Fan Comment

A 17 hour day – but worth it!

The alarm went off at 5.50am and I grabbed a quick cuppa whilst persuading the puppy that she needed to go out into the cold, wet and wild to do the necessary at such an unholy hour. I swear she already knows when it is the weekend and she has a lie in and Jane said she didn't settle properly all day after that!

In the car at 6.45 for the 50 mile drive and the coach was already there. 39 die-hards on the coach and the general feeling was that it would be a nice gesture for the club to broadcast an apology to the fans before the kick off for that diabolical display last week. Ron, the West Country Blues club chairman, said it was the worst display he had seen in sixty years plus of following the club and whilst the early seventies produced some dire stuff I couldn't argue with him.

He told me that there were a couple of lads on the coach who had travelled up from Truro and do so regularly. For those like me whose geography can be suspect Truro is really " Deep South" and you can add on another two hours and 100 miles to what I was doing. Dedication like that should make the players ashamed of not trying as one or two were guilty of last week.

We had a smooth journey despite sweeping rain all the way and I made the mistake (not for the first time) of trying a microwaved bacon roll at the services which was so hard and dry you'd think it unfit to be served to a human. Still, let's hope Ken Buckley fat van is up to standard!

We arrived at just before 1:00 and time was killed in the fan zone and grabbing a pint in the pub just up the road and opposite the Brick. I was stunned to be charged £2.80 for what was a very decent pint of lager – my local charges £4.25 which is standard in Devon.

The game started with a very subdued crowd but it was clear that the team was up for it and apart from a couple of early errors from Mangala ( who I thought settled down after them) we were looking decent enough with a Walcott a class apart. He protects his full back, has excellent control, thinks, and has pace like I have never seen before- a marvellous signing at £20m.

It all took off after half time. Our chairmen (West Country Blues and BK) both missed the first goal as it was so quick after half time. Niasse was an absolute pain in the backside for Palace, constantly all over their defenders giving them a torrid time and it seemed that Siggy in particular had become aware that if you stay close to him there will be some loose balls (I don't refer here to the Palace defenders feeling scared) to pick up.

It seemed to me that his touch play has improved as he mixed some moments of poor control with some very good control and link up play and I for one am not in the group who think he is too poor for the premier league. He is highly effective against the lesser clubs and sets a great example to all.

Siggy played very well with energy, skill and I wouldn't say he was slow either. Tom had a good game and the goal will do him good. He and Gana play well with Wayne who was my man of the match with a real midfield general display . So often the ball was moved in to him and back out to create space and his diagonal passing to Theo was great to watch.

I' m not one ever to boo our own players and was shocked at the widespread booing Schneiderlin received. I can understand why it happened and he should look to Niasse and Siggy if he wants to change things. Soggy is slowly winning people around with hard graft and his skills are starting to show. Niasse has gone from playing for the under 23s to being the crowd hero and second top scorer again through sheer hard work – does Morgan want it or not?

Keane was ok but beaten too many times in the air for comfort albeit Palace had some huge guys on the pitch.

All told a very enjoyable game and encouraging performances all round. I love how Tom and Jonjo hunt together when chasing the ball – great to see.

We were back on the road by 5.15 and apart from the quaintly named " dash and slash" once we hit the M5 we made good time and I was home by 11. Walcott was voted man of the match by the 39 on the coach. No one agreed with my choice of Rooney – what do I know?

A great day out, Goodison looked in fine shape and the company was excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend West Country Blues or indeed the other travelling supporters clubs to anyone. The cost is way cheaper than paying for your own petrol, the company is pleasant and the journey is relaxing. Thanks to Ron, Becky, Mike and the rest of the team – see you soon!

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