EVERTON RESERVES, 2002-03

A detailed record of Everton Reserves' season in the 
FA Reserve/U-21 Premier League (Northern Section)

[ History of Everton Reserves ]

[ Reserves, 2003-04 ] �

 PAGE CONTENTS

 FA PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE (North Section)

 RESULTS AND FIXTURES, 2002-03

 FA PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE (NORTH), Final Table 2002-03  

 RESERVE MATCH DETAILS, 2002-03

 Sheffield Wednesday 0 - 1 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Pilkington, Wei Feng, Yobo (89' A? Moogan), Crowder; Osman, Carney, Unsworth, Rodrigo; Symes (84' Brown), McLeod.
Subs not used: Cole, Southern, Beck.  Scorers: McLeod (41')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr M E Murphy  Att: 445

Steve Mine: Not the best 90 mins of football that I have seen in a while...  To go in at half time 1-0 up was nothing short of a miracle.  Even with a sprinkling of first team players included in the team sheet, Everton could do no better than a handful of shots on target.

The goal came via a Sheff Wed mistake just before half time: a deep ball in to the box, Evans the keeper called for the ball but missed it completely, the ball hit a defender and fell into the path of McLeod 6 yards out with an open goal; he side-footed it in for an easy goal.

We had another chance of a goal in the second half, again via a mistake: a clearance from the keeper hit the back of McLeod, the ball rolled across the front of goal, no Everton player was able to get near.

Simonsen made a couple of good saves; this will have given himself some much-needed confidence.

Symes, playing up front as a striker without his normal partner Rooney, had a free header on 57 mins having beat the offside trap, his header just past the post.

Played one won one good start, as a win is a win.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 0 Manchester United

Everton: P Gerrard; O'Hanlon, Wei Feng, Yobo, Watson; McLeod, Osman, Gemmill, Rodrigo; Rooney, Chadwick.
Subs not used: Cole, Pilkington, Carney, Schumacher, Brown.  Scorers: Osman (81')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr A Hogg  Att: 2,519

Steve Milne: There were a few more than normal in the Halton Stadium tonight, with more United fans in the ground than Evertonians, and with both sides fielding very strong sides.  Rooney, Watson (back from a long lay-off), Gemmill, Rodrigo were all in our starting eleven.

United could have been 2-0 up in the first 2 mins, Gemmill hooking the ball off the line, then Gerrard with the one handed save � both from the head of Diego Forlan.

Everton found themselves limited to two efforts in the first half: on 19 mins, Rooney with ball at his feet inside the 6-yd area, he danced around the defender, his shot hit the base of the post from close range.  Then, on 34 mins, Rodrigo from some 35 yards out, hit the top of the wall with a free kick and it flew well over the top of the bar.

Half time: Everton 0 - 0 Man Utd

A much better second 45: all Everton with chance after chance after chance.  The goal finally came via a 45-yard run down the right, Rooney using his pace and power, going to the by-line hitting a superb cross. Osman finished with an excellent first-time right-footed shot into the bottom left hand corner.

Other chances:

• 67' Rodrigo stole the ball off Neville but, inside the box, United's Roach made a goal-saving tackle to stop a certain goal.
  
• 71' Rodrigo again involved; this time with a cross into the path of Rooney, but his shot was well saved.
  
• 78' McLeod linked up well with Rodrigo, a nice one-two; McLeod ran down the right and gave the ball back to Rodrigo, but his shot was just wide of the post.
  
• 89' Rooney then showed his class, ran the full length of the right wing, stopped to let Chadwick and Co to catch up, then beat the defender again to cross the ball from the by-line only to see Chadwick's shot blocked by the keeper.

A deserved win on the second half performance.

Match Reports:    Official Website   icLiverpool Website 

 Birmingham City 4 - 3 Everton

Everton: Wright; Watson, Naysmith, Pilkington, R Southern; Gemmill, Osman, Carsley; Ferguson, Chadwick, McLeod.
Subs not used: Simonsen, Crowder, Brown, Carney, A Moogan. 
Scorers: Chadwick (30', 57'), Watson (67')
Yellow Cards: Chadwick.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr S J Dorr  Att: #

A lot has been written about the return of Duncan Ferguson over the past couple of weeks; tonight, with the media circus here to see for themselves, he lasted a full game along with Chadwick who also has been coming back from injury.  Wright was also on the comeback trail.

Everton had most of the possession in the first 45 mins.  Ferguson had a few chances, the first on 7 mins, Chadwick laying the ball in to his path, but his shot was well wide.  On 10 mins, he had a header from inside the box, again off target.

