Everton finished their pre season preparations off in sunny London on Saturday afternoon, as the ninety degrees of heat took its toll as the match with Palace petered out to a nil all draw. It was a return to London for Everton front man Andy Johnson, and both sets of fans afforded the England hit man a fantastic reception, as he was handed the honour of captaining his new club against his old club

The home side had the better of the early salvo's with Clinton Morrison coming nearest to breaking the deadlock. Tim Howard had to be alert to deny James Scowcroft, as Everton were finding it hard to get out of second gear. Admittedly the heat wasn't helping, and maybe the orders from the bench were to keep it slow as water breaks were coming thick and fast. Everton's time did come as the class of the Premiership footballers started to show, and who else but Mikky the matador was central to most things that were going on. He had a fair penalty shout turned down, just after new boy Phil Jagielka watched his shot rattle the woodwork. Big Vic also came close as his shot came off the same woodwork, and Andy Johnson missed the undoubted chance of the match when he looped his header over the bar from close range.

Bjarni Vidarrsson entered the fray along with Nuno at half time, as the game slowed to a snails pace. Stubbsey and Joey had the best chances of the second period. With ten left on the clock AJ left the pitch to a standing ovation from the Palace fans, which was a nice touch (now why don't we do that with Wayne!!), to be replaced by Lukas Jutkiewicz, who for all his youthful endeavour could not break the deadlock.

So that's another pre season over, and the pace will quicken by 25% next week, when the Pie Eaters visit Goodison. Biffa has now departed, and we are £4m richer. Rumours of Argentinean Internationals joining the ranks, or will they just be what they are, rumours. We have missed out on Nugent, Smith and co., Baines is talking to the Skunks, Everton's strategy seems to be offer next to nothing, and lets see if they will do business with us. Welcome to the 2007/08 season, nothing ever changes, who said supporting the Blues is easy, but I wouldn't swap them for anything, and the board know that.

The Jag Watches Roger Clean Up

 

Match Report from Selhurst Park

 

Hit Woodwork

 

 

Started

 

 

Pretty Pacy