EVERTON RESERVES, 2001-02

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

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 PAGE CONTENTS

 FA PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE (North Section)

 RESULTS AND FIXTURES, 2001-02

August 2001 

November

December 2001

January 2002

February

March

April

May 2002

 FA PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE (NORTH), 2001-02   Final Table

 RESERVE MATCH DETAILS, 2001-02

 Everton 1 - 1 Aston Villa

Everton: Simonsen; Hibbert, Pilkington, Xavier (Capt), Clarke, Cleland; Cadamarteri, Gascoigne, Chadwick, McKay, McLeod. 
Subs not used: Curran, Pettinger, Kearney, Eaton  Scorer: Cadamarteri (62')
Yellow Cards: McKay (71'), Chadwick (81')  Red Cards: None  Ref: #  Att: #

Steve Milne:   Well then, the return of Gazza.  The local papers radio and TV have had this game down as the last throw of the dice for him; even if he makes it through tonight he is still a few games of being fully match fit.  On a summer's night a bit too warm for football, with Gazza on the team sheet, you would have thought there would have been a few more than normal at the game tonight.   

It took 22 mins for the first attempt by either side.  McLeod with a left-wing run, found the youngster Chadwick; he chose to side-foot the ball from distance, only to see his effort go well wide of the target.   The player the crowd came to see showed a little bit of Gazza magic on 31 mins, from the edge of the box, as he tried to chip the keeper who was slightly off his line; his effort was just over the bar.  

Half time: Everton 0 - 0 Aston Villa  

Another Gazza moment came on 56 mins - 15 yards out with a shot straight at the keeper.  3 mins later he ran at the defence, with the crowd giving him some encouragement; alas, it came to nothing.  From the left wing McLeod goes on one of his runs, left-footed cross deep, finds Cadamarteri who from the corner of the box on the half-volley gives Villa's Henderson no chance, as the ball flies into the bottom left hand corner. 1-0.

Gazza could have made it 2-0 a couple of mins later.  The keeper just got a hand to it to push the ball around the post.  Villa's Walker levelled the score on 75 mins even it was a bit on the lucky side, the through ball (it was offside) fell to his feet as Simonsen came out and blocked the shot, but the ball then fell back into the path of Walker who tapped it into the empty net.  

Gazza had a full 90 mins of football under his belt. A standing ovation from the crowd.  A job well done on his part.   

 Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 1 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; O'Hanlon, Pilkington, Xavier, Clarke; McKay, Cleland, Hibbert; Chadwick, Gascoigne, McLeod. 
Subs not used: Eaton, Pettinger, Kearney, Schumacher.  Scorer: Chadwick (68')
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: None  Ref: #  Att: #

Steve Milne:  Gazza who is back with the blonde look, had his second game in 7 days.  On the road to fitness, as the press have billed it, he is still admired by fans wherever we seem to go.  The locals gave him a cheer when his name was read out at the start of the game.  His old England team mate Chris Waddle was here tonight (no doubt catching up on old times).

For some reason tonight we were playing 4-4-1-1 Chadwick up front on his own, and Gascoigne playing just behind him.

The pace of the front two of Sheffield Wednesday had the Everton back four under severe pressure in the first 10 mins, mainly caused by the Italian Di Piedi.  We did however ride out the storm, although we could have been 3 - 0 down, but for their poor finishing.

Our first attempt on goal came on 14 mins - McLeod with the cross to Chadwick inside the six-yard box, with time and space; he should have scored.

Gazza had an effort on 21 mins, from the edge of the box; his shot went a foot wide of the right hand post.

We went a goal behind on 34 mins - Simonsen was to blame.  Morrison out-paced the defence, Simonsen came, stopped, came again... he was rounded, then the ball was fired at the goal with a bit of pace, it hit one of the Everton defenders on the line, on the way in, but he had no chance of stopping the goal.

Half-time Sheff Wed 1 - 0 Everton

We came out for the second half a better side than when we went in.  We took control on 54 mins with McLeod again the provider, Chadwick the receiver, and time and space on his side again; however, he fluffed his shot and the keeper made an easy save.

The Gascoigne magic was in evidence on 56 mins when he ran at the Wednesday defence from the edge of the box but chipped the ball just over the bar.

