Mascots are shit. Caricature mascots worse than utter shit. Caricature mascots bearing dead of the very thing they caricature…?
Cralisle, I haven’t spelled you correctly once, I doubt you noticed…bye, bye ! Here’s your match report…
….as Everton began their march to Wembley with a 3-1 win over Carlisle at Goodison Park on Saturday. David Moyes made 2 changes from the Burnley game with James Vaughan and captain Phil Neville in place of the injured Leon Osman and Yakubu, who has joined up with Nigeria for the African cup of Nations. It was a welcome return for the captain Neville who slotted back into his central midfield role, where he performed so brilliantly last season.
Carlisle set off from the kick off to get into Everton’s faces and looked bright going forward. Everton struggled to get a hold of the game and it came as abit of a suprise when James Vaughan nipped in to intercept Adam Clayton’s terrible backpass to round the keeper and slot in for Everton. Vaughan who has recently returned from another injury, made it 2 goals in 2 games and his return is a boost for the player, fans and the manager who is lacking alot of choice in his striking department with Louis Saha injured, Yakubu on international duty and Jo being suspended for his Christmas antics.
It was thought that Everton would use the goal to their advantage and start taking the game to Carlisle but it wasn’t to be. Carlisle looked lively and it only took 7 minutes for Kevin Hurst to nip in Adam Clayton’s shot and spark wild scenes from the players and travelling fans. It was a massive shock for the home crowd and players. Everton did start to control the game and James Vaughan looked to of got a second goal for himself but it was ruled out by the linesman. Carlisle were looking dangerous on the break and continued to worry Everton when they did break but the scoreline remained at 1-1 at half time.
The game didn’t even come to life until Tim Cahill’s goal brought Everton back into the lead. Everton lacked any urgency and suffered a massive scare as Carlisle went onto hit the bar and it looked like they would have to go to Carlisle in a replay as the away team refused to let Everton break them down. They were backed by a strong following from the North East side and it took a slice of luck for Everton to regain the lead. After good work from the energetic Seamus Coleman, who hopefully will be pushing for a place instead of the poor Tony Hibbert, Cahill hit his first shot at the defender but luckily picked up the scraps and slotted past Collin to make it 2-1 to Everton and relieve the pressure for the players. It was Tim Cahill at his best, a quiet game from the Aussie but his quick thinking and sharp brain brought Everton back into the lead.
Kieron Agard was then brought down late on by the Carlisle keeper after breaking free and rounding the keeper and Leighton Baines calmy slotted the penalty to put Everton into the 4th round draw. Although Everton on paper, seemed to easily beat Carlisle by 2 goals, it was a massive scare for the players, manager and the fans. Carlisle performed brilliantly and were easily worthy of a draw but it was Everton who will go into the 4th round and try and replicate their run from last season where they finished runners-up.
Written by: Cal