Dunc did have a hand in the first goal, just before the half hour mark.  A deep cross from the right, he put the ball back in the box, Osman flicked on the ball on, and Chadwick in the goal area took his chance well: 0-1

Just before the end of the first half, Ferguson had a diving header from a nice cross from McLeod, at full stretch only to see his header go just past the upright.

Half time: Birmingham City 0 - 1 Everton

Within the first 60 seconds, Chadwick could have made it 2-0 from inside the box but miss-hit his shot and put it wide.  Then, in the next 20 mins there were six goals:

• 51' - Carter  From the edge of the area, via a corner the ball flew off his boot with a superb volley, Wright with absolutely no chance: 1-1.
• 57' - Chadwick  The ball in from the right, Osman with the cross, Chadwick left to put the ball in the net from close range: 1-2.
• 59' - Kirovski  A deep cross into the Everton area, at the back post, Wright well beaten in the air: 2-2.
• 66' - Watson  He had a free header inside the six yard box, a pinpoint corner from McLeod: 2-3.
• 82' - Kirovski  The Everton defenders just could not get the ball clear, Kirovski just toe poked the ball in: 3-3.
• 87' - Kirovski  Another close range goal with Watson beaten on the left, no Everton defender able to clear the ball: 4-3.

After being in the lead 3 times to lose the game 4-3 it was a long unhappy journey home let me tell you.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website

 Everton 1 - 0 Manchester City

Everton: Simonsen; Pilkington, Naysmith, Wei Feng, Yobo; Linderoth, Watson (11' Osman), Gemmill; Chadwick, Moore (46' McLeod), Carsley.
Subs not used: Cole, O'Hanlon, Schumacher.  Scorers: Osman (89')
Yellow Cards: Carsley  Red Cards: None  Ref: M Matadar  Att: 1,820

Steve Milne: No Duncan Ferguson on the team sheet; another little knock � this time it�s his ankle.  Will he ever be fit enough to pull on the Everton first team shirt again?  We did have on the team sheet a few of the others who are trying to catch the manager�s eye.

Nether side had any real attempt at goal in the first half.  Osman (who came on to replace the injured Watson on 9 min�s) linked up with Moore just outside the area to play a couple of nice passes, the ball fell in the path of Chadwick, but his shot weak but on target.

The plus for me in the first 45 was Yobo, playing at centre half alongside Li Wei Feng, looking like he knew what he was doing, and he had plenty of pace.

Half time: Everton 0 - 0 Manchester City

Another substitute � don�t know if it was forced or not, but McLeod on for Moore, left Chadwick upfront with Osman.  This was the pairing that we needed to spark a bit of life to the game.  On 55 mins Gemmill with the corner, Wei Feng with the cushioned header, McLeod's shot goal bound but well blocked by a City defender.

Carsley thought he had a penalty on 62 mins he was brought down inside the area, but the ref from some 40-yard�s away thought he dived and gave him a yellow card.  A couple of mins later, McLeod on the goal line crossed the ball just over the head of Carsley, the ball fell at the feet of Chadwick and his shot was on target forcing the keeper into the save.  Within 60 seconds, Naysmith with a pinpoint cross just over the head of Carsley again; if he was only a couple of inches taller...

On 74 mins it was Chadwick with time and space on the edge of the area, Osman with the cross, but as he was going to shoot the ball bobbled, so his shot went over the bar.  The Man City keeper was then sent off for handling the ball outside of his area, a long ball from the back, Chadwick ran it down, Nash red card.

The goal came on the 89th min; to be fair we had had all the possession and all of the best chances.  All the hard work paid off, the ball inside the area and City just could not get it away.  Osman lashed the ball in from six yard�s out, a well deserved goal; he had worked hard since he came on.

With Yobo playing well, Chadwick working hard, and Naysmith also looking good, Moyes will have a few things to think about on his way home tonight.  

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Leeds United 1 - 1 Everton

Everton: P Gerrard; Pilkington, Wei Feng, R Southern, Crowder; O'Hanlon, A Moogan, Moore; Carney, McLeod, Chadwick.
Subs not used: Simonsen, Colbeck, Flood, Garside.  Scorers: A Moogan (39')
Yellow Cards: �  Red Cards: �  Ref: D J Birkett  Att: 3,075

Steve Milne: With only three players having any real first team experience, a young Everton reserve team travelled to the home of Emley Football Club (I think this is our first trip here, it was my first).

