Everton Vs Manchester United 17th October 2015: Match Preview

I normally love a good match at Goodison Park against United, but sadly as I am enjoying a night away tonight there is no such chance of it tomorrow! One of my favourite games against the red half of Manchester was only a few seasons ago. In fact the first game of the 2012/13 season when we won the game 1-0. Little did we know at the end of the season the same team would swipe our then manager away from under our nose. I always joked at the time that Fergie let us win that one so the blow would be a little less painful. Although I am quite glad we got the fresh start I think in hindsight that the club needed, with the introduction of Roberto. 

Since then whilst under Spanish Bob we have still beat the side. So maybe my Fergie idea was wrong after all! Especially when we did it home and away in the following season (2013/14). Sadly no away win the season after but a thrilling 3-0 win at home (2014/15) which I thoroughly enjoyed! I fell quite lucky that day as my father-in-law couldn't get to the game, so I had his season ticket in the Upper Gwladys and what a view to watch that game from! It was unbelievable. I recall being on the bus chatting with some fellow Evertonians on the way to the game and I was a little sceptical of the result that day but thankfully not everyone had my view. As always I did surprise the other blues on the blues with my many facts to which one blue said to my husband "she should be on the telly her, she knows more than us". It wasn't long after that I decided to start my blog! So I thank those men on the bus that day! 

Anyway back to the game, so my husband is of the opinion it has been too long that we have been without a home defeat from the Manchester side, but I am optimistic as ever. I think we may have become a problem for them, a thorn in their side. I will admit their performance this season and good signings such as Mr Martial are all positive factors in their favour but look at our boys right now. We have potentially got Stones and Coleman coming back from injury, rested and ready to show what they have got as they always do against sides like United. Ross, back from England duties, buzzing from a man of the match game followed by a goal. The same can be said for Jags, coming back as the first in squad Everton player to be captain of our country, his confidence is never in doubt but we all know how it feels after you have a good day at work. Rom back after being kept on the bench with his home nation, so hopefully well rested and as always will be up for a game against a top table side. And then Mr Naismith, hopefully not too down beat about Scotland's exit from the qualifiers, will be looking to take some of his energy from those games out on another side in front of our home crowd. It would be nice to see him do what he did against Mourinho's team but I don't think Van Gaal will quite underestimate us the way Jose did, sadly! 

Chester FC programme Forest Green Rovers September 2015

Well what a game that was against Macclesfield last Saturday. What looked set to be doom and gloom for the travelling Cestrians dramatically turned out to be a wonderful away day. It has been a little while since I was able to get to an away game with Chester, but I have some fantastic memories of last minute winners away from home. 

The first and one of my absolute favourite away days has to be the cold, dreary Wednesday night back in October 2010. A packed, warm bar was followed by a very cold but goal-filled match at Witton Albion. Once again it looking quite bleak for the travelling Blue army after Neil Young's men squandered a two-goal lead, but a last gasp goal from captain fantastic George Horan made sure the trip home was an enjoyable one. It was also that memorable night that created the fans chant for Mr Horan. I am sure we have all heard that one! 

The next came in the same season on a very chilly afternoon kick on New Years Day with the trip to Prescot Cables. Again it was another very warm welcome from the club we were visiting. One very noticeable thing about that league, I felt, were the receptions we were given. They always felt warm and friendly. I digress. What was looking to be a wasted New Year's trip ended up in jubilation after a late, late goal from Stuart Jones. I remember the crowd pushing me so far forward I was hanging over the barrier of the 'hut' we were all huddled in. I nearly touched Stu as he ran past celebrating. A very (un)attractive photo of that scene ended up in the season review book at the end of the season! 

Lastly, not an away game, but certainly worth a mention was the last minute equaliser from Matty McGinn that saw us win the league in front of a 5,000 plus crowd at home on the 9th of April 2012. That strike has rightly gone down in Chester folklore. I am not one for keeping the fans' nerves on a knife-edge, but I do love a last minute victory! 

Chester FC programme Wrexham Derby Oct 2015

So this morning Facebook reminded me of a Chester FC result we witnessed four whole years ago against a rival I have spoken about before the dreaded Chorley! The picture was of the Sky Sports vidiprinter on a TV in the Blues Bar showing Chester 3 Chorley 0. Probably a night we shouldn't have headed into the Blues Bar after the game with it being a midweek fixture, but how can you say no after watching us hammer Chorley under the floodlights followed by a beverage! It was a brilliant win against a side we had developed quite a hatred for - reasons for which need no explanation! 

Talking of rivalries I can't believe it's been 12 months since we last played long standing rivals Wrexham at home. Only 11 days off a year saw the game which, with much delight, we famously beat the old foe. And after what had been a poor start by us. After only two minutes the away fans were celebrating following the goal from Hudson and their jubilation continued into half time. It looked grim for us home fans with little in the way of chances falling our way until on 74 minutes Hobson brought the game level. Chester looked like the side most likely to clinch victory but Rooney saw a free-kick hit the post and Hobson had a goal disallowed for offside. It wasn't until Mr Heneghan's goal in the dying minutes of added time that the comeback was finally sealed. Cue pandemonium. Not only the most amazing time to score in a game but an absolutely fantastic goal that will go down in Chester FC Derby folklore.

Let's hope this time of year is lucky for us Cestrians when we face our fierce rival as we do so today.