COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY

From my seat: QPR (H)

By Ken Buckley   ::  20/08/2011 Oh dear... we lost, at home ? to a Championship side.

QPR left Goodison joyous and to rub salt into the wound the only goal of the game was scored by ?Tommy Smith?...

The day started well as we met up with old friends and the odd brew helped us dissect the goings on of late; it appears there is a split amongst the ranks regarding the Bill Kenwright interview by some protesters or other. Some thought it a good move for everything being laid bare; others thought the ?Blue Union Three? to be little more than the boys who put the nail in the coffin.

Whilst I take a keen interest in all activities Everton, I have to admit I am not much of a politico and prefer to enjoy my day at the match and comment on its outcome as I always feel the inner workings of the club are out of any influence from the ordinary fan, with the exception of staying away, and that is a step too far for me. I do have to say though that I thought the covert taping to be disgraceful and I certainly would not want a lot to do with people who stoop to such actions, no matter how much I want this board to be replaced by people with more visionary acumen (Plus money if possible) and the manager afforded a little leeway in the transfer market.

Today?s game was notable from the outset as the teams were texted to those who subscribe and revealed that Arteta, Fellaini and Saha were on the bench. This was mystifying as we had been led to believe all bar Coleman were fit. Still, the manager is with them all week and knows best.

Barkley started and that was seen in a positive light from those assembled and as things were to pan out the 17-year-old put in a performance that put seasoned pros to shame.

The first half saw the Blues on top but once again only outside the final third. Beckford, who was the nominated lone striker, had a chance but his scissor kick lacked co-ordination. Baines put in a wicked cross but Cahill mistimed it and looked a little foolish. Barkley put in a good run taking on player after player and was upended allowing Baines to take a free kick within range and would you believe left the keeper stranded but the ball hit the bar and bounced out. Somehow at this stage you felt this was not going to be our day.

QPR attacked and put some pressure on but it was all powder-puff stuff but we were finding it hard to clear with any authority. The old warhorse Shaun Derry seemed to be picking up everything in midfield and putting the pressure back on us. What we needed was a real hoof to find row Z and regroup but for some reason Jags thought he had the passing ability of Barresi and gave the ball away to the feet of a QPR player who fed Smith in the box and, at 31 years of age, showed all watching how to find the corner of the net despite a last ditch attempt from Jags to atone for his blunder.

Before the half ended we did have a chance when Beckford put over a great cross to the back post and the Cahill of yesteryear would have scored; today?s Cahill missed a sitter.

Second half and many of us thought changes must be made but no; it was same again and right from the off the players went for it ? no doubt with the managers words ringing in their ears... but alas the ineffectual Rodwell (Oh how he has lost that £20mill tag at present) shot at the keeper when a shot low and hard either side and we were level. Such are the fine margins at this level ? no, let?s be honest: crap finish.

Shortly after, he was replaced by Arteta and much cheering but, in truth, he was little better, but we did press. QPR had a player stretchered off, a sight no fan wants to see, but we did press with even more desperation which is never going to substitute for craft and guile. Osman had a good run halted by Derry and then Fellaini was introduced for Beckford. He didn?t look ready yet but did sort of add something. At one point he went down as if injured to the extent of hospitalisation yet in no time was up and running with no need of attention... you do wonder at times.

Saha came on for Heitinga who had been at best ?iffy? and so it proved was Saha. It was all desperate stuff and the best of it was probably when Fellaini set up Cahill but he dithered instead of acting spontaneously and a good chance went. Even with 5 mins of injury time we could fashion nothing and on the way out the only name being mentioned with any affection was Barkley. Hell, a 17-year-old debutant getting the plaudits should leave seasoned pros shamefaced.

My MotM Barkley when, even at 17, he showed an appetite and acumen that left his teammates a little short. He has some way to go yet but it looks as though we may have one on our hands. Still we thought the same of Rodwell and today left him in a poor light but you never know ? he may come agai;. I hope so. He never has seemed the same to me since the episode of being caught playing with the camera of a mobile phone!

Overall a poor week in the history of EFC. One that has seen the fan base being split, the club exposed to predators, and confirmation that no reinforcements are possible as well as losing at home to a Championship side. Can it get any worse? UP THE BLUES.

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