January looks good

So our win at Moss Rose yesterday has been rewarded with a plum home draw in the next round against non-league Kettering.

Sorry, my mistake, we're going to Anfield to give it a go against current league leaders and all-round media folk heroes, Liverpool FC. In the space of two weeks we go to Anfield twice, entertain Arsenal a few days after the cup tie, and then go to Old Trafford on February 2nd. A testing period. Having just discussed it with a mate who also turns 30 in January, he's opting to get solid drunk for about 3 weeks and sober up for Feb 3rd. Numbs the pain etc.

History tells me we haven't played Liverpool in any cup competition since the infamous three-match series from 1991, including the classic Goodison 4-4 game. The eventual home win for Everton a week later meant nothing as we capitulated in the next round under the lights at Upton Park which turned one Stuart Slater into a football legend for a short-time as he turned our back line that night, especially Neil McDonald, around time and again. It was horrible.

Still, we may well have Leroy Lita on board in time to become an Everton legend. Lita is currently tearing it up in the Championship with, er Norwich.