A fair crowd tonight; all four sides of the ground looked to be full, rare for a reserve team game.  They saw us sneak a goal against the run of play after 39 mins when young Alan Moogan hit a sweet shot that flew in the top left-hand corner, past a diving Nigel Martyn.  Up until then, we had not looked like scoring � in fact, we did not have a shot on goal � we did have a couple of corners but that's all.

On the other hand, Paul Gerrard had a fair bit to do.  One save just before the half hour mark was fantastic: from close range and on target, he just pushed it over the top of the bar.  Leeds had a few more shots, most of which where well off target.  To go in at half time 1-0 up must have been pleasing for the youngsters playing tonight.

Half time: Leeds United 0 - 1 Everton

The second half was not unlike the first.  Most of the play in the Everton half, Gerrard again the saviour with another three outstanding saves, although he could do nothing to stop the equalizer.  On 78 mins, having come on as sub, Folan from the edge of the area and back to goal, held off the Everton defenders, made a bit of space, turned, and put the ball in the top corner.  We could only manage a few attempts at the Leeds goal, the best from Moore with the resulting shot just wide of the upright on the hour mark.

The draw takes us to second in the league, one point behind Leeds.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 2 - 2 Blackburn Rovers

Everton: Simonsen; O'Hanlon, Pistone, Stubbs, Pilkington; King, Carney, Schumacher; Moore, Chadwick, McLeod.
Subs: Cole, Crowder, Colbeck, A Moogan.  Scorers: Chadwick (41'), Carney (66')
Yellow Cards: Pistone.  Red Cards: �  Ref: R Pollock. Att: 749

Steve Milne: Another chance for the kids to shine, with so many players away on international duty, its up to them to fill in and take their chance.  They do get a bit of help in the way of a young Under-19 midfielder player, Jordan King from Telford United (son of Telford Boss Jake King).

It took a while to warm up, winter had arrived tonight, and neither keeper had much to do in the first half, our best chances.

• 8 min�s Moore with a corner, Chadwick on the end good solid header, saved, Stubbs with the follow up shot off target.
• 9 min�s Young Carney had a long range shot some 25 yards, inches away over the cross bar.
• 28 min�s Joe Max Moore again the play maker, ball into Chadwick, he beat the offside trap, ran on 20 yards with just the keeper to beat, did all the hard work, his shot agonisingly went past the post.
• 39 min�s Chadwick again with a good little run made space for himself, in the box, the keeper came out, challenged him unfairly, the ball fell into the path of McLeod who put the ball in the back of the net, the referee gave a penalty.
• 41 min�s After a bit of first aid to the keeper, Chadwick stepped up to fire home 1-0

Half time: Everton 1 = 0 Blackburn Rovers

• 50 min�s Just as the chap from Blackburn radio was going on about the lack of chances live to the studio, from 30 yards out Matt Jansen hit a left foot shot that went in from off the underside of Simonsen�s goal, the listeners thought he must have scored the winner of the cup final, the way he was jumping up and down in his seat. It was a good goal though. 1-1
• 66 min�s Move/goal of the night, a long ball from the back to the right wing, Carney took the ball well turned his marker inside out, left footed shot, into the top left hand corner from the edge of the area brilliant. 2-1
• 91 min�s Just as we thought we had won the game, the defence could not get the ball away, Danns (who is an Evertonian) waiting on the penalty spot, the ball somehow fell in his path, he salvaged a point for Blackburn with the injury time equaliser which happened to be Blackburn�s first point of the season.

Match Reports:    Official Website   icLiverpool Website

 West Bromwich Albion 2 - 2 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Watson, Pistone, Wei Feng, Pilkington; Schumacher, Carney, Gemmill; Chadwick, Moore, McLeod.
Subs not used: Lake, B Moogan, Southern, Brown, Potter.  Scorers: Chadwick (44'), McLeod (82')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr A S Hogg  Att: 626

Steve Milne: What a place to find, we are at The Grove, home of Halesowen Town from the Doc Martins Premier League; nice little set up though.  Another chance for Watson playing at right back, Pistone in the left back spot, Gemmill & co getting another 90 min's playing time.

Here are the best bits:

• 10 mins: Yellow card to Schumacher for a two-footed challenge.
• 32 mins: McLeod with a nice ball to the feet of Carney, from just inside the area his shot on target, saved by the keeper's legs.
• 38 mins: Gerrard called into action for the first time to save a shot from 30 yards at full stretch diving to his left to palm the ball away.
• 42 mins: McLeod shot from distance floated his shot over the bar.
• 44 mins: Chadwick, 0-2: Left-footed shot in off the inside of the post, from 30 yards out in a bit of space, unmarked; picked his spot.