The equalizer came on 68 mins - Gazza the provider of the defence-splitting ball.  Chadwick made no mistake this time 1-1

We should have wrapped it up on 88 mins when Hibbert was brought down for a penalty.  Who steps up to take it?  Young Peter Clarke (not our usual penalty-taker) who had his weak shot saved.

So we had our second draw in seven days.  Gazza has had another full game under his belt - will he make the bench on Saturday?

 Everton 1 - 1 Manchester City

Everton: Simonsen; Valentine, Unsworth, Pilkington, Clarke; Kearney (63' Curran), McKay, McLeod; Cadamarteri (70' Eaton), Moore, Chadwick. 
Subs not used: Pettinger, O'Hanlon.  Scorer: Moore (28')
Yellow Cards: Kearney (60')  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr G H Simpson  Att: #

Steve Milne:  A few of the first team made tonight's line-up.  This I think, was due to the fact that they have not had a lot of playing time, rather than any other footballing reasons.

Dave Unsworth played at left back, and the boy Chadwick was the lone striker for most of the game, who did a lot of running for little reward.  Danny was playing just behind him, but ran out of steam on 70 mins.

Man City came to us tonight on top of the league.  We however, are sitting in 8th position, so tonight's 1-1 draw keeps us in the same place.

Our goal came out of some nice work from the midfield.  The ball fell to Moore, who ran on into the box, right-footed shot across the keeper to put us 1-0 up.  We had most of the possession in the first 45 mins.  McKay had a couple of chances - the best a 20 yard effort that went just past the left hand post.  Moore & Cadamarteri both had efforts go just off target 

Half time:  Everton 1 - 0 Manchester City; fair based on the balance of play.

We had only one chance in the second half, this fell to Clarke who saw his header from the corner hit a City defender.  I thought he used his hands to keep the ball from going in; the referee saw it differently though!  

Apart from that, we let Man City into the game. Their equalizer came on 71 mins.  We failed to clear the ball, and from outside the box the shot came flying though the Everton defence leaving the keeper with no chance.  So, the third 1-1 draw in a row!

 Newcastle United 1 - 1 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Hibbert, McLeod, Unsworth, Kearney; McKay, Pilkington, Curran, Eaton; Chadwick, Cadamarteri. 
Subs not used: Pettinger, Schumacher, A Moogan, Carney.  Scorers: Unsworth (31')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr N S Miller  Att: 1,042

Steve Milne:  You can always tell when we come to the North East; the weather all of a sudden becomes colder... much colder.

The blues today travelled with a youngish squad that included from the first-team squad Unsworth � despite him signing a new 3-year deal, he still cannot claim a regular first team place.  It was down to the youngsters to continue their drawing streak.

The wind played a big part in the first half, it was behind us so all the balls hit from the back flew down into the Newcastle half.  We took 20 mins to get used to it, at this point we began to take control of the game.

On the half-hour mark, from a free kick some 35 yds from goal, not even the 4-man Newcastle wall could stop the powerful Unsworth free kick, which had a bit of help from the post as it went in.

Danny Cadamarteri had a couple of chances: on 34 mins a snap shot, but it was straight at the keeper; a couple of mins later he nipped in on a poor back pass but was thwarted at the last moment by some good last-minute defending.

Everton should have made it 2-0: Curran with the corner, Pilkington saw his header hit the cross bar on 41 mins.  Then, just before half-time, Cadamarteri saw another shot cleared off the line.

Half time: Newcastle 0 - 1 Everton

From the start of the second half, Newcastle used the conditions to their advantage.  At times it was like the Alamo � just a question of when they where going to score.  We held out till the 80th minute, when Pedro Dimas met a cross in from the right with the header, giving Simonsen no chance.

We did have one chance in the 2nd half, Cadamarteri the provider from the Everton right wing, Chadwick with the header only to be denied the goal with a class save from their keeper.

In the conditions, driving rain and a gale force wind, to come away with 1 point was a good day at the office.  Even if it's NOW four 1-1's in a row!

 Middlesbrough 1 - 0 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Cleland, Clarke, Pilkington, Hibbert; McKay (Eaton 85), Valentine, McLeod, Curran; Tal, Cadamarteri.  
Subs not used: O'Hanlon, Kearney.  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: Cleland.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr S Hogg.  Att: 285

Steve Milne:  Yet another trip up to the north east, this time we have brought with us a fairly strong side, nearly half of them have had first-team experience.

