A great day out with friends from long and far

Everton 1 - 0 Burnley

The day started with Tube and train disruption and cancellations to get out of Euston, but I got there just in time. Always a way to navigate. An Evertonian taxi driver helped me out and did me a favour.

Thanks to John. I thought I was heading to one of the cathedrals when he said Hope Street, hoping it would be Paddy’s Wigwam so I could pray. Until he advised me it was the Hope Hotel, near the Philharmonic, which I eventually found after some guidance on the phone! Thank you, John, as always, much appreciation.

Subsequently and unfortunately, I couldn’t make the pre-match Harlech Castle meet-up as time was tight and I needed my usual Goodison Road cuisine and to get into the ground.

The match wasn’t a pretty watch, but the important thing was to get the points. We did. Right now, points matter. Despite the heart flutters, I just want the points.

Not the Burnley I’ve been used to watching. Kompany is trying to play like his Manchester City but with Burnley players.

We, on the other hand, are playing like Burnley of recent seasons with Everton players. I do wish we would stop bypassing our midfield with those seemingly endless punts from Pickford and Tarkowski. We also could have had a bit more communication at the back as we gave away a few too many corners, when a simple shout could have just seen the ball go out for a goal kick when there was no pressure.

Gomes has taken a lot of stick, but he is assured and comfortable on the ball most of the time. One of the few we have. He had a good game and looked like the player we signed a few years back.

Doucoure had one of his Doucoure brain-fart days. I’ve said it before, sometimes the coaching staff need to put his boots on the right feet. On his day, he can be great, but he is very inconsistent.

Our strikers are isolated. They worked hard and Calvert-Lewin looked shattered before being replaced by Beto. Probably one of the strangest goals he will score, but credit to him for chasing down. It looped and we held our breath. But I knew it was going in.

When I’ve watched it back, it was great pressing to force the mistake and he side foots it into the net. The more you watch it, it was deliberate. At the time, I just thought it had just hit him. Either way, great effort from Dominic that ultimately won us the match.

I have to mention McNeil. He may have been off the pace recently, but he was all over the pitch yesterday. There was one time in the second half, when he relentlessly chased down the Burnley players from one side of the pitch to the other, rousing a generally nervous crowd. A hard-working player.

Tarkowski is still not his usual self. Mykolenko was steady if not spectacular as always.

But Branthwaite… once again, Man of the Match. The BBC agreed. What a class act at 21 years of age. I read that Kompany was raving about him after the match. What he said was correct. He reads and anticipates the game so well. Hard to think he’s still 21. Nice for him to get accolades from someone of Kompany’s stature, but for me worrying given his Manchester City connections! I suspect he was on the phone to Pep last night!!

I have to mention the officials for the countless time this season. The referee wasn’t great, but consistent in being poor for both teams. As for that linesman on the far side from the Main Stand, we all lost count of how many times his flag went up for offside. It almost became inevitable. The lady sat next to me who usually calms me down when I sit next to her was a nervous wreck! I think if she could have got onto the pitch, she would have taken that flag off him!

A very anxious end, especially when 5 minutes of additional time went up. You could hear the groans. Once again, I found myself watching the seemingly endless clock.

Strange situation with the substitutions. Stood there, warmed up, ready and waiting. But had to wait for about 5 minutes before the manager finally decided to make the change and put them on. If you are making changes, whether we agree or not, just do it.

Usual songs playing at the end as the players left the pitch, but some sort of East European sounding song amongst them. Maybe Ukrainian? I have no idea.

Good to meet at the Dixie statue and discuss how we were getting to the Bramley Moore. We did it in two lifts. Neil driving and we got hold of Tony. My word, he can navigate the streets of north Liverpool!

What a sight to behold as the new Everton Stadium came into view. She looks stunning. I loved Tony’s comment that, when he has a Kopite customer, he drives them past it.

Stephen and I both agreed that it’s still going to hurt when we leave Goodison for the last time. He’s planning on how to get in with a saw so he can take his seat home to sit in his bedroom!!

It is going to break our hearts and I think the stewards and Police will struggle to get the supporters out of and away from the ground on that last day. I do fear for a lot of the businesses on Goodison Road and County Road who probably survive on Everton matchdays. Hopefully the club can support them.

Very nice to catch up with the regulars in the Bramley Moore. And also, Jonathan Oppenheimer and the other American cohort that joined us. I think I travel a lot. Respect to you all. We have inherited an extension to the Everton family. Safe travels home and come back soon.

Fortunately, I got the early train back as the last one was cancelled. I ended up sitting with three Evertonians on their way back to Bromley (Kent, I think). Really entertaining conversation and a few laughs. It’s nice to lift the mood.

There are enough points to keep us safe. I'm not in the know, but from what I’ve heard, we are either going to get another point deduction or maybe a fine.

Just win games, then it doesn’t matter. And right now, it doesn’t matter how we win them.

It’s still in our hands. Keep believing, Blues. I do.

Thanks to Tony for herding the cats. And personally, a special mention to Dave Abrahams. Bought me a drink, got the staff to book me a taxi, and even paid for it. I owe you one. I hope one day I will be as wise an Evertonian and follower of football as you.

Dave, a true Evertonian and gentleman.

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