Half Time: WBA 0 - 1 Everton

• 58 mins: Dobie 1-1 Everton just could not get the ball from Dobie, he survived a couple of tackles, then looked for his spot, hit a right footed shot with power, Gerrard no chance.
• 66 mins: Dobie 2-1 This time from a corner, a header but no-one able to challenge him, as the ball came from inside the six-yard box.
• 73 mins: Pistone took a chance; saw a gap in the defence, from 30 yards out hit a left footer not to far away from the right hand post.
• 78 mins: Schumacher played a nice ball in the path of Chadwick, from the edge of box on target.
• 82 mins: McLeod, 2-2.  The equaliser came via a couple of youngsters Carney with the cross deep, McLeod with a cushioned header that crept into the corner of the right hand post.
• 85 mins: Chadwick had a gift, stole the ball via a mistake from the defenders, and should have done better with the shot; he was well inside the area but the keeper made easy work of it.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 2 - 1 Bolton Wanderers

Everton: Simonsen; O'Hanlon, Pistone, Wei Feng, Clarke; Gemmill, Carney (46' A Moogan), Watson, McLeod; Chadwick, Moore.
Subs not used: Cole, Schumacher, Potter, Crowder.  Scorers: Chadwick (23'), A Moogan (89')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: C Harwood  Att: 651

The reason for the switch of the fixture (as far as I can make out): Bury (Bolton's reserve team venue) is being used tomorrow for a game, so we will now have our away fixture in March 2003.

Tonight, we started with 4-4-2:  O'Hanlon, Pistone, Feng, Peter Clarke (back from his loan spell at Blackpool) the back 4; in midfield Gemmill, young David Carney, Watson, McLeod; and upfront Chadwick & Moore.  Best bits:

• 18 mins: our first real attempt at goal, ball in from the right, Chadwick almost on the penalty spot, a good strong header not that far away.
• 23 mins: 1-0 Chadwick. A superb strike from the edge of the area, looked up saw an opening, took his chance, the ball just flew in.
• 31 mins: A good deep run this time Gemmill, made some room had a shot, just wide of the upright.
• 41 mins: Simonsen started a good Everton move with a long ball from the back; Chadwick held off his marker, put the ball into the path of Watson who had motored up to support him; he in turn laid the ball to the feet of Gemmill, his shot just over the bar from 30 yards out.

Half time: Everton 1 - 0  Bolton

• 45 mins: A Moogan on for D Carney
• 53 mins: McLeod running down the left, cut into the box, shot from a tight angle, defender with the block tackle.
• 55 mins: Gemmill put the ball through the legs of Stig Tofing gave the ball to McLeod, he in turn saw Moore, the cross deep to the back post, Chadwick on the end with a diving header, should have scored.
• 62 mins: O'Hanlon long-range shot hit the base of the post.
• 65 mins: Bolton down to 10 men, Akin Bulent red card for a rash tackle on Chadwick.
• 68 mins: Moore with a good cross in from the right, not one Everton player able to get on the end.
• 74 mins: another good cross this time from the left, McLeod who had run his socks off saw Watson's header go just wide.
• 77 mins: Moogan with a corner right across the face of the goal, again no blue shirt in the right place at the right time.
• 87 mins: Bolton score the equaliser, a long ball in from the back, Tubbs gets in between O'Hanlon & Feng with a diving header; Simonsen no chance.
• 89 mins: O'Hanlon comes to the rescue, Moogan another good cross from the right O'Hanlon with the winning header.

All in all, a well-deserved win for the reserves tonight.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 0 - 0 Sunderland

Everton: Simonsen; O'Hanlon (46' Potter), Pistone, Gemmill, Weir; Wei Feng, Carney, Chadwick; Moore, A Moogan, McLeod. 
Subs: Cole, Crowder, R Southern, Brown.  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: Pistone, Wei Feng  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr R Lewis  Att: 793

Steve Milne: On a freezing night, a few brave souls came out to see Everton's reserves draw 0-0 with Sunderland.  The first half was not that inspiring with few real chances, the best coming on 22 mins with a good deep cross from Kevin McLeod on the left wing; Carney at the back post was unmarked, but he mistimed his shot.

The only other note of the half Pistone with a yellow card for a foul.

