Everton Friendly Report

The second home friendly in five days against English opposition provided Motherwell with a stern test against a team who qualified for the Champions League last season. It was a test that Motherwell passed and early on William Kinniburgh received a rapturous reception after running with the pacy James Vaughan for 50 yards and forcing him out for a goal kick. It was the first of many impressive runs, blocks and tackles from Kinniburgh who was probably Motherwell’s man of the match.

Faddy in action

Afterwards there were lots of impressive runs and balls forward by both teams but nothing that resembled a clear cut chance. McFadden and Bent both shot over from distance but never troubled Marshall. The Fir Park faithful thought they were going to be treated to a home goal on 34 minutes when Paterson put McDonald and Hamilton through but veteran keeper Martyn just got to it first.

The closest chance came on 39 minutes when Osman hit the bar with Marshall stranded. The ball was quickly down the other end and a combination of Everton defenders cleared the ball. Bent and Li Tie then had half chances but their shots did not threaten the goal.

The second half started at a quicker pace than was ever reached in the first half. On 49 minutes James McFadden ran 60 yards down the left flank but sent his cross into Marshall. Motherwell’s best opportunity came on 61 minutes when a goalbound McDonald header was cleared by a defender and looked to be going out for a corner but Foran kept it in and his cross was cleared.

Everton had a good chance shortly after when Bent shot but Craigan blocked well. Sadly his block landed at the feet of Duncan Ferguson but the immense Kinniburgh ran across and blocked the shot and Marshall was alert enough to prevent the corner. As the game sauntered towards injury time Everton won a succession of corners and the fact that Ferguson was left unmarked at a couple caused concern for the home support and hopefully their coaching staff as well.

Despite some defensive failings at corners a 0-0 score with a team of Everton’s quality is extremely creditable. It was a thrill to see McFadden back as captain for the day. It was also good to see him go over to the corner of the Main Stand before kick off to have his photo taken with some disabled supporters, which shows the side of the man, which many at Motherwell grew to love. I am sure he and Everton head south with the best wishes of all at Motherwell for the season ahead.

Motherwell: Marshall, Keogh (Fitzpatrick 65), Quinn, Craigan, Kinniburgh, Foran, Leitch, O’Donnell, Hamilton (Clarkson 79), McDonald, Paterson