Bristol Rovers1 v 1Everton  Worthington Cup    27th September2000

Kickoff: 7.45p.m

.EVERTON Gerrard,| Watson, Dunne, Unsworth|, Alexandersson, Nyarko, Gravesen, Moore, S Hughes,| M Hughes,,Jeffers|

Bench: Simonsen, ,Gemmill, Campbell, Ball, , Cleland,

Subs:Cleland for Jeffers(39m) Ball for Unsworth(46m) Campbell for Mark Hughes (76)

Scorers:Jeffers (14min) 0-1, Bignob (58 min)

We have been knocked out of the Worthington Cup by lower league opposition for the sixth time time in seven years. Why are we so optimistic? Even in the pouring rain and with that redshite song playing we thought 'we'll do these'. We were right some lovely football was played with Watson, Gravesen, & Alexandersson knocking the ball around well.The Blues took the lead in the 13th minute when Steve Watson played in Franny Jeffers,who fired a low shot past Culkin into the net. Joe-Max Moore missed a great chance to double the advantage when he blasted the ball over from close range(he's never been to a Howard Kendall coaching course. 'Keep your head over the ball , bollocks')and the American also had an effort blocked. Worryingly for Everton, Francis Jeffers was stretchered from the field in the 38th minute with an ankle injury to be replaced by Alec Cleland. Cleland wasted no time in getting involved though and was unfortunate to see his fierce drive from the edge of the box well blocked.Everton dominated the 1st half, but we have that feeling that one goal is never enough with us.Stephen Hughes could have taken that feeling away but he headed straight at the goalie from a Gravesen cross.(me granny could have put it away) Half-time 0-1

Michael Ball replaced David Unsworth at half-time and Steve Watson took over the captain's armband. Joe-Max Moore came close again in the 55th minute when his well struck free-kick was turned away by Culkin and within four minutes Rovers were level. Ellington ran at the heart of the Blues defence,not a challenge in sight and although his shot was blocked by Gerrard, Bignob was on hand to place the loose ball into the net, while our defenders watched.We new it was going to happen. Bristol took great heart from this, while Everton stood around and felt sorry for themselves. Gerrard had to be alert to keep out a far post header from Ellis. The Blues keeper also did well to save a Bignob drive.Full-Time 1-1

Extra time was more of the same. Bristol wanted it more. Most of the Everton players were thinking of getting into a hot bath, rather than fighting for the ball. Steve Watson was one player who relished the fight & he is the Blue Kipper Star Man.

Joe-Max Moore and Kevin Campbell failed from the spot for The Blues and the home side progressed to the third round by virtue of a 4-2 spot-kick success. Michael Ball and Thomas Gravesen were the successful takers for Everton.

Everton lose 4 - 2 on penalties
Bristol Rovers - Everton

Walter Says: 'Francis went over on his ankle but it is a little too early to say for certain what the precise extent of the injury is. "We need to see whether there is any ligament damage but we can't do that until the swelling goes down. "But we didn't lose because of that, we lost because we didn't take our chances over the two games. "I expected better this season and it is very disappointing that it has not happened."

A pair of Kippers

report from

The Memorial Ground

Blue Kipper Star Man

Steve Watson!

How can a striker miss a penalty,Joe?

Oye! Walter! No!

get back to 442

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