Fans Match Report By Ong Jiing Yih

Everton left the St James’ Park pitch wondering what might have been, for the second week in succession. For the record, as they did against Wigan, they created more chances and probably could have won if there had been more composure, not to mention the inconsistencies of the match referee.

Both sides named strong line-ups. Everton walked out of the tunnel with exactly the same personnel who faced Wigan, as James Beattie continued on the bench. Simon Davies replaced Andy van der Meyde on the bench. Nuno Valente had his recovery almost complete, as he was to come on later on towards the end of the first half.
On the other hand, Damien Duff, an enforced injury absence for the home side, was replaced by French Under-21 international Charles N’Zogbia, who was to prove he was a constant thorn in the Everton back line, along with the recalled James Milner. Peter Ramage, who so ‘famously’ gave the ball to Wayne you-know-who to score at Old Trafford, came in for the suspended Celestine Babayaro, Phil Neville and Lee Carsley knew what was coming, as they faced Emre Belozoglu and Scott Parker, two players who might and could have joined Everton in summer 2005.

From where I was watching, the atmosphere was pretty flat. To be honest, if you looked closely at the photographs that were taken on September 9, (See Shite Index pg.10; I was the lad who squatted beside Matt Traynor in the main pic) the number of Toffees in my country isn’t something to boast about; it’s paltry to say the least. To put it politely though, I have to put up with a certain amount of stick, mostly from mindless colleagues in army days who claim to support the red half of Merseyside. However, let’s face it, have they even heard of Tranmere Rovers? I bet they would rather shed a tear when the reds lose than for their loved ones. Television coverage has improved this season, but things need improvement over here, as local football rarely gets a mention apart of those involved.

Back to the match though. I had to make do with a first half full of drama and frantic defending, plus one clearance after another by most notable, Joleon Lescott, who had manfully kept our defence intact all match. Apart from one moment, though no one was to be blamed. Though N’Zogbia and James Milner were a threat down the wings, Mikky Areta and Tim Cahill offered just as much as they made frequent forays forward. Tiny though, was to be booked as the match ref was quick to pull a yellow out of his pocket, the verdict being over enthusiastic. Tiny was provoked. In truth, Newcastle only threatened through set pieces all match, as it was to prove in the 14th minute. The offside trap had worked to perfection, but the linesman had somehow failed to spot Ameobi offside, as he stroked the ball into the net, off T-Ho’s outstretched left hand. Craig Moore and another of his teammates had also interfered with play, but were also unbelievably let off the hook.

Same old story, I thought, as I kept believing we could get a goal before the first half, but my mind kept flashing back to the previous five matches on this ground. I suppose the best result so far was the draw in November 2004, where a Lee Carsley curler levelled things after Craig Bellamy stormed through to score. However, before I could return to reality, Everton had equalised with a well-worked goal. Everton threatened as could have levelled as Leon Osman’s tame shot off a corner failed to trouble Steve Harper. As they did for the first half and possibly most of the game, attacks came through from the right and off another cleared corner, Phil Neville laid on the ball for Mikky, who had acres of space. He whipped in a delicious cross for Tiny to head home. It was identical to the missed chance by Lescott not too long earlier, and the supporters were more than elated to see the ball hit the back of the net. The disconcerting fact though, was to see Gary Naysmith hobble off after a serious clash with Obafemi Martins, who obviously showed no respect for his skipper in the Nigerian national team, Joseph Yobo’s the name. Nuno Valente came on instantly to replace him.

I left hurriedly before the beginning of the second half, due to work commitments the next day. For the next 45 minutes I raced up and down from my mobile phone-cum-radio, as the only way to follow through the match came via BBC Five Live. Andy Johnson, could gather, tried manfully to make forward runs as he did in the first half, and kept the flow of play going on smoothly. Though he had been quiet, but Everton might have been in danger had a strike partner been brought on. Unfortunately, fatigue was to catch up with all players, as Johnson chased ball for 30 or 40 yards, then turned his head to see nobody behind him, no one to pass to.