The first 45 mins left a lot to be desired; we were a bit lightweight up front with Tal & Cadamarteri, the two strikers, becoming increasingly isolated.

We had just 3 attempts at goal, well I use that term loosely: on 19 mins Danny from the edge of the box on the turn saw his shot saved with ease; on 27 mins, Danny again having been put thru with a nice ball from Tal, this time his shot hit the side netting; and on 39 mins, Tal had a decent shot from the front edge of the box, but saw his effort go just wide of the upright.

Half time: Middlesbrough 0 - 0 Everton

The second half was no better, our only real chance came in the 53rd min, when McLeod ran a full 30-40 yds, outpacing the last man, only to miss the target.

Simonsen made a couple of great saves to keep the score at 0-0, and we all thought it was to be another draw until the 79th min.  Middlesbrough had a free kick just outside of the area, it was well worked, and they scored.  We had nothing in the tank in the last ten minutes, (no Phil Jevons to pop up and score a last-minute equalizer).  So Everton's drawing streak comes to an end.

 Everton 3 - 0 Blackburn Rovers

Everton: Simonsen; Hibbert, Cleland, Stubbs, Unsworth; Gemmill (71' Clarke), Cadamarteri, Gascoigne (81' Pilkington); Chadwick (57' Curran), Moore, McLeod.
Subs not used: Valentine, Eaton.  Scorers: Chadwick (17'), McLeod (33'), Cadamarteri (65').
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr G Atkins  Att: #

Steve Milne:  Tonight it was just like the old days, when we had a proper reserve team, with seven first-team regulars starting the game.

The first chance of the night took just 2 mins: Cadamarteri had a shot from well outside the box.  The youngster McLeod, who ran his socks off the whole game, fired in a cross to the near post on 15 mins but Chadwick saw his header pushed over the bar by Alan Kelly, Blackburn's keeper.

Two mins later, Gazza and Joe-Max Moore linked up together in midfield to lay the ball in the path of Chadwick, who took his time to pick his spot and make it 1-0.  Just over the half-hour mark, Cadamarteri found McLeod at the back post with a deep cross; his half-volley gave Kelly no chance.

Half time: Everton 2 - 0 Blackburn Rovers

Everton increased their lead when Hibbert provided the killer pass, and Danny took the ball well, with a bit of nifty footwork to send the defender the wrong way, he then curled a fantastic ball round the keeper in off the post

At this point, the blues were in control of the game, and made a few changes; this may have been tactical for who may play on Saturday.  Tonight's win has us moving up 4 places in the table, 3 points behind the league leaders, and a game in hand.

 Leeds United 1 - 0 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Hibbert, Valentine, Clarke (59' O'Hanlon), Pilkington; Cleland, Curran, Gascoigne; Cadamarteri, Eaton, McLeod. 
Subs not used: Pettinger, Kearney, Symes.  Scorers:  None.
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr R J Booth  Att: 3,956

Steve Milne:  Both sides had the same points at the start of the game; we however were 8th in the league, just above Leeds on goal difference.  They were fielding seven full internationals, so on paper they should be the stronger side.

A good crowd was at hand, not to see Gazza either; they came to see the new Leeds signing, Seth Johnson, who opened the scoring on 35 mins.  A cross coming in from the left, he out-jumped the Everton centre-backs to head the ball home with some power.

Everton where on the back foot for most of the first half, in-fact my notes only show one attempt at goal; this came from Curran and was a shot-cum-cross at the back post.

Half time:  Leeds United 1 - 0 Everton

We did a little better in the second half, but the chances where still few.  Eaton had a claim for a penalty waved away by the ref; Danny on 58 min's had a snap shot from 30 yds go off target.  Curran saw the best Everton effort go just over the bar on 67 mins.

Our only other chance fell to Danny who was up front with the young Eaton.  He has his shot blocked, from inside the 6 yd box by the Leeds keeper's legs.  To lose 1 - 0 was a fair result; we had nothing up front to create a goal and we where playing a fairly strong Leeds side.  For you stats fans, we had 11 shots on goal; Leeds had 13.

