What an evening of nostalgia as the great and good of Everton and Barcelona's past came together in a thrilling encounter at Goodison. Eight goals, some glimpses of skill, but an encounter played in the right spirit, Mike Newell's fore arm the exception.

Howard Kendall re took his spot in the Everton dug out, as Sharpy and Inchy lead the line for the first time in twenty odd years together. A few pounds have been added, but the movement was still there, albeit slightly slower than in their hey day. Bracey,the tigerish Peter Reid, Snods and Diamond kept the midfield ticking over, with the latter covering every blade of the Goodison pitch.

Barca took a two goal half time lead, which seemed unfair on the Blues, as the only difference was their finishing against ours. Barca's keeper Mora made a few good stops as Everton tried to close the two goal deficit. Inchy departed for Stuart Barlow, who added a bit more pace up front. Beags on the wing was frustrating as ever, by beating his man, then going back to beat him again, while Sharpy waited hand on hips for a decent centre.

In the second period, Barca's class shone through, as Howard introduced Mike Newell, and Kevin Richardson, both who looked in considerably good shape. Barca kept giving Waggy, Dizza and co., a torrid time as Estebaranz completed a fantastic hat trick. The bluekipper boys had christened the Spanish wonder 'Ciggy Man, as we had the privilege to speak to the forward at Dinner on Tuesday evening, as he worked through a few sticks of tar. He told us it was his sin (smoking), but it did not affect his performance as he clinically finished of the Blues to give Barca a three nil lead. Things got worse, as Barca added a fourth, but it at least sparked something in the hearts of the Everton legends as they produced a fantastic fight back to give the 6,500 crowd something to cheer.

Goals from Waggy, Diamond and Mike Newell gave the Blues some hope as the Spaniards seem to suffer from their first period exertions. Gaps appeared however as the Blues pushed forward looking for a share of the spoils, and Barca broke and Everton conceded a penalty right at the death. It was maker taker as the Spaniards argued over who should take it, but Rebello dusted himself down and sent sub keeper Kevin O'Brien the wrong way.

Five, three was the final score, and I am sure the Everton Legends were disappointed at the result. It as a shame only 6,500 turned up, but the ones who did saw a fantastic game played in the right spirit, for a great cause. It was great to see my heroes' in Waggy, Sharpy, Bracey, Reidy, Inchy, Snods, in fact all who have played in the Royal Blue over the years take to Goodison again for one last hurrah. The memories flooded back to watch the players who brought such glory to Goodison from a better era for Everton.

Well played to all, and wouldn't it be nice if we could have a second leg in Barcelona in the not to distant future. I am scouring the Easyjet timetable as I type. Starman goes to Diamond who covered every inch of the Goodison pitch. Also notable mention to Bobby Mimms who made a few spectacular stops. Last but not least, well played to all the organisers, and all the fans who turned up.

Full-Time: EVERTON 3 Barcelona 5

Back Row: Richardson, Sharp, Harper, Snodin, Pointon, Watson, comp winner, Mimms, Newall, O'Brien (Academy GK coach), Reid. Front Row: Bracewell, Heath, Mascot, Fenney (Comp Winner), Beagrie, Stuart, Barlow, Mick O'Brien (Former Youth Team Skipper)
Snodin, Beagrie, Newell, Pointon	Richardson, Chris (Sharpy's Lad), Mark, (Chris's Mate), Sharpy
Barcelona Squad	View From The Pess Box

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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.