Boys from the Blue Stuff

Everton 2 - 0

A later start than I planned. It was made worse by the Police presence around Euston, which further held things up. Officers at Euston Square doing checks and the amount of Police vans at the usual bus stop outside the main station was quite a sight. I stopped and chatted to a few Police Officers and told them it was unnecessary as I was only travelling to Liverpool to watch Everton. They smiled and we had a chat.

Apparently, it was to do with the FA Cup Semi Final. I hadn’t taken much notice of it as my focus was elsewhere. But I imagine there would have been thousands of Manchester United and Coventry City supporters disembarking at Euston. I was going the other way. Maybe next season I told them. We shook hands and I moved on as time was pressing.

As is usual right now, train issues. Engineering work and a slow drag out of the capital. I was in danger of not making the first half. But, once we got past Milton Keynes, to the driver’s credit, he put his foot on the accelerator, if that’s a thing with trains. It made it a bumpy ride, but credit to him, we made time up and I was only 10 minutes late getting into the ground.

My seat was occupied, by someone else, but I couldn’t be bothered disputing. I was able to sit next to great company in the Upper Gwladys courtesy of an unoccupied seat and was invited to sit next to the person I watched the match with. A fantastic unobstructed view and good people.

The pitch looked brilliant. The groundsmen do a great job making it look like a snooker table or bowling green. Take your pick. Then again, the first time I walked into Goodison as a young lad, I was mesmerised by that pitch as much as I am now.

Branthwaite and Tarkowski were rocks as always. Mykolenko’s delivery led to the first goal. I am a big admirer. He might not be spectacular, but he is steady, focussed and committed. You will always get 100% from that lad.

As the ball fell to Idrissa, many around me were screaming “don’t shoot, lay it off”. Well, he did shoot and it was a belter right into the corner! Some will cite his age, but we’ve missed him and need him on the pitch. He allows other players to play whilst he does the dog work. And he’s not finished yet.

I’m enjoying watching McNeil in his more central roaming role. What a strike, to secure the points. It always looks better when it comes off the post! I sat there with my hands on my face in pure emotional relief until the person next to me told me to stand up. I obliged!!!

Pickford was very assuring and claimed a lot of balls. Commanding his area, which has been a criticism of him.

Take something off them midweek, beat Brentford and Luton and we’re okay. We are going to be okay.

9 minutes added time made it nervous and then Beto gets clattered. There was genuine concern as he was completely still and not moving. The medical staff ran on (I think from both teams) and took a long time to treat him before finally getting him on a stretcher and moving him towards the gap between the Park End and Bullens, which meant he was on an ambulance and off to hospital. I hope he’s okay. Not every Evertonian’s favourite, but he is brave and still young.

Sean Dyche even ditched his funeral-like attire for a tracksuit. Please keep doing that.

Once again, man of the Everton match has to go to Branthwaite. I keep repeating myself, he defies his young years. I hope we keep him for at least a season.

I made my usual walk to my Grandad’s old local, the “world famous” Arkles (cringe). As always, I suggested  to the bar staff that they should take those scarfs down. They are used to me now and just smile! Surprisingly no away supporters, so I had to make do with sitting with Liverpool supporters as their match kicked off. Healthy banter about Wednesday and then joined by their Evertonian mate who had also been to the match, so I had back up!!

We can do this, Blues. That was a huge pick-up after Monday and we are definitely in the game. Keep fighting. We take them on Wednesday.

Show spirit.

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