 Everton 2 - 1 Bolton Wanderers

Everton:  Gerrard; Hibbert, Pilkington, Sauso, Clarke, Cleland; Valentine (45' Eaton), Gascoigne; Cadamarteri, Tal, McLeod. 
Subs not used: Pettinger, Kearney, O'Hanlon, Curran.  Scorers: Tal (64'), Pilkington (80').
Yellow Cards: Cadamarteri 50'  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr L Mason.  Att: 752

Steve Milne:  Another fairly strong line up tonight, Gerrard, who I would think is out to show that he should be the No 1 keeper, Gazza playing another game to get back to full fitness.  The question on everyone's lips was: Who is this Jukka Sauso?  Well, he's a trialist from Finland and plays in the centre back role (is he any good though?)

Not a lot to say about the first half.  We had a couple of chances: Tal on 10 mins found the ball at his feet 6 yards out but wasted the chance.  Bolton went 1-0 up on 18 mins � a long-range effort with power; Gerrard stood no chance.  Danny saw a headed effort on 36 min's fumbled by the Bolton keeper; it slipped out for a corner kick.

Half time:  Everton 0 - 1 Bolton

The half-time cup of tea did the trick; we came out a better side.  Hibbert within a couple of minutes of the re-start saw his efforts go just off target.  Tal then started to give the Bolton defence a hard time; he created a few chances on his own.  He laid on a few nice passes, left & right; his goal came on 64 min's, inside the 18-yd area, he turned the Bolton defenders inside out and let rip with a superb left-foot shot.

The second came via a Cadamarteri cross, Banks the Bolton keeper on the floor having missed the cross, left the way clear for Pilkington to slide home the winning goal.

As for the trialist, he didn't have a lot to do, but looks to be at the same level as Peter Clarke.

 Everton 1 - 3 Manchester United

Everton: Gerrard; Hibbert, Valentine, Pilkington, Clarke; Cleland, Tal, Gascoigne; Cadamarteri, Eaton, McLeod.
Subs not used:  Pettinger, Kearney, Curran, O'Hanlon, Symes.  Scorers: Eaton (27')
Yellow Cards: Cleland (54'), Tal (80'). Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr D J Birkett  Att: 4,628

Steve Milne:  We may be the home side, but we play our reserve team games in Widnes, which is not that far from the Manchester boundary, so you can imagine there were as many United fans in the ground as Everton fans.

It was nice to see the Blues start the game with a bit of passion.  They controlled the play, and did not let United get the run of the ball.  Tal started the onslaught on 4 mins with a long-range effort, then McLeod (who has been not his usual self these past few games) on 13 min's sent in a decent cross to Cadamarteri but his header just off target.  60 seconds later, McLeod again made a great cross, Tal with a snap volley inside the 6-yd box, well over the bar.

On 21 mins, Tal from 2 yds out saw his goal-bound chance cleared of the line by United's Tierney.  By this time, we new it was going to be a case of when ...  It came via a Gazza tackle from inside the Everton half; he stole the ball and started a move that involved both Tal & Cadamarteri whose final ball was slotted home by Eaton for his first goal for the reserves.

Half time: Everton 1 - 0 Manchester United

The old adage "a game of two halves" springs to mind; United came out the stronger side, and ran the second half with goals from Djordjic (a header from a Webber cross); Wood who strolled past the Everton defence to put the ball past the helpless Gerrard.  Number 3 was straight from a free kick, from an imposable angle.  Davies fired in a low hard cross, for Nardiello with the final touch to make it 1-3.

Everton could only muster a couple of efforts: on 51 mins, McLeod with a long range shot well over the bar; Eaton found Cadamarteri with a pinpoint cross on 75 min's, but Danny put the ball well wide with his header.  That was the Blues' total shots on goal from the second half.

 Sunderland 4 - 2 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Hibbert, Xavier, Pilkington, Cleland; Blomqvist, Pembridge, Moore, Tal; Chadwick (76' Eaton), Cadamarteri.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Curran, Valentine, Kearney.  Scorers: Chadwick (40'), Cadamarteri (43')
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref:  Mr Brittain  Att: 1,375

Matthew Fearon: This was indeed a chance for Danny to shine, with such notables as Roddy Collins, Carlisle's manager, in the stand.  Also occupying his place in the stand for this glamorous match was 'old barrel o' laughs', Walter Smith.  One characteristic of the Smith - Knox partnership was in startling evidence: out of the eleven starting, only three were under 27.  This was in stark contrast to the Sunderland side whose average age couldn't have been much over 21.

