared.

The 2nd half was more open as legs tired, which created more gaps. The toffees had a few chances with Beattie coming the closest with a distinctive effort from the outside of his foot. It was the closest the Toffees came. With time running out impressive midfielder Aidan McGeady drove home from 25 yards. He was giving to much space to manouvre and he beat Howard with a low drive. The toffees attempted to pull it back but the closest they came was a header from Lee Carsley easily saved in the end by the impressive Boruc.

Overall there were some very encouraging performances for those in the Blue shirt. Simon Davies looked a different player, he played short simple passes and ran non stop. Tim Howard for having a solid first game in the Blue shirt, and Paddy Boyle who done more in 10minutes than Naysmith has done in four or five years.

Starman: Simon Davies: continuously worked hard, played short efficient passes and had a great effort which was well saved by Boruc. J.Jennings.

Match Reports from Celtic Park

Assured Debut

Quality

 

 

 

 

New Start