Half time: Everton 0 - 0 Sunderland

The second half was just as hard to watch as the first.  Again the chances were few and far between.  On 49 mins, Weir put a header wide of the upright, on a Carney cross from the right.  Then just before the end, Carney fired in a good hard corner, Pistone got on the end, just wide of the goal.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Aston Villa 4 - 0 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Clarke, Pistone, Gemmill, Weir; Wei Feng, O'Hanlon (73' Carney), Watson; Chadwick, Moore, McLeod.
Subs not used: Cole, Crowder, Southern, Beck, Colbeck.  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: McLeod  Red Cards: None  Ref: K Woolmer  Att: 401

Steve Milne: Still no sign of big Dunc in the starting line up, nevertheless, a fairly strong Everton team was out tonight.... but by half time we were 3-0 down!  We had a lot of possession for the first 30 mins then disaster stuck: a ball into the area hit the base of the post and bobbled out but Everton just could not get it away.  Cook just lashed the ball though a pile of players: 1-0 down.

Five mins later another long ball; this time Simonsen came for it and punched the ball away, it fell to the feet of Kashoul, who's shot from 18 yards flew into the right-hand corner of the goal.60 seconds later, their Moore was brought down penalty.  He took it himself sending Simonsen the wrong way 3-0.

Half time: Aston Villa 3 - 0 Everton

Not that much better in the second 45 min's, another goal for Villa, 75 min's Hadji with the goal of the game, from distance a rocket of a shot in to the top right hand corner.

The only real noteworthy move for the blues it was the best move of the game from an Evertonian's view, 77 min's McLeod had a run down the left a good 30/40 yards beating a couple of players along the way, laid the ball in the path of Joe-Max Moore, his shot hit the bar, Villa cleared the ball away.

Apart from that nothing much to impress the watching management.

Attendance 401 hardy souls.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 0 - 2 Middlesbrough

Everton: Lake; Schumacher, O'Hanlon, Clarke, B Moogan; Alexandersson (Beck 46), Watson (Crowder 72), Gemmill (Brown 72); Carney, McLeod, Chadwick.
Subs not used: Cole, Southern  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr M Atkinson  Att: #

Steve Milne: On a cold cold December night, the reserves are in action for the first time in 3 weeks, with a couple of places up for grabs on Sunday due to the suspension of both Yobo & Unsworth young Peter Clark should tonight try and lay claim to one of those places (as we know in last years derby he was man of the match)

The big news of the night the start of our young keeper Sean Lake who was in action on 22 seconds, to palm the ball round the upright, just what he needed to calm his nerves.

Highlights of the first half:

• 9 mins Carney with a corner, Watson a good solid header, off target.
• 26 mins McLeod having put himself in a great position on the edge of the area, his shot blocked by the diving midfielder Davies.
• 29 mins Gemmill had a shot from distance again blocked in the area by a defender.
• 31 mins Lake found himself on the end of Middlesbrough�s first real attack; thankfully the ball hit the post and bounced out of harms way.
• 36 mins Watson, another deep run from midfield, from the edge of the area, his shot on target but this time Crossley the savoir for the visitors.
• 43 mins Just before the half time, Murphy with a header from a deep corner poor Lake just watched the ball go by.

Half time: Everton 0 - 1 Middlesbrough

• 45 mins Substitution off Anderson on Beck
• 47 mins we could have been 2-0 down, off the line and away from danger.
• 53 mins this time we did go 2-0 down, another corner this time from the right, up went Dove to power the ball past the defence.
• 72 mins Sub: Crowder & Brown on for Gemmill & Watson
• 77 mins McLeod the provider, a cross from the left deep through a crowded penalty area, Beck on the end of it, just past the post. Which turned out to be the best and only chance of the second half.

Full time: 585 very cold Evertonians saw us lose 2-0

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Manchester United 1 - 4 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Said, O'Hanlon, Clarke, Pilkington; Carsley, Alexandersson, A Moogan (Schumacher 65'); Osman, Pembridge, McLeod.
Subs not used: Turner, Carney, Southern, Beck.  Scorers: Osman (44', 63', 67'), Alexandersson (46')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr A Hogg  Att: 601

It's been a while since the last reserve team game.  Tonight, we were at Moss Lane, Altrincham's ground.  We have the new boy on show, Ibrahim Said, but no big Dunc who is still having a problem with his back.  Not a lot to tell you about the first half:

• 10' Osman nice run along the edge of the area, beat 3 players along the way, ran out of room.
• 14' McLeod from the left pinpoint cross to the feet of Alexandersson, he had time & space but snatched his volley; it went well over the bar.
• 19' Everton had a free kick on the right put in with pace; no one on the end to finish.
• 30 Another good Everton build up, McLeod with another cross from the left; Alexandersson with a shot, blocked, and the ball fell to A Moogan, his shot just over the bar from 35 yards.
• 33' McLeod ran at the United Defence found himself in the area, his shot on target blocked.
• 44' Just before the half-time mark, Osman from the edge of the area, turned the defence inside out, curled his shot past the keeper.