The match ended with 10-a-side, with Tony Hibbert sent off for a second yellow (open to debate), and Titus Bramble, for his rash challenge on Leon Osman. Both sides seemed content with the draw. While Glenn can reportedly say what he wants about ‘reading’ Everton’s handling of set pieces, there’s no doubting the belief that Everton are on a serious mission to reclaim past glories, on top of moving up the top half of the table and staying there. It may not be easy supporting Everton in this part of the world, but I could not find another team with the same warmth and family-like type of atmosphere! It my first attempt at writing here, and I hope all goes well! Here’s to three points on Saturday versus Man City.
Ong Jiing Yih. Singapore

Moyesy says: "It shows maybe the good signs we are looking for that we are disappointed with a point and the dressing room is quiet so they know they could have taken more. But I have to say, the game was that open Newcastle could have taken something as well. A little more quality, a better decision or a better pass and i think we could have got a second goal.

Their goal was a talking point because it was the wrong decision. We had worked an offside and even though one of our lads was a little late Shola Ameobi was standing offside, the ball goes directly to him so it is offside. There is nobody obscuring the assistant's view so there should be no reason why it isn't given."

What did you think of the match?  Did Moyesy get his team selection and tactics right?  e-mail info@bluekipper.com after the game.

* Newcastle were pretty lucky to come away from the Sunday clash with any points whatsoever – so what’s Roader going on about claiming to be disappointed to only get a draw? That guy was obviously wearing rose tinted glasses whilst watching his over-rated team fluke a draw with the assistance of a weak-willed intimidated linesman. What a joke – if Roader’s not willing to accept that we were the unlucky ones I don’t hold much hope for Newcastle fans being rewarded with anything other than unrealistic ambitions this season. (Liam)

* No mention of Joleon in the match report after the big lad had an absolutely solid game. Every cross they reigned in (apart from the offside) was repelled by the fully-framed wonder kid. He is going to be boss if he carries on like that, and with Joey-la next to him we should have the best young central defensive partnership in the league. Just thought I would pop a note in, (Daniel Marfany)

* I Watched the Newcastle game and can't understand 4-1-4-1. Our form so far this season has been better than Newcastles', and I think that if Moyes had any ambition of a top 4 or better position, he should have played 4-4-2 and played the match as a 'cup tie'. Our back 4 was strong enough to deal with Martins and Ameobi/Sibierski. Our midfield was good enough to deal with theirs, and in my eyes, we have thrown away 2 points. Okay everybody knows it's Premiership survival first, but we are going to beat lesser teams than Newcastle anyway. It was a wasted opportunity! Hibbert needs to learn to tackle properly, because its becoming a waste of time using him. He's banned, more than he plays! It wouldn't do any harm to sometimes, but not all the time, take a risk away from home against weaker or weakened opposition! Mal(trueblue)........but not holdings!

* I was at the game, and it was good, proper end to end stuff. We were unfortunate with the goal we conceded, and we looked very creative. If we were a bit more clinical we would have won. a point away to Newcastle isn't bad! (Danny p)

* Can't blame AJ for a quiet game he wasn't fed enough ball. Lescott did bloody well in the second half after playing shite in the first, should give him a bit of confidence. Lads did well to get back into it after that fucking twat of a linesman put the Geordies 1 up. C.O.Y.B.- (Jumpin jack flash)

* As Moyes said it shows how well were doing that were disappointed with just a point away to Newcastle. That said that was the worst Newcastle team I have seen in 11 years without doubt. (Symo)

* I agree with Dan Ferrie about Hibbert being a liability. Two stupid tackles. He does ok but what about getting Phil Nev in at right back and giving Davies, Shandy, Beattie or Vic a start? There's definitely more to come from the boys. A bit more quality service to AJ today and who knows what might have happened? A point a the skunks isn't bad and keeps us unbeaten. (Shep)

* I think that due to our great start the players smelt blood and thought Newcastle was going to be a doddle I think we did ok but i honestly believe we are in danger of letting it go to our heads yes we had hard luck at Newcastle and i think the ref and his officials were an absolute disgrace They frustrated us and got men behind the ball and we found it very difficult to break through them But then that's what wigan did.

We need to re- focus and keep our feet on the ground Man City are next and they will be coming to put there season on track Pearce will be looking for a win we need to be right at them Keeping the ball on the ground and using the wings to zip the balls in for AJ and tiny Neville and Arteta put some great balls in today.

