Everton 1, Man City 0. / Tues. 24th Sep 2002. / Attn: 1,820 /

Everton: Simonsen, Pilkington, Li Wei Feng, Yobo, Naysmith, Watson, Gemmill, Carsley, Linderoth, Moore, Chadwick.
Subs: O’Hanlon, Schumacher, Cole, Osman, McLeod.

We deserved this win. The 1st half was a midfield battle, with both defences nullifying any chances. Steve Watson came off injured after only 10 minutes to be replaced by Leon Osman. In the second half we dominated play & had the best of the chances. City goalie Carlo Nash was sent off for diving at Chaddies feet, & handling the ball outside the box. Osman scored the winner in the last minute. Another clean sheet for the reserves. It's just a coincidence that they have 2 young fast centre halves.

Simmo: A clean sheet for Simmo. He did well. Saved well from City's only real chance.
Pilkington: Good wholehearted performance from George. Never seems to let you down.
Li Wei Feng: Won a good few headers. Good distribution.
Yobo: Fast. A Class above the rest . Must play on Saturday.
Naysmith: Looked fit. Up & down the left. Put the through ball to Chadders when Nash was sent off. Another who should be back in the 1st team on Saturday.
Gemmill: Average. Didn't do enough, but kept going.
Carsley: Good game. Was unlucky to get booked for diving, when it looked a clear penalty. Had a good chance saved.
Watson: He just can't get his season going. Another setback with this injury.
Linderoth: Did ok. Some good tackles. Never gave the ball away.
Chadwick: Never stopped. Was a handful for the City defence. Unlucky not to score.
Moore: Never appeared in the 2nd half. Looked off the pace. Some nice touches.
Osman: Had a great game. Scored the goal. A great shot from the edge of the penalty area. Could have had a couple more.
McLeod: Sub for the reserves. He has the ability to be in the 1st team. Some great crosses, & clever close control. Should have scored.

Stars In Reserve Outing

Some of the first team squad could be play at the Autoquest Stadium against Man City tomorrow night. Expect Joey Yobo, Li Wei Feng, Steve Watson, Gary Naysmith, Nick Chadwick and Big Dunc all to be involved.

If Joey gets through this game without the ball hitting his ankle he should be playing on Saturday versus Fulham.

Moyesy said:"Both Yobo and Feng should play. Overall Joseph is looking much better and played very well in the reserves, the week before he picked up the ankle injury. So we are hoping now that Joseph has had a settling in period and really now just gets himself in the first team." (23/09/02)