Southampton 0 Everton 1 - Full Match Report

Last updated : 21 April 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Everton eased past the saints to a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Steve Watson's strike in the first half. Everton also managed to keep their first clean sheet since David Moyes took over, although this had more to do with Southampton's total lack of goal scoring ability, they failed to get a single shot on target for the entire game. We weren't great, but they were s**t.

Everton had Wayne Rooney on the bench, and had he come on, he would have become the youngest Everton player ever (16 years and five months). It was not to be, he was only there for the atmosphere.

Everton started well, with Nick Chadwick forcing a fine save from Jones in the home sides goal, before the young striker was stretchered off after 26 minutes with an ankle injury. It will almost certainly mean the end of his season, but he will be back next season, and probably earning his place again.

Everton took the lead on 40 minutes. Substitute Radzinski linked up well with Kevin Campbell, whose clever pass was met by Watson who finished well from 18 yards, a rare left footed goal for the fullback.

The saints must have had one hell of an ear bashing from Gordon Strachen at the interval, as they appeared much more lively after the break. However, whereas the home side resembled a large group of headless chickens, Everton managed to look composed, and at times, played some good football.

Radzinski went close, running onto Campbell's pass to force another good save out of Jones., and Watson nearly scored a second late on, but apart from that the game was a tame affair with neither side really impressing. That wasn't the point though; Everton did what was required to assure them of Premiership football next season.

Steve Watson was obviously pleased with the goal, speaking after the match, he said. "I thought I was still playing up front. I just followed my pass, and Kev (Campbell) played in a good ball and I just had to scoop it over him,"

Watson also appeared to show support for our Inter Toto bid, saying "My wife is giving birth in summer so I'm not having any summer holidays,"

"It is a route into Europe and anyone worth their salt wants that and hopefully it will be competitive start to pre-season."