Charlton (H)

23rd August 2000 Everton 3 v 0 Charlton

Everton : Gerrard, |S. Watson, Gough, Weir, Pistone,| Gravesen, Nyarko, S Hughes,, Gascoigne| M Hughes , Jeffers |

Bench: Simonsen, Unsworth, Gemmill, Ferguson, Moore

Subs: Unsworth for Pistone(35min), Ferguson for M. Hughes (66mins),
Moore for Gascoigne (76mins)

Attendance: 36,300

The atmosphere at the start of the game was like a cup final, every one was anticipating a great game at Goodison. The players were welcomed by z-cars followed by fireworks, the noise was deafening. When Gascoigne's name was announced the crowd went wild, but they went bananas when Ferguson was announced as a sub.

Everton had the best of the early exchanges, Gough grazed the cross bar from a Gascoigne corner. Everton should of had a penalty when Gough again went forward and was clearly brought down in the box. Stephen Hughes put Jeffers through on a one on one situation with the goal keeper, but he hit the ball tamely at the keeper. After all these missed chances, Robinson could have put Charlton ahead, but missed a sitter. After half an hour Everton took control, with Gascoigne and Gravesen pulling the strings.

Goodison saw the new ten yard law, put into place after Tyler argued with a decision, and the referee booked him and moved the free kick ten yards up the field. Everton had another penalty appeal turned down for hand ball. The crowd were clearly enjoying Gascoigne taking corners, as he was waving and chatting to the crowd whilst taking them. Charlton defender Tyler was sent off for a second bookable offence, after a tangle with Mark Hughes, who played the arl'arse and also got booked for his troubles. Pistone limped off injured to be replaced by Unsworth, who was shocked to see the Hertz rent a van sign had been replaced by the new giant video screen. He will now have to find a different place to aim his crosses.

Half time score 0-0

Everton changed to a more attacking formation, leaving a back three and moving Watson to an attacking position. Gascoigne was really working hard for the team and put Jeffers through for him to score Everton's first goal of the season. Gazza then went on a lap of honour as though he had won the World Cup. There then followed a scrappy ten minutes, but the crowd woke up when Ferguson was introduced. In fact they went berserk. He immediately played a one-two with Unsworth who was clear through on goal. The referee blew his whistle and pulled Everton back for a free kick on Ferguson.
The crowd erupted again when Gravesen broke down the right and passed to 'Big Dunc' who scored with a right foot shot. The crowd showed their approval by singing "Duncan is back".
Gascoigne who had worked tirelessly all of the game was replaced by Moore and was given a great reception by the fans.
With Everton cruising to victory against the ten men of Charlton. The icing was put on the cake when Ferguson scored his second to put Everton 3-0 ahead.
The fans had come expecting fireworks and they got them. Gascoigne, Gravesen and Ferguson all contributing to a good win, but the star man was Richard Gough who marshalled the defence and joined the attack on numerous occasions to defy his 38yrs of age.
Roll on Saturday. "3-0 and above the shite"

Walter says: "We had to work very hard tonight . Charlton are always awkward and full of enthusiasm and I was delighted to get three goals. It was good to see him get his goals," Walter enthused. "He came back here with a great deal of expectation because he's got a bit of previous here so, yes, I'm delighted for him. I was pleased for Francis Jeffers to also get off the mark"
Mark Hughes says:" Everyone expected that to happen .He's got an affinity with the fans, they love him, he's great round the place and we are all delighted he is back"

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