Both sides began brightly and, in the 5th minute, Cleland found Chadwick with a floated ball over the top.  Despite a poor touch, he managed to fire a shot that was blocked by Macho.  But Sunderland looked far from intimidated by the experience and (supposed) quality lining up against them.

Cadamarteri and Chadwick were combining well upfront.  Chadwick displayed speed, strength and an impressive ability in the air, that begs the question: why wasn't he considered for Sunday's game against Chelsea?  Could it be (A) He is younger than Walter? (B) He isn't Scottish? (C) He would have been a better option than Watson?

On Sunday, Simonsen laid down the gauntlet to Gerrard, and Gerrard's response was to flap at crosses, parry shots and slow down play with his poor distribution.  However, Blomqvist was looking lively and seemed intent on running himself into the ground in the first 15 minutes. Once he settled down, he displayed some lovely touches and great awareness.  As soon as he gains some match sharpness, there is no doubt that he will be a vital member of the team down that left flank.  

In the 40th minute, the Swede robbed the Sunderland right back, cut outside, dummied a cross and then cut the ball back into the path of Cadamarteri whose first time shot was fumbled by, the diabolical Macho into the path of Chadwick who steered it home from a yard!!  1-0 Blues and no more than Jesper and Chadwick deserved.

Three minutes later, the impressive Pilkington � who wasn't looking out of place alongside Xavier � collected the ball in defence, spotted Danny's run and pinged the ball over the top.  The 'pie-boy' showed wonderful strength and slight of foot to evade the Sunderland centre half and, as Macho tried to narrow the angle, Danny whipped a left-foot bullet inside his near post.  

Half-time  Sunderland 0 - 2 Everton

In spite of another bright start, which saw Cadamarteri jinx past two defenders and force Macho into conceding a corner, and Chadwick flash wide with an exquisite turn and shot,   the Everton team disintegrated into an untidy mess of amateur players.  On 55 mins, defensive dithering from Hibbert and Xavier, let the Sunderland striker through unopposed, Gerrard got down well but Frenchman Bellion was on hand to sweep the rebound into the bottom corner.

This early reply flustered the Everton players.  The only plus point from the rest of the second half was Pilkington's assurance as those around him lost their heads, and the growing confidence of Blomqvist, showing an ability to turn his marker inside and out.  He linked up well with Pembridge and Cleland, but to no avail.  In the 65th minute, Sunderland won a corner and Kyle rose unchallenged to fire a header past a floundering Gerrard: 2-2.

Things got worse 10 minutes from time as Xavier let a through-ball ghost pass him; Hibbert was left for dead, a square ball caught Gerrard out of position and he was duly nutmegged.  3-2 became 4-2 four minutes later when, John Oster (yes, him) was allowed too much time on the right and flashed a low shot past the desperate Gerrard who was down on his knees before the wee lad had even shot. 

The referee threatened to make it even worse with two minutes to go when, somewhat bizarrely, he pointed to the spot after Pilkington had headed behind for a corner.  To the amusement of both sets of players he adjudged that Pilkington had used his hand.  Not to fear, justice was done, as the penalty thudded against the bar.  We didn't deserve to lose 5-2, but 4-2� unfortunately, Yes.  And for that, a lot of the senior players should be mortally ashamed of themselves.

Man of the Match: Cadamarteri was impressive up front and took his goal well; Chadwick showed some wonderful touches, both in the air and on the deck.  But, the most assured and composed player on the pitch was young centre-half George Pilkington, belying his age and embarrassing his more prestigious and experienced team-mates.

Moan of the Match: Gerrard's failure to rise to Simonsen' s challenge.  Too often guilty of flapping at crosses, indecision, poor distribution, and does not instill confidence or command his area.  Steve Simonsen � the No.1 jersey is yours for the taking!!!  And Tal, who did not rise to the occasion in front of Smith!!!

Blomqvist-watch: The Swede took a while to get into the match but once he did he wasn't afraid to take opponents on.  He delivered some telling crosses, split open the defence for the first goal, and seemed to tire only towards the very end of the match.  He completed the full 90 minutes and on this competent, if not electric display, he will be soon pushing for a first-team place.

