We are still in this

Everton 1 - 1 Crystal Palace

An earlier than usual start for a night match as I’d arranged to visit my brother-in-law in hospital, so out of the door at 10 am for the journey up to the homeland.

A strange encounter with a gentleman on the train who complained at me making a phone call to my sister and called me rude. I advised him to go to the quiet coach A but he told me he was happy where he was. Half an hour later, he makes a 10-minute phone call. I looked at him and smiled, but no other reaction. I must have one of those faces.

Off at Lime Street and straight onto a train to Broad Green. Well, I say straight on. All of these years of living in London have obviously spoiled me. I had to buy an actual paper ticket, much to my sister’s amusement, which left me dipping for the line.

Now I pride myself on my geography and my knowledge of finding my way around the city of Liverpool. However. After leaving Broad Green Station and wandering around the streets for a while, I gave in. Surely it can’t be difficult to find the hospital. I’ve driven past it countless times.

I surrendered and asked for Uber. The lady driver laughed at me as it was just around the corner, 400 m away. She gave me a free ride out of sympathy. Thank you.

He was in good spirits and remains strong considering what he’s been through. We spoke mainly about football, and he wished me well as I headed off once he had ordered his meals.

I fared better with my bearings on leaving and found my way onto Queen’s Drive and walked for a while. I don’t like hospitals, so I wanted the fresh air. I was hoping to catch a bus but waited for ages and nothing was coming. I stumbled on a Wetherspoon's in Old Swan on the corner of Queens Drive and East Prescot Road. Ironically known as the Navigator given my earlier exploits, so warmed up in there.

I got to Goodison early. Needed food, so straight to the Supper Bar. Always the Supper Bar, not the Food Bar as they have rebranded it. There is something special about eating in front of the Holy Trinity statue, looking up at Goodison lit up in bright Royal Blue at night. It was pretty cold, but that warms the heart.

I had plenty of time so headed into St Luke’s and upstairs to wander around the Everton Heritage Society. Fascinating collection and memorabilia. I introduced myself to some of the volunteers and we chatted for a while. Extremely knowledgeable on all things Everton. I think I know a few things about Everton. They are like a collection of Everton encyclopaedias. I recommend it to any Evertonian.

Next stop was the Harlech Castle. Good to catch up with Derek, Bill, Neil, Stephen and Mark. Paul, over from Australia joined. With Derek and Paul from Navy backgrounds and me from the Army, some good banter about the Navy, the Army, and obviously lots of discussion about Everton.

In we went. Apologies to Derek for the confusion, but we got you in.

Thank you to Peter as I took my seat in the Main Stand. Great view of the glorious green turf and good company with Ian. I always say, especially on a night match, that ground under the lights still gives me goose pimples now as much as it did when I was 5 years old.

Well, onto the football.

A disappointing match from both teams. Scrappy, with possession being given away a lot and generally a poor game that was a tough watch. Not one for the purists or faint-hearted.

Mykolenko is proving again to be steady and reliable, Tarkowski his usual self. I think he is made of granite. Branthwaite as always, calm and composed. But once more, I’m talking about the defenders. I have to say, despite his critics, Young clears a certain goal by being on the post. If he’s not there, that’s in.

McNeil had an off night. Likewise Garner. For large parts, the midfield was absent and most around me were calling for change. And again, Dominic trying to do it on his own. Our nemesis. We just aren’t clinical enough.

Dominic was guilty as he had a clear sitter presented to him on a plate. I did say that occasionally, we played some neat football. But there was no output and it often went back to Pickford to punt it forward. Meat and gravy for the Palace defence. I do wish Jordan would sometimes just take his time.

A few of us agreed we could have had three goals. Calvert-Lewin missed a couple of chances and their keeper made some great saves. There was a sequence where I was convinced we had scored with I think three attempts, but it somehow stayed out.

Their goal scorer was a right handful. Very strong and what a strike. Sometimes you have to admit that you can’t do a lot about that. Fantastic goal.

I know I and others suggested that we needed to change the midfield, but I was surprised at Idrissa being hooked. He’s not creative but does his job. But then the decision proved vital. We were increasingly more on the front foot.

When the big man leapt and powered that in, the sheer emotion combined with relief caused Goodison to erupt, having been very subdued and seemingly resigned to defeat. I kept watching the clock thinking there was still time to win it.

We nervously debated how much additional there would be. Ian called 7, the gentleman in front said 5. I called 6. Up it went: 6 minutes. Opportunity or torture. Ultimately it didn’t matter, we got another valuable point.

It was frustrating. It wasn’t pretty. We didn’t lose. On to the Arkles.

A bit of discussion with some Palace supporters. A chat with the barman, this time a Kopite. I debated with him about the red decoration and “world famous” status. He has worked there for decades and remembers my Grandad. He gave me a free drink!

Intended to meet in the Vines, but time was against me so had to go to the coach station for the last National Express back.

Home by 6 am after a sleep on the overnight coach. Out with the boy dog for therapy. That was a long day.

Keep fighting, Blues. Keep believing. We go to Brighton next. Happy recent hunting ground. 7 goals scored to one conceded.

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