Half-Time: Manchester United 0 - 1 Everton

Within 54 seconds of the restart, we had our second of the game.  Osman was again involved in the build up, down the right hand side, he saw Alexandersson unmarked in the area and laid the ball to his feet; he could not fail to score.

• 55' Carsley had a shot from some 35 yards, well off target.
• 60' Alexandersson from close range saw his shot cleared off the line.
• 63' Osman's second of the night via an Alexandersson corner, headed on by Carsley, from under the bar Osman made sure.
• 67' Another Osman moment, his hat-trick; this time, Pembridge the provider of the cross.  Osman scored from 1 yard out with a powerful header that hit the underside of the bar and went in, the linesman gave the goal.
• 74' United grabbed a goal back, a quick free kick 35 yards out; Gerrard didn't even move.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 2 - 1 Bradford City

Everton: Simonsen; Said, O'Hanlon, Pilkington (77' Southern), Clarke; Carsley (c), Alexandersson, Schumacher (67' Symes); Carney, Osman, McLeod.
Subs not used: Turner, Beck, Crowder.  Scorers: Osman (13'), Carsley (pen:24')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: McLeod (32')  Ref: G Mellor  Att: 320

Bradford striker Danny Cadamarteri made his comeback in the reserves' 2-1 defeat at Everton.  He has not played since November 9 due to a tendonitis problem and lasted 71 minutes against his former club.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Newcastle United 1 - 0 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Said, B Moogan, Gerrard, O'Hanlon; Carsley, Alexandersson, Linderoth; Chadwick, Ferguson, Osman.
Subs not used: Schumacher, Carney, Cole, Symes, Beck.  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: �  Red Cards: �  Ref: Mr E Idlerton  Att: 1,411

Steve Milne: The long waited return to action of Dunc tonight, alongside Nick Chadwick.  Both stickers were in need of football action, both in need of coming though unscathed with 90 mins of football under their belts.  Highlights:

• 1' Osman. playing as a winger tonight on the left, put a good ball through to Alexandersson, who shot 18 yds out well over the bar.
• 3' Dunc � first taste of action: back to goal, he laid the ball off to Chadwick who, from inside the area, shot on target; keeper saved.
• 14' Lee Carsley's weak shot slipped past the post.
• 24' Newcastle's first real attack: young Anthony Gerrard, with his first ever reserve-team start, clears off the line.
• 33' Simonsen this time comes to Everton's rescue with a great save, after the defence failed to clear twice.
• 38' Everton's best chance of the half; a ball from the back, Chadwick challenged the keeper, the ball fell into the path of big Dunc, who used his strength to hold off the defender, he laid the ball back to Chadwick, but his shot hit the post.

• 55' A goal down; Kendrick with a shot 18/20 yards out, Simo must have seen it late; he had no chance really.

• 59' Another wasted Everton chance; this time, the Newcastle keeper was on the floor, the ball falling to Osman on the edge of the area, who shot over the bar.

• 60' Chadwick stole the ball from a sleeping defender and ran at the keeper who used his body well to make a smothering save.

• 69' A half-chance: Linderoth has a shot long range; defence puts it out for a corner.

• 75' 35 yards out: a free kick and Dunc with the shot, on target.  Newcastle dealt with the threat.

Plus factors: all players came though injury free and all had 90 mins of football.  Dunc on the bench, Satdee?

Player Ratings (from Stapo & son):

• Simonsen - little to do, but good safe hands when required.
• Said - shocking first half, but was a revelation when he moved to right midfield in the second basically better going forward than defending.
• Moogan - good solid performance, plays well behind Osman and the pair linked up well.
• Gerrard - A tall powerful lad who handled himself well all game.
• O'Hanlon - Another young 'un who played well.
• Carsley - a solid if unspectacular display; always willing to work and looking for the ball all the time.
• Alexandersson - a waste of space; doesn't want to know and was responsible for the Toon goal, losing the ball on the edge of our box.
• Linderoth - didn't look match fit but gave his all; helped out in defence and attack always willing.
• Chadwick - 100%.  Can't praise him enough for his first game back; should have scored 2, hitting the post when he had an open goal, and when one-on-one with the goalie.
• Ferguson - I kept a close eye on the big man, who completed the 90 mins; he was still running at the end and won everything in the air.  I was well impressed; still short of match fitness, but deffo on the way back.  Took an excellent free kick that was just pushed wide by the keeper.  We ain't seen the last of him...  To quote Darren Griffiths, "He'll be as stiff as a board in the morning!"
• Osman - my "Man of the Match" tonite; a full 110 % performance � good use of the ball; links up well with Moogan; his crosses were good and he forced an excellent save from the Toon keeper.