 Everton 2 - 2 Bradford City

Everton: Gerrard; Hibbert, Valentine, Clarke, Blomqvist (46' Curran); McLeod, Pilkington, Tal, Moore; Chadwick, Eaton.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Symes, O'Hanlon, Kearney  Scorers: Eaton (1'), Chadwick (68')
Yellow Cards: None.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr Williams.  Att: 505.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Valentine, Pilkington, Clarke; Hibbert, Curran, Kearney; McLeod, Chadwick, Eaton.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Schumacher, O'Hanlon, Moogan, Crowder.  Scorers: Chadwick (67').
Yellow Cards: None.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr G Atkins.  Att: 2,513.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 0 Newcastle United

Everton: Gerrard; Hibbert, Cleland, Clarke, Pilkington; Kearney, Tal, Southern; Chadwick, Eaton, McLeod.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Curran, O'Hanlon, Valentine.  Scorers: Chadwick (60')
Yellow Cards: Chadwick, Eaton.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr Evans  Att: 571

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Aston Villa 5 - 1 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Valentine, Pilkington, Clarke; Southern, Curran, McLeod (72' Eaton), Moore; Chadwick, Ferguson.
Subs not used: Pettinger, O'Hanlon, Kearney.  Scorers: Curran (58')
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: #  Att: 723

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Manchester City 1 - 3 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Pilkington, O'Hanlon, Valentine; Tal, Pembridge, Southern (50' Kearney); Osman, McLeod, Cadamarteri.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Curran, Eaton.  Scorers: McLeod (5'), Cadamarteri (16', 53')
Yellow Cards: Pilkington, Tal.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr Brand.  Att: 1,045.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 1 Sheffield Wednesday

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Valentine, O�Hanlon, Pilkington; Southern, Tal, Osman; Chadwick, Eaton, McLeod.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Kearney, Curran, Moogan.  Scorers: Chadwick (26')
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: None  Ref: #  Att: #

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website

 Bradford City 1 - 2 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Valentine, Pilkington, O'Hanlon; Kearney, Tal (46' Curran), Southern; Osman, Eaton, McLeod.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Moogan, Crowder.  Scorers: Southern (43', 74').
Yellow Cards: None.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr G Brittain.  Att: 136.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 2 - 0 Leeds United

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Pilkington, Clarke, Valentine; McLeod, Watson (58' Eaton), Southern; Tal, Chadwick, Osman.
Subs not used: Pettinger, O'Hanlon, Curran.  Scorers: Chadwick (15'), Southern (79')
Yellow Cards: Tal.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr Lewis  Att: 688

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Bolton Wanderers 2 - 1 Everton

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, Valentine, Pilkington, Clarke; Pembridge (Eaton 59), Southern, Linderoth; Moore, Osman, McLeod.
Subs not used: Pettinger, O'Hanlon, Curran.  Scorers: Osman (30')
Yellow Cards: Linderoth, McLeod.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr D Birkett.  Att: 356

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 2 - 0 Sunderland

Everton: Gerrard; Cleland, McLeod, O�Hanlon, Pilkington; Moore (60' Eaton), Southern, Pembridge; Osman, Chadwick (60' Rooney), Curran.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Crowder, A Moogan.  Scorers: Moore (pen:24'), Pembridge (60')
Yellow Cards: Moore (39')  Red Cards: None.  Ref:  Mr S J Bratt.  Att: 686

Steve Milne: Still out to impress the new manager are Everton�s youth and the fringe players who just could not quite catch Walter's eye.  Tonight we had on show the likes of Gerrard, Cleland, Moore, Pembridge, and the promising young striker Chadwick who has netted 8 times for the reserves this season, plus the one strike for the first team.  But the buzz around the ground was the fact that Wayne Rooney was on the bench.

The first 45 mins was nearly all Everton, with chances falling to Southern, Chadwick, Curran.   All saw their efforts go wide of the mark.  The best chance fell to Southern, from a McLeod cross 2 yards out that ballooned the ball over the bar.

The goal came via a Moore penalty on 24 mins.  Chadwick was brought down by the Sunderland keeper who found himself in the ref�s book for the challenge.

Not a lot of action in the second half.  The goal came from Pembridge, a 25-yard volley that had the keeper well beaten.  The good news was the introduction of Number 16, Wayne Rooney, as a sub for Chadwick.  He made a couple of nice runs, one resulting in a shot that was cleared off the line from under the cross bar � this just after he came on the pitch.  The only other chance of the half fell to O�Hanlon on 71 mins � a free header from a corner, just off target.

