By Chris Kirwan
August 20 2002

The Blues went into this game in 19th position in the table, while Forest were at the other end of the spectrum, lying 3rd. Everton hadn’t scored a single goal in any of their three fixtures, so confidence wasn’t particularly high. Despite the Blues’ inept efforts in front of goal Big Dunc was being strongly linked to Middlesbrough prior to the game. Us Evertonians laughed off the link, thinking that there was no chance of our talisman, and one of our few goal threats, being sold off. Little did we know that Duncan would be sold to another North-East club in November.

I had convinced my dad that, since my A-Level Geography coursework was studying the location of football grounds it was essential that we went the City Ground on a Tuesday that happened to coincide with the visit of Everton. It was obviously my desire for learning that made me choose that midweek night! The trip also coincided with my brother unfortunately writing-off a car, but this didn’t prevent him coming along. His crash would prove to be a blessing in disguise as the new car would be a nice shade of Royal Blue.

After I had carried out my stringent survey of the ground for geographical purposes (a walk around the ground…..highly scientific) we settled in the ground. Prior to the game the Forest fans were confident of victory because of their good start to the season, but so were the Blues. Despite their good start Forest were a poor side that you would expect to beat if you were worthy of being in the Premier League. Forest lined up with the likes of Dave Beasant and Geoff Thomas in their side, and were relying on John-Claude Darcheville (a loan signing from France with the build of an Ewok) to threaten the Everton defence. The Blues started with the likes of Dacourt, Ferguson, Materazzi, Collins and Ball. On paper Everton should walk it despite the presence of Alec Cleland at right-back, and Tony Thomas on the bench.

During the first half the Forest fans directed most of their abuse towards Ferguson, holding the common misconception about his being a “donkey”. The Big Man responded to such call by attempting an audacious chip from 30 yards that bounced off Beasant’s bar and out for a goal kick. Dave Beasant was one of the least confidence inspiring keepers I ever saw, he must have been a fans nightmare. He always looked like a man on the edge, dreading having to make a save in case he makes a mistake. Evertonians would later label this the “Gerrard factor”.

To be perfectly honest the game wasn’t a great spectacle, with both sides looking like they would struggle throughout the season (which they promptly did). But the second half came alive for Blues fans when Big Dunc decided he would take the game by the scruff of the neck. The ball was played out to the left side, where Michael Ball whipped across a dangerous ball, Ferguson flung himself at the ball and Beasant didn’t stand a chance. Forest heads went down. Forest have always seemed to me like a side who didn’t particularly relish a battle, especially without Pearce. Even before Everton added their second I can’t recall a Forest chance, or a push to equalise. Forest seemed content to accept they were beaten.

With Everton buoyed by their first of the season they started to play good football, and this created the second. The hard-working Collins worked the ball to Ferguson and the Big Man unleashed an unstoppable shot from fully 25 yards. Not bad for a “donkey”. The rest of the game petered out, with the only other chance falling to the substitute, Cadamarteri, who shot straight at Beasant.

So the Blues got their first victory of the season, and hope was there for the season. It even brought a smile to my brother’s face, who temporarily forgot his crash. But this was to be a false dawn, like much of Smith’s reign at Goodison.