One of the best memories at Analfield was the night game in 1999. It had everything a Derby used to have. Both sides committed, a load of 'get stuck in' tackles, loads of bookings and a few sent off. Well old mother Riley was Ref. So what do you expect?
Everton got off to a great start when Franny Jeffers put a lovely ball through to Kevin Campbell who slotted 'with aplomb' past Sandra Westerveld. Four minutes gone redshite 0 Everton 1. The away end went bonkers.
For the next 30 minutes it was a scrappy midfield battle. They had a shot through Owen which was only parried by Gerrad, but Dunne cleared. Everton's defence of Gough, Dunne, Weir and Ball were immense in the first half. Everton could have snatched a second when Jeffers tried a solo effort when Super Kev was in acres of space unmarked. Still 1-0 at half time at their gaff was great.
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The second half started well with Everton having 2 quick shots from Campbell and Jeffers, but the redshite came back Fowler and Owen having snap shots. Houllier brought on Eric Meijer and went route one. Everton broke away with Jeffers clattering into Westerveld. He didn't like it and handbags and vanity cases were thrown about. Riley sent both off after 74 minutes. Staunton went in goal as all the subs had been used.
Walter Smith's Everton were now on top as the extra man made a difference. They saw the game out, but not after redshite substitute Steven Gerrard, went in studs high at Kevin Campbell and he got his marching orders. It was his first Derby sending off, but it wasnt to be his last.
In the last minute Everton should have made it two when Abel Xavier missed a sitter. Not to worry. Final score redshite 0 Everton 1. We went back to the Winslow were loads of Everton fans had watched the game on Sky. The ale flowed until the early hours.
redshite 0 EVERTON 1. FA Carling Premiership. Monday 27th September 1999 - 8.00pm (Live on Sky Sports) Ref: Mike Riley Atten: 44,802
EVERTON: Paul Gerrard, Richard Dunne, Davie Weir, Richard Gough, Michael Ball, Abel Xavier, Don Hutchison, John Collins, Nick Barmby, Francis Jeffers, Kevin Campbell.
redshite: S Westerveld, V Heggem, S Hyypia, J Carragher, S Staunton, P Berger, D Hamann(E Meijer, 66m), J Redknapp(T Camara, 70m), V Smicer, R Fowler (S Gerrard, 66'), M Owen.
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