Overall, we played well, had enough chances to win the game.  Also, nice to see Mr. Moyes there checking out the stiffs.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Everton

Everton: Turner; Said, B Moogan, O'Hanlon, Southern; Linderoth, Schumacher, A Moogan; Ferguson (Symes 46), Osman, Carney.
Subs not used: Cole, Colbeck, Crowder, Beck.  Scorers: Osman (5'), Ferguson (pen:28')
Yellow Cards: Schumacher (57'), Said (89').  Red Cards: �  Ref: Mr R Lewis  Att: #

Steve Milne: A quick trip up the coast to see the reserves play against Blackburn.  With most of the players in Spain on a training camp, we get to see the kids shine � oh, we also got to see Ferguson on the comeback trail.

In goal tonight was the new boy Turner.  �50k we paid and, after tonight's performance, I can see why we did pay that much for the youngster; he was extremely confidant, he did all he was asked to do and more.

We scored on our first real attack on 5 mins:

• 5' A ball came from deep in Everton's own half, down the right wing, Osman chased it, cut in to the left, saw the keeper coming out, and just lobbed the ball over him: 1-0.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 1 West Bromwich Albion

Everton: P Gerrard; Hibbert (73' B Moogan), A Gerrard, Pilkington, O'Hanlon; Alexandersson, Carsley, Linderoth (73' Schumacher); Osman, Rooney (81' Symes), Ferguson.
Subs not used:  Turner, A Moogan.  Scorers: Osman
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

A crowd of more than 2,000 turned out to see Ferguson and Rooney in the Reserves but it was Leon Osman who put Everton ahead after just eight minutes, the youngster took control of the loose ball after Ferguson had made space in the box and fired home.  Tony Hibbert made his comeback from injury in the Blues' defence which also included Anthony Gerrard.  Hibbert looked in good form and lasted 73 minutes before being replaced by Brian Moogan in his first game back since a hernia operation.

David Moyes has said he intends using all of his squad between now and the end of the season.  However, he may have to wait a while for Tobias Linderoth who limped out of the action with a hamstring injury on 73 minutes.  Lee Carsley and Niclas Alexandersson also played as did keeper Paul Gerrard who performed well when called upon.  In a dull game, it was no surprise that a determined Albion side drew level.  Midway through the second half, substitute Simon Brown sent in a cross and Taylor powered home a header past Paul Gerrard.  Rooney, Ferguson and Osman all combined well to come close to restoring the Blues' lead but Osman's shot went just over the bar.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Bolton Wanderers 1 - 1 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Said, McLeod, Pilkington, A Gerrard; Carsley, Alexandersson (82' Symes), Osman; Ferguson, Rooney (63' Schumacher), Pembridge (63' A Moogan).
Subs not used: Turner, Crowder.  Scorers: Schumacher
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

STEVEN SCHUMACHER looked to have earned Everton Reserves a deserved victory at Gigg Lane only to be denied by a late goal from Spaniard Salva Ballesta. Duncan Ferguson again partnered Wayne Rooney in attack as both players look to keep up their match fitness.  The Bolton keeper kept his side on level terms on more than one occasion as the Blues threatened his goal with shots by Mark Pembridge and Rooney.  The young striker did beat the home keeper only for his effort to be ruled offside.  Everton dominated the first half, Rooney coming close right on half time with a shot that went just inches wide.

Rooney was substituted after the hour by Schumacher and it proved to be an inspired change as the young England midfielder put Everton ahead 12 minutes later.  Mark Pembridge sent over a corner and the loose ball fell to Schumacher, who volleyed his shot off the crossbar and into the net.  Schumacher should have sealed it for the visitors minutes later but the goale was again brave in the Bolton goal.  The game looked to be petering out with a victory for Everton but with just two minutes remaining Ballesta pounced to level for the home side, heading powerfully past the helpless Simonsen.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Manchester City 0 - 1 Everton

Everton: P Gerrard; Said, Crowder, O'Hanlon, Pilkington; Schumacher (B Moogan 53), Beck, A Moogan; Chadwick, Osman, Carney.
Subs not used: Turner, A Gerrard, Barry, Potter  Scorers: Osman
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Everton had a good chance to take the lead inside the opening minute.  A looping ball from David Carney into the box created problems for the City defence who cleared into the path of Nick Chadwick.  Chadwick saw his shot blocked, but the rebound fell to Steven Beck whose well-struck effort was smothered.

