Well what can you say. Thirteen unbeaten, four out of four wins in Group A of the UEFA Cup, and with the fantastic 3-2 win in Alkmaar, we became the first club in over thirty years to turn Alkmaar over at home. Alkmaar's thirty two unbeaten home run in Europe (a record) came to a shuddering halt with goals from AJ, The Jag and Vaughny.

Moyesy as expected used some of his considerable squad against Alkmaar, and for the first time in a long time, the strength in depth is there for all to see. Nuno, Hibbo, Kepler, Faddy, Vaughy, AJ and The Grav all of who have not been playing regularly of late came and did a sterling job in turning over the Dutch side.

Our day started early, half three in the morning to be precise, as we set off for Leeds Airport, to be met by loads of Blues who had the same travel arrangements as ourselves. We did not hit bed till 3pm on Friday afternoon, but it was worth it, as I have not had this sense of expectation were an Everton side is concerned for twenty odd years. The boys are good, the squad has quality in depth, Bainsey, Ossie and Stubbsey are still on the injury list. Phil Neville, Mikky, Tiny, Tim Howard, Joey and The Yak all stayed at home, but it only took one minute for the Blues to stamp their intent on the match when AJ pounced to send the travelling thousands in the ground ecstatic. The Alkmaar fans who were making more noise than a stadium twice the size would have made fell silent, as we jumped up and down, not in celebration, but just to keep warm on this minus five or six degree night.

Alkmaar who had to win to secure their own passage through to the next round, drew level after sustained pressure on the Everton goal. Zenit and Nurmeberg could not point any fingers in Everton's direction, as the last thing we did was lay down and die, as many teams would have done. No not the Blues, they now have this winning mentality, and they want to keep it, and before the half time interval, The Jag stooped low to head The Grav's inswinging corner into Alkmaar's net. We could now drink our coffee (much needed in the cold), and eat our strange looking water filled hot dogs safe in the knowledge that we were back in the lead.

The second period began with the Blues singing 'Oh I never felt more like singing the Blues.......', that lasted over half an hour. It was fantastic to hear, and the away support was amazing. Thousands we heard stayed in Amsterdam after their fruitless search for tickets, but the 1200 in the Everton end, and the brave souls who made it into the sections of the Alkmaar fans, did their club proud. Even after Alkmaar pulled level again, our support was unwavering. A draw looked likely, and Moyesy's used the occasion to blood Bjarni Vidarrsson, and Jack Rodwell, who albeit in the short time allowed did not look out of place out there.

The game was nearing its close, and our thoughts were turning to the half hour walk back to the train station, when Vaughny popped up on the far post to pop in the winner. His touch took it age it seemed to cross the line, but once again we went banana's when it did. We were back in full singing mode for the last ten minutes, as the Alkmaar ground resembled the Kemyln Road emptying quicker than a quick emptying thing.

The whistle blew, we jumped up and down again, this time hugging strangers as we knew how Sir Ranulph Fiennes felt every time he does an expedition to the North Pole. It was baltic. Players quickly swapped shirts, clapped and left, we got locked in for fifteen minutes, as a few of the Alkmaar fans decided to spit on us, but the vast majority of their fans that we encountered were fantastic. A few scoops in the Golden Tulip, then a taxi back to the 'Dam, were we only had eight hours to wait for our flight, more drinking time to play with. Knackered we most definitely were, but it is great to be a Toffeeman at the moment, and long may it continue.

Starman, well AJ and Roger were the most consistent performers, but AJ just gets my nod ahead of the ever consistent defender. Footnote for anyone wondering what the A sign is when players score. We were told that a children's charity which is about to be launched are using this symbol, and the players have obliged by using it when they score to raise awareness. If it not the case, I shall kill the drunken Blue who told me so in a bar pre match !!

Full Time: Alkmaar 2 Everton 3

AJ Scores The 1st	Jags Gets The Second
Jack Rodwell - Debut	Vaughany Scores The Winner

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