Other Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Manchester United 2 - 1 Everton

Everton: Simonsen; Cleland (31' Carney), O'Hanlon, Pilkington, Clarke; Pembridge, Southern, Carsley (70' Eaton); Rooney (59' Symes), Osman, McLeod.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Curran.  Scorer:  Pembridge (58')
Yellow Cards: #  Red Cards: #  Ref: Mr G S Mellor  Att: #

Steve Milne: To be 1-0 down at half time was a bit unfair.  Everton had the better of the chances, with Rooney the main threat in a blue shirt.  His first effort came on 12 mins � a cheeky quick free kick 25 yards out while the United wall was taking shape.  A couple of minutes later, it was Rooney again with a shot/lob from 40 yards out catching Williams the United keeper well off his line � and it was not far off the mark.

Their first goal came on 25 mins.  Simo made a good save with his legs, the ball fell to Luke Chadwick (no relation to our own Nick) who made the cross to Wallwork, firing in though a pile of players.

Our only other worthy notes included Pembridge making a good cross into the box, but their keeper was alert to the move.  Just before half time, we saw another 30-yard run from Rooney into the box having out paced the defender, but his shot across the goal just missed the far post.

Half time: Man Utd 1 - 0 Everton 

Rooney was the main man.  He became the provider for Carsley although his shot went wide.  On 53 mins, Rooney had a shot on target forcing the keeper to make a good save.  The equalizer was coming; Carney with the header to Pembridge, and from the edge of the area nice shot on the half volley � their keeper had no chance.

They snuck a winner on 63 mins after a build-up with 3 players; Davis back to goal turned and shot from inside the 6-yard area, Simonsen no chance I thought it was a bit undeserved to have the final score line 2-1.

In a bizarre ending to the second half, with Everton having made all 3 subs, Simonsen had to go off on 70 mins with what looked like a sore hip.  Peter Clarke had to go in goal, but was not tested at all.

Rooney was one of the players subbed; let's hope that he is ok for the Youth Cup Final.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website

 Blackburn Rovers 0 - 0 Everton

Everton: Pettinger; O'Hanlon, McLeod, Clarke, Pilkington; Southern (46' Curran), Tal, Linderoth, Moore (46' Symes), Osman, Eaton. 
Subs not used: Cole, Crowder, A Moogan.  Scorers: None
Yellow Cards: Tal (28')  Red Cards: None  Ref: Mr G Turner  Att: 410

Steve Milne: As the season draws to a close, the reserve fixtures come fast and furious.  A couple this week: Blackburn then Middlesbrough give a few of the U19's a chance to step up.

The first 45 mins were not the best I have seen this season.  Pettinger was the the keeper who had the most to do, in fact he kept the score line 0 - 0 in the last few seconds of the first half with a brilliant one-handed save from close range and with some power on the shot, calmly pushing the ball over the bar.

Everton only had couple of moves worthy of note; 24 mins Tal linked up with Moore on the edge of the box, who in turn laid the ball into the path of Eaton, his shot off target.

On 28 mins Moore picking up the ball from a long punt out of defence, a great pass to Osman, but a Blackburn defender denied the young striker a shooting chance from inside the box.

Half Time: Blackburn 0 - 0 Everton

The second half was just as exciting as the first half�  Neither side could create any magic.  My notes have 4 attempts: 53 mins McLeod shot on target; a couple of mins later, Southern with a speculative shot from 30 yards over the bar.  Curran shot on target after 74 mins but the best chance on the night came on 81 mins � Eaton with a good run in to the box, the keeper came out to meet him clashed, the ball fell to the waiting Symes who ballooned the ball over the bar from the edge of the box.

0 - 0 was a fair result.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 1 - 0 Middlesbrough

Everton: Pettinger; O'Hanlon, Pilkington, Clarke, Valentine; Curran, Southern, Osman;, McLeod, Symes (62' Carney), Eaton.
Subs not used: Cole, Crowder, A Moogan.  Scorers: Osman (81').
Yellow Cards: None.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr P Canadine.  Att: 403.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 Everton 0 - 1 Liverpool

Everton: Simonsen; Valentine, McLeod, Pilkington, O'Hanlon; Southern, Curran, Carney; Symes (62' Crowder), Osman, Eaton.
Subs not used: Pettinger, Schumacher, A Moogan.  Scorers: None.
Yellow Cards: None.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr C Harwood. Att: 4,002

Steve Milne: For the last reserve game of the season, we find ourselves playing Liverpool.  It's Bank Holiday Monday here in England � hence the 2pm kick off.