Inspired by the lively Sun Jihai, the home side went close on two occasions with the Chinese international heavily involved both times.  Sun Jihai screwed a 25-yard effort wide after some lovely interchanges with Joey Barton and just minutes later he forced a good save from Paul Gerrard with a right-footed shot.

Ibrahim Said went close for Everton midway through the first half.  His drive across the face of the goal had Nash beaten, but unfortunately for the Egyptian international, it flashed just wide of the upright.  Paul Gerrard in inspired form and with just fifteen minutes after the restart, he had already pulled off a quartet of excellent saves to frustrate the City attack.Everton had their chances too, with Osman and Chadwick forcing comfortable saves.

The second half was by no means as entertaining a spectacle as the first, as the Toffees denied their opportunities time and space on the ball.  As the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate, a slip by Barton allowed Osman with a chance.  The youngster turned, controlled the ball and fired a wonderful shot past Nash into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to give Everton three points.

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 Everton 1 - 2 Aston Villa

Everton: Simonsen; B Moogan, Crowder (A Gerrard 35), O'Hanlon, Pilkington; Schumacher, Alexandersson, A Moogan; Ferguson (Symes 76), Chadwick, Osman.
Subs not used:  Turner, Potter, Carney.  Scorers: Chadwick
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: 435

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Sunderland 2 - 0 Everton

Everton: P Gerrard; B Moogan, Pilkington, O'Hanlon, A Gerrard; Schumacher, Alexandersson, A Moogan; Chadwick, Symes (Carney 71) Osman.
Subs not used: Turner, Crowder, Potter, Garside.  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: 957

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 3 - 0 Sheffield Wednesday

Everton: Turner; Potter, B Moogan, Pilkington, O'Hanlon; Schumacher, Osman (Barry 66); A Moogan, Chadwick, Symes, Carney (Beck 76).
Subs not used: Gallagher, A Gerrard, Crowder.  Scorers: Chadwick (41', 71'), Symes (55')
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 2  Newcastle United

Everton: Simonsen; Potter, B Moogan, Pilkington, O'Hanlon; Schumacher, Osman, Alexandersson; A Moogan, Chadwick, Ferguson.
Subs not used: Turner, Crowder, Carney, Symes, A Gerrard.   Scorers: Chadwick
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Middlesbrough 3 - 1 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Potter, B Moogan, Pilkington, O'Hanlon; Osman, Barry, Carney; Chadwick, Beck (Jones 72), Crowder.
Subs not used: Turner, Southern, A Gerrard, Garside.  Scorers: Chadwick
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Liverpool 1 - 3 Everton

Everton: P Gerrard; O'Hanlon, Pistone, Clarke, Pilkington; Linderoth (Schumacher 45), Alexandersson, Li Tie; Chadwick, Osman, A Moogan (Carney 78).
Subs not used: Turner, B Moogan, Garside, Crowder.  Scorers: Chadwick, Osman 2
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 2 Leeds United

Everton: Turner; O'Hanlon, B Moogan, Pilkington, Clarke; Linderoth (A Moogan 46), Beck, Schumacher; Chadwick, Garside, Carney (Rodrigo 66).
Subs not used:  Gallagher, Crowder, Barry.  Scorers: Garside
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Bradford City 0 - 3 Everton

Everton: P Gerrard; O'Hanlon, B Moogan, Clarke, Pilkington; Linderoth, Schumacher (Beck 65), Osman (Rodrigo 56); Chadwick (Barry 65), Garside, A Moogan.
Subs not used: Turner, Southern.  Scorers: Chadwick 2, Osman
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 5 - 1 Liverpool

Everton: Simonsen; O'Hanlon, B Moogan, Clarke, Pilkington; Linderoth, Schumacher, Osman (Garside 77); Chadwick (Barry 81), Symes, A Moogan.
Subs not used: Turner, Beck, A Gerrard.  Scorers: Symes 2, Chadwick 2, Garside
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: 2,424

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 2 - 2 Birmingham City

Everton: Turner; O'Hanlon, B Moogan, Clarke, Pilkington; Schumacher, Osman; Chadwick, Symes, Carney, A Moogan.
Subs not used: Gallagher, Crowder, Southern, Garside, Barry.  Scorers: Symes, Chadwick (pen)
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: 116

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP, 2002-03

Games in the Liverpool Senior Cup were held over until the 2003-04 season.
 

 RESERVES � APPEARANCES, 2002-03

 PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES, 2002