After all the talk of Landon making a fond farewell we got the news that he wasn't able to take the field. Get rid of him
That gave the opportunity of starts for Royston and Maggie on the flanks. In the middle of the park were Phil and Gibbo. Denis was supported by Felli. At the back we had Hibbo returning with the usual others
I just put my arse on my seat and we were one up. The ball got to the left and side and Maggie put in a decent cross, Felli controlled it instantly and squared the ball to Royston who hit a first timer that curled into the top corner. What a start.
Five minutes later we went two up. Goodison is the place if you wants goals. It was a corner that was flung over by Royston, it was flicked on by Maggie and there was Denis to scramble it over the line at the second attempt. Oh my days, 2-0 up after five minutes. The world has gone crazy.
Royston and Maggie were both up for it and they were both involved in the next chances created by a rampant Everton
A great run by Royston from the right wing. He cut into the middle and was going towards the box when he put a lovely ball which was intended for Maggie but Gibbo took it off his toes and he shot wide.
Then Maggie put in a cracker of a ball but Denis just couldn't get his outstretched leg to it.
Denis had another decent header just off target from another Maggie cross.
Everton were very comfortable going in at half time as Blackpool hardly threatened our goal and we fully deserved to be two goal to the good.
Half Time Everton 2 Blackpool 0
The second started the same as the first with Everton well on top but no goals to show for it. We certainly had the chances.
Felli had the chance to put the tie to bed when Denis was clear on the left and put a lovely ball over but unfortunately Felli couldn't get it under control and the chance went.
The crowd welcomed back Seamus Cole man for the impressive Maggie after 55 minutes. This was definitely the best I have seen Maggie play. I still think he has a long way to go but there a big improvement in this display from him.
Royston went on the left and nearly got out third with a blockbuster. It was Felli who put him in. Royston hit a crackerjack from the corner of the box that the Blackpool goalie managed to get a hand to. A great effort.
From the corner Johnny Heitinga got a free header but he couldn't keep it down and it went just above the bar. He should have scored. Blackpool threatened briefly when Kevin Phillips hit a free kick from just outside the box that crashed against the bar with Tim Howards well beaten.
With 10 minutes left Felli had the clearest chance yet to finish Blackpool off but yet again he couldn't manage it. It was lovely work down the right by Royston and Seamus that allowed Hibbo to put a lovely ball over. Denis headed it on and the ball fell to Felli who chested it down and hit a left footer from inside the 6 yard box. The goalie was beat but Harris cleared it off the line.
Felli was enjoying his time upfront and he could have took the match ball home. It just wasn't his day.
Blackpool had a bit of a go in the closing stages. Tim Howard pulled off an incredible save off Blackpool sub Lua Lua. He hit a goal bound effort from outside the box but Tim got his fingertips to it to deflect the ball on the post and away for a corner. Well played Tim.
In stoppage time Blackpool were awarded a pen after Johnny got his legs tangled with the big lump Bentner. Kevin Phillips twatted it over the bar to the great relief of the crowd. End of game.
It was a decent enough performance from the lads, but a few more goals would have made the score line more accurate. Imagine if Jellyfish had of played he would have had a bucket full.
We saw the good side of Royston Drenthe today. He was involved in most of our good things today and he gets the Bluekipper Star Man.
A home tie please. Wembley here we come.
Everton 2 Blackpool 0
