Cup exit gives Everton season the blues

Jan 9 2007 By Mark Lawrenson, Liverpool Daily Post

BOTH Merseyside clubs already out of the FA Cup - and both have to say that on the day they were beaten by the better team.

But Everton's exit has to go down as easily the most disappointing of the two.

It's clear from the team David Moyes put out that he wanted to win the game and he was stating his intention to have a real go at the FA Cup this year.

So losing heavily at Goodison Park like that puts a real downer on the season.

A cup run really gives a lift for league games as well.

And now Everton have to lift themselves for what you'd think would be, at best, a shot at UEFA Cup qualification.

It just goes to show how cruel one-off cup football can be.

Everton may have had a home tie, but there aren't many tougher at the moment - Blackburn must be top of the current form table with fives wins in six games after Sunday's victory.

And how many bad games has Tim Howard had this season? He's hardly been responsible for any of the goals Everton have conceded so to throw two in like that was a real surprise.

I don't think anything can be read into the different ball used in the FA Cup. It's the same for both sides and there's plenty of chance to practice with it in the week, for both outfield players and goalkeepers.

It was just one of those days when nothing was going to go right for Everton despite how seriously Moyes wanted to take the competition.

But that's cup football - unpredictable and harsh. And for Everton, all over for another year.

• Mark Lawrenson was talking to NICK SMITH