On a positive note i would like to congratulate the everton fans who did not stop singing throughout the whole game and were heard on sky television I thought the chant of "we gone win the league " was great i remember we did that at Chelsea a few years ago and the chelsea fans applauded us as well as Jose saying how great and loud the Everton fans were we simply are the best. COYB (Sean Whelan)

* What is it about this fixture? We always seem to be awkward and clumsy, even AJ was getting the ball kicked off his toes. They were there for the taking and we looked too lazy to take advantage..although that said I'm happy with a point...also why is hibbert so over rated? He's a strictly average player
(Eamonn...Walton)

* Why the fuck were are players going to bits when they were one on one with the last defender!! Osman should have took him on and left him on his arse! As far as I'm concerned we've dropped 4 points in the last 2 games!!! (Anthony Rouke)

* Needed to concentrate our attacks using AJ's pace against Bramble more; Andy frightened the life out of him, he looked glad to be sent off. Moyesy could have changed thing a little that at half time took Hibbo off, Neville to right back Arteta wide, Tim in the middle and Bring Biffa on to give their makeshift back four something else to worry about (especially as they stuck with their two awful frontmen), and with their stand in keeper it should have been shoot on sight from everyone. Still hindsight is a wonderful thing, you can't blame Moyesy for not changing it. On the plus side still unbeaten, and coming away from St James' feeling a bit robbed is a better than getting bummed 2-nil. (Bill Cannie)

* Quite happy with the result in the end. Good solid display at the back, a bit outnumbered going forward. MOTM Lescott. (Rob McFawn)

* Just watched the game on sky and it was absolute crap! Hibbert was a liability. Carsley was slow and awful, didn't see Osman for 80 mins of the game. Surprisingly arteta didn't seem to do much! Man of the match: Howard, Cahill or Lescott! (Dan Ferrie)

* Moyesy grabbing the fourth official top show him how defenders defend

* Everton fan Micky Houghton doing the commentary on Sky TV Fan Zone

* Gary Naysmith makes his 200th Everton Appearance

Everton's main doubt seem to be in the shape of Joey Yobo. Stubbsey, and Davey Weir are definitely out at least for another week. Joey has back trouble, but should make the starting line up, after being rested in midweek. With Nuno staring again at left back in the Carling Cup win, I think he will be given the nod over Nace who will drop back to the bench. Apart from that Moyesy should revert back to his favoured 4-5-1 formation, with AJ fronting the forward line on his tod.

After their impressive performances in midweek, I fully expect to see Big Vic and Yozzer Hughes on the bench tomorrow, along with out of form Biffa.

Basil Rathbone says: "Joseph Yobo injured his back a couple of weeks ago and soldiered on with it, but it flared up after the Wigan game. But he has done some jogging so they are all doing OK, these centre halves"

Moyesy says: " Newcastle is a big game. It is a great club to play against. Newcastle were trying to sign players right up to the last minute and sometimes when that happens it takes a while for things to settle. They have done quite well at West Ham and had a difficult game in midweek at Liverpool (the shite) but they have got good players and a good team - they have spent quite heavily to get that team. We know it will be a hard place to get a result, as it always is." (23/09/06)

Everton from: Howard, Wright, Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Valente, Naysmith, Neville, Carsley, Davies, Cahill, Osman, Arteta, Van der Meyde, Johnson, Beattie, Anichebe, Hughes

Lavo's Eleven To Start: Howard, Valente, Yobo, Lescott, Hibbert, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley, Johnson

IF ANY EVERTON FAN WANTS TO WRITE A REPORT OF ANY OF THIS SEASON'S GAMES, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO. JUST E-MAIL IT TO info@bluekipper.com AND WE WILL PUT IT ON THE SITE.

Steve Harper continues in the sticks after Shay Given's horrendous injury last week at the Hammers. Other injury worries for Glenn Roper are Shola Ameobi who faces a late fitness test on his hip. Celestine Babayaro is banned, but his absence is off-set by the return to training of Titus Bramble and Steven Taylor after injury.

The Blues have not won at St. James since Super Kev netted the winner in October 2000, so we are long overdue three points here.

Skunks from: Harper, Krul, Carr, Ramage, Bramble, Moore, Taylor, Huntington, Parker, Butt, Emre, Duff, N'Zogbia, Milner, Pattison, Ameobi, Martins, Sibierski, Luque, Rossi.

Andy Pandy has warned his Everton teammates of the threat of his former Inter Milan mates.

Shandy says: "Emre is a passing player. He is an aggressive little man that can pass well and is quite fast also who has a good shot. Martins is the fastest player on the earth I think so we will have to be very careful - he can jump unbelievably and is good with his head." (22/09/06)

Last Season: Skunks 2 Everton 0