Most of the side apart from the keepers are home grown, a few will have pulled on the Everton shirt for the last time; the list for who will be released is due out sometime soon.

The game started off as the usual end-of-season game, Everton having the better of the chances.  Pilkington saw a well-taken header cleared off the line just 4 mins into the game, followed by Southern with a nice run at the Liverpool goal � his shot was on target, but well saved.

16 mins into the game, young Eaton found himself with time and space in the area, only to be denied with a goal-saving tackle � we thought it was from behind, but the ref thought differently.

Liverpool scored against the run of play on 32 mins: a ball played across the goal line, no Everton defender able to clear the ball, Prince with a side foot from all of 1 yard out.

Half Time: Everton 0 - 1 Liverpool

The second half was like watching paint dry, the only notes I made were on 52 mins when Southern hit a shot high over the bar, and Osman who saw his corner met in the area by Carney unmarked but his effort wide of the goal.

We had two really good chances in the last 5 mins.  McLeod with the cross right though the middle of the 6-yd area, no blue-shirted player able to finish it off.  Then, right on the death, a corner fell at Carney's feet, his shot goal-bound, only to see Nielson tip the ball over the bar.

Undeserved 1 -0 loss.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 LIVERPOOL SENIOR CUP, 2001-02

 Everton 2 - 1 Runcorn

Everton: Pettinger; Hibbert, Pilkington, Clarke, O'Hanlon; Kearney, Penman (45' Carney), Valentine; Curran, Chadwick, Eaton.
Subs not used: Cole, Schumacher, Symes.  Scorers: Eaton (24'), Chadwick (84').
Yellow Cards: None  Red Cards: #  Ref: Mr J Blackburn.  Att: 282.

TeamTalk:  A mixture of reserves and youngsters secured Everton a 2-1 win.  David Eaton put the Blues ahead on 24 minutes - his shot taking a deflection off Neil Whalley before finding its way into the net.  Runcorn were back on level terms eight minutes later, however, when Steve Latham beat Andy Pettinger with a drive from 20 yards.  It was all square at the break and, despite having the better chances, it took Everton until six minutes from time before they hit the winner - Nick Chadwick on target from inside the box.
 

 Southport 1 - 3 Everton

Everton:  Pettinger;  B Moogan, McLeod, O'Hanlon, Pilkington; Osman, Southern, Konko; Campbell (46' Symes), Rooney (46' Curran), Eaton (78' Carney).
Subs not used: None.  Scorers: Campbell (12'), Rooney (35'), Symes (85')
Yellow Cards: None.  Red Cards: None.  Ref: Mr G Cain.  Att: #

Steve Milne: For the second time of asking (the first game was postponed), we get to come to Haig Avenue in Southport, although it's the reserves' second trip here this season as Liverpool use this ground for their matches.

A new name on the team sheet tonight, Abdou Konko � by all accounts, he is with the club training and looked quite useful; he was comfy on the ball and made a few nice lay offs.  The first goal came after 12 mins.  Eaton on the wing played the ball into the 6-yard box; all Campbell had to do was sidefoot the ball past the Southport keeper.  

Osman on 21 mins had a shot off target from some 30 yds out.  30 seconds later, Eaton with a square ball into the heart of the box, Southern had an air shot, and Campbell only had to pick his spot but put it wide.

He wonder kid Rooney notched up his first goal for the reserves.  It took just 35 mins: Brian Moogan with the pass; Rooney, cool as a cucumber, controlled the ball and let fly with his right foot.  This was all both the strikers had to do as both where taken off at half time � both needed for other duties later on in the week.

Half time: Southport 0 - 2 Everton

Almost straight after the restart, Southport got a goal back, Elam doing the damage at the back post, a bit of slack defending.

Everton where never in any real danger.  We did however have a couple of good chances � the best falling to Osman who saw his shot cleared of the line, quickly followed by Everton's third of the night, Symes a glancing header from a Carney cross to put us into the final against Liverpool.

Match Reports:    Official Website    icLiverpool Website 

 RESERVES – APPEARANCES 2001-02

 Friendlies and Other Reserve-Team Matches