A notable draw for the Blues at Sheffield yesterday was overshadowed by the injury to Tiny that will keep him out for the rest of the season. Moyesy described the injury as a blow, which is an understatement when you think of the importance our Australian talisman has to our future success. Everton have to get on with it now, but if yesterday showing is anything to go by it will be hard. Tiny who hobbled out of the play seconds before half time was involved in a lively looking Everton team for the first forty five minutes. The team that appeared for the second period, was not a patch on the first as Sheffield asked questions of our defence. I described the point as a notable draw, and I make no excuses for that, as make no mistake Sheffield United are no mugs on their home patch. Only four teams have turned them over in fourteen home games prior to yesterdays match, and with their Premiership status still not certain the Blues were on for a battle against the Yorkshire men.

Surprisingly for me anyway, Moyesy kept faith with the eleven that turned Watford over so easily last weekend. I thought Nace would have made way for Stubbsey for a match that was always going to be physical. In fairness that's the way football should be. If you do a job and a good job at that one week, you deserve your chance the week after, it keeps the other players on their toes. Nace had an excellent game in my view. I am no great fan of the injury prone left back, I would have Nuno fit any day, but his attacking up the left flank, along with his defending was good to see from one of Moyesy's fringe players. The Scots full back set up Everton's best chance of the first period when he turned in a cross for Tiny. The Aussie midfielder leapt to head the ball goal bound, beating Kenny hands down, only to be denied a goal by Davies on the Sheffield goal line.

Everton pressed and had possession, but as far as clear cut chances, that was it in the first half. As the seconds ticked by to the interval, Tiny leapt once again in the Sheffield box, but this time he landed awkwardly, and had to leave the pitch obviously in some discomfort. If it next season till we see you in action again Tim, lets hope it is on the European stage, in a Royal Blue shirt, it will be worth the wait, get well soon.

H-T 0-0

Neil Warnock must have laid into his players at half time, and reiterated the importance of Premiership status to a clubs coffers. The bollicking must have worked, as Sheffield upped their game, and put us on the back foot. In fact it took them only six minutes of the half to take the lead. Nace was beaten down the left flank which was bad enough, but Joey let Rob Hulse sneak in front of him to guide the ball past Tim Howard, to give the Blades the lead. Phil Neville told Joey in no uncertain terms about his poor defending, all to little to late.

Moyesy's reaction was instant with the ineffectual Biffa (I have tried with him, but enough is enough) being withdrawn and Vaughny added to inject a bit of pace up front. AJ was not having the best of days himself, but his none stop running is their for all to see. He chased a nothing ball back to Kenny, and the Blades keeper spilled the ball as AJ pounced, and he was brought down in a Pepe Reina'ish type moment. Penalty no doubt about it, and Mikky stepped up to thunder the ball in off the crossbar.

Everton know had the impetus and late on a free kick led to a scramble in the Blades box which was cleared. One all it ended, and that was a fair result. The draw coupled with defeats to Reading and Pompey have moved the Blues back to sixth, which in the end will be good enough for UEFA Cup. A few more twists and turns await us no doubt, but as long as we battle till the end there will be no complaints from me. Nace gets the nod for starman, on a day when no Blue stood head and shoulders above any of their team mates.

F-T 1-1

AJ Is Brought Down By Kenny

Vaughny Tussles With Morgan

 

Match Report From Bramall Lane

 

Today's Blue Kipper Star Man

Star Man

Stats

Goals

Bad Boys

Prem Table

 

Fought Hard

 

Goal

 

Injured

What Do you think The Score Will be?     How Will the game pan out?     Who Will Score the goals?   e-mail info@bluekipper.com before the match. Keep it short and to the point.

* 2-0 Everton Beattie and AJ. COYB. David from Lincoln.

* Comprehensive victory 3-0 Arteta Cahill & Lescott. Warnock sent to the stands, for complaining about Andrew Johnson 'diving' ! Adders of the Park End!

* Everton to win 3-0 beattie to get his 1st. Johnson and Cahill for the last.

* I fancy another few goals today, I'm desperate for Biffa to get scoring for his sake and ours. 3-1 Biffa, AJ and Arteta. COYB. (Toeza in Litherland).

* I think Everton to win 3-1. Cahill with 2 and Beattie with 1.