Everton put out their strongest line up to date at Motherwell today for their third pre-season friendly in what was also a testimonial for loyal servant Stevie Hammell.
Seamus was at right back with Hibbo on the left, Duffers and Buzz were in the middle and Tim between the sticks. Ozzy was on the right, Big Vic on the left with Captain Phil and Felli in the middle. Timmy and Velli were up front.
Stuart McCall's team were at full strength and once they had got the measure of Everton they took a grip on the game after 10 mins and played most of the next 20 mins in our half. Having said that, Tim was rarely troubled although it looked like our defence were taking time to build up an understanding.
Big Vic had our first effort which was easily saved then on 10 mins following great work by Felli and a good cross from Big Vic, Ozzy headed over when he should have done better.
Motherwell came close from a free kick on the edge of the box following a Felli trip. Hamill took the kick and it deflected just over the bar off the wall but Tim looked to have it covered.
Tim took one in the face after a cross was deflected on to his mush by Buzz, he was dazed but had pulled off a good save.
Everton started to get a grip on the game after the half hour and following a couple of good efforts from Tim Cahill which both went close, we took the lead. Good work by Felli and Nev saw our Captain push the ball out wide to Big Vic who put in a great cross to the far post, Duffers had stayed up following a corner and he rose majestically at the back stick and nodded in across the face of the goal. That was on 33 mins.
One up and it was a good game with end to end action, Motherwell pressed for an equaliser before the break but Everton took care of all they had to offer. Johnny and Nais were warming up just before the break and we hoped to see our new signing for the first time in the second half.
HALF TIME 0-1
Moyesy made four changes at the break. Jelly, Gibbo, Our Jack and The Cisco Kid came on for Velli, Ozzy, Big Vic and Timmy Cahill.
On 54 minutes Motherwell drew level following a mistake by Shane Duffy. Duffers should have cleared the danger but he put in a weak header which failed to get out of the box, it was nodded on to Law who buried it from the edge of the box giving Tim no chance.
Everton reacted brightly and should have gone ahead following a great move. Gibbo won the ball and found Felli who threaded a great pass through to the Cisco Kid who went down to the line and pulled the ball back to Our Jack who should have scored, he beat the keeper but it was cleared off the line.
Jimmy Mac came on with 30 mins to go and received warm applause from both sets of fans.
Then with 20 mins to go Johnny and Nais came on for Buzz and Felli, a chance to see Nais and Jelly up front for the first time.
It did not take long for them to gel, Jelly put Nais in and his shot was saved, Seamus almost put in the rebound but his shot just wide.
It was end to end stuff but without anyone able to bag the winner and the game ended all square.
A good contest and a good run out for the lads, now it is on to Indonesia - make sure you pack Factor 50.
Full Time 1-1
