I had absolutely no intention of going to this one today — I was supposed to be on a hot date.  But when you're blown out, you're blown out.  So Wrexham, ah, go on then.

A lovely sunny day, real pre-season feel.  Good showing from the Evertonians — we easily filled our end and had to spill into the main stand.  Usual subdued pre-season atmosphere, a couple of lads trying to get it going throughout, a bit of a burst of song at the start, but all quite low key.

The Racecourse is a pleasant, well developed, lower-league stadium with piss-poor catering facilities.  Three sides all seater and one home end of terracing. 

The weirdest thing about these friendly games in summer is figuring out who is who on your own team.  A swap of haircut, a summer tan, a bit of extra weight can make it hard enough to instantly recognize even the regulars you know and love after a couple of months — never mind new signings and kids being given a run out — all of whom without names on backs.  It took me the first 10 minutes to get my eye in.  Which was quicker than the bloke next to me took the whole first half to realise that Carsley isn't Gravesen.

Suppose the most interesting thing about our starting line-up was the choice of Clarke and O'Hanlon as center-backs.  Neither did anything wrong, neither caught the eye.  Can't say that of Mr Wright.  He had nothing whatsoever to do the whole game, save a couple of easy clearances in the first 20 minutes.  He fluffed three of them, and handed them a guilt edge chance that was only kept out thanks to the lick of paint on the woodwork.  One wag tried to get a 'Are you Gerrard in Disguise' going but folk were feeling too generous to join in.  It's pre-season, the whole point is to get those early nerves out the way for him... hopefully!

All in all, it was a very tame first half.  Our only chance of note came when McLeod whipped in a great cross for Alexandersson.  Nice jumping header.  The bar kept it out.  Other than that, we had nothing until just before the break when Radzinski latched onto a Rodrigo through-ball and, calm as you like, the Tomasz put it away. So, in front at the break.

The second half was more interesting.  We saw Tal, Hibbert and Tommy G enter the game.  But of more significance was the debut of our new Chinese contingent, WeiFeng and Tie.  The midfielder and central defender.  Don't ask me which is which — I haven't sussed that yet.  Both proved that there is more to their signings than making up the numbers on the sponsorship deal.   They can both clearly play a bit of football and made an immediate positive difference.  The centre-back looked skillful, calm and assured.  The midfielder confident and with a sublimely measured pass.  They impressed.

Tal also seemed to have the bit between his teeth when he came on.  He won the penalty and looked determined to take it, but  Rodrigo was more determined, won the battle of wills between them, and coolly slotted home.  He enjoyed it.  Looks another good signing.

Wrexham brought the game to us a little.  Their crowd had a couple of strong shouts for a penalty waved off.  These incidents were at the other end so I can't confirm or deny their assertions that the referee was a scouser in disguise.

We were reminded we were in the lower leagues when the net fell down midway through the second half and Freddy Boswell was sent on with his milk crate to repair it.  All good stuff.

Rooney came on for the last 10 or so but didn't get too much of a chance to make any impression.  Radzinski should certainly have made it three in the last minute.  Still, a stroll in the sun when all said and done.  2-0.