bluekipper.com - Reserves Man Utd (a)

Reserves/Man Utd (A)

Man Utd 1, Everton 2. / Thurs 22nd Jan 2004./ Atten:823 / @ FA. Kick-Off: 7.00pm

By Lavington

EVERTON: Turner, Moogan B., Fox, Clarke , Weir, Gemmill, Watson, Nyarko, Osman, Li Tie, Alexandersson

BENCH: Symes, Pascucci, Brown (Li Tie 81),Schumacher (Nyarko 72), Wilson (Weir 35)

Scorers: Watson (55), Alexandersson (66)

A fairly strong Blues side took maximum points against United's second string at Moss Lane last night. The game was over shadowed though with a serious injury to Davey Weir in the 35th minute. Weir is expected to be out for a considerable amount of time, with ligament damage, which is a major blow to the player who was on the road back from a long term injury. Good news for Moyesy came in the knowledge that Stevey Watson is banging on the first team door, with an accomplished display, culminating in a far post header, to pull the Blues level early in the second half. United took the lead through promising youngster Kenny Cooper, and through most of the first half commanded Everton's second string with ease. A half time bollicking ensued, no doubt by Andy Holden, as in the second half, Everton seemed determined to gain the points. After Watto's equaliser, Everton dominated with centre half Clarke hitting the crossbar. Their pressure paid off, when in the the 65th minute Alexandersson cooly scored the winner after great work from Steve Watson. Watto looks sure now to be in the squad for Sunday's Cup Tie, and on this form his re appearance in the first team can't come quick enough. (23/01/04)

Turner : Not at fault for the Utd goal, a rasping shot. Had very little to do really. Caught a couple of high crosses. Looked nice and secure. Impossible to pass any real comment as he wasn't really tested.

Brian Moogan: Played well throughout. I would say he’s small, tight, tough and fast. He got up and down the line well especially in the second half. He crossed a couple of very decent balls across, especially for Steve Watson’s goal. Can be pleased with his nights work.

Clarke: Played really well, probably our M.O.M. Contested everything. Won most of his duels, used the ball well. I was not impressed with him in the first team game against Blackburn. But after tonight, I would say that he is still young still learning and even if we don't want him there will be plenty of good clubs who will.

Weir: Playing well until his injury, a total accident. Stretchered off the field and it looks as if he could be out for a little while. Get well soon David.

Daniel Fox: A young lad only 17, but played really well. Kept it nice and simple, Pacey and has the knack of picking the right option. I will be interested in watching his progress.

Gemmill: Usual self, neat and tidy. Doesn't waste the ball, but even at this level he doesn't look anything special. Still tried hard and played his part in the win. I am not sure we will see Scott in the first team at Everton again unless we get a run of injuries. I wish him well in the future. He always did the best he could for us.

Alexanderson: Looked lively in patches. Took his goal well. I would say that he is now looking forward to his new career wherever that may be and is getting ready for that. He may even be hoping for a short term loan move.

Nyarko: Played well. Taken off after 70 minutes. I think he will be involved on Sunday possibly from the start. Was very influential in the game tonight and controlled it pretty much in the second half until he was taken off.

Watson: Played well, possibly needs another game or two. He definitely improved as the game wore on. He took his goal well and even though Sunday may be a little too soon, it is obvious which team he will be involved with for the rest of the season. Played on the right in the first half and moved to the left in the second half when he swapped positions with Alexanderson.

Li Tie: Tried hard but second season syndrome is still a factor. I think it may be next season before we see the best of him again. His passing is a little wayward and he looks like a player that is low on confidence. I have no doubt that his game will come back to him, he doesn't hide he always wants to be involved and with that attitude a player always has a chance. Got injured near the end but I don't think that it is anything serious.

Osman: Did O.K. Too small to play the lone striker role. Tried hard and in a couple of runs. You could see the potential. I can't help but feel that wide left or right where he could use his speed and skill is where he will be most productive.

Subs

Laurence Wilson ( Weir). Another 17 yr old. Did well nothing fancy but no mistakes and these games where he plays with and against better players is a great learning experience.

Schumacher (Nyarko70). Played well, carried on where Nyarko left off. Nice controlled footballer. Rumours are that he may not be retained. We did not see enough tonight to express an opinion either way.

Brown (Li Tie80). Livened up the game even in the short time he was on. Left winger, got the ball and tried to take on everybody, with quite a degree of success. Fast and direct. I was impressed.

From : Corkblue1. (24/01/04)

Quotes

Andy Holden says : " The first half was shocking from my point of view. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to go into the changing room at half-time and give them a rollicking like I did, but to give them their due, they came out a different side in the second half. We were sloppy at times. We gave the ball away far too cheaply at times, but I suppose it’s the old cliché, a game of two halves. At the end of it, it was a good win, with two great goals." (23/01/04)

Niclas Alexandersson says : "I can’t even remember the last time I scored, so I suppose it was about time.
Steve played it at just the right time and it gave me the opportunity to be one-on-one with the ‘keeper. He went down quite early and I just lifted the ball into the net.” (23/01/04)

Scoring Return

Winning Goal