A heroic Everton fan who helped deliver supplies to Ukrainian refugees was subbed on to score during a pre season friendly at Goodison Park.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, Everton fan Paul Stratton has been putting in major efforts in helping those who have fled their country. And the club recognised that by allowing him to play a part in their final pre season game against Dynamo Kyiv.
Everton were awarded a penalty and Stratton was then subbed on. He cooly dispatched the penalty and the crowd cheered as he celebrated on his knees in front of a packed out Gwladys Street End.
Everton were affected by the Russian invasion through Ukrainian player Vitaliy Mykolenko, who joined the club from Dynamo Kyiv in January, shortly before Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces.
The 23-year-old full back has been standing up for his country ever since. He called out Russian player Artem Dzyuba, who he accused of remaining silent during his country’s attack on Ukraine.
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Everton came out 3-0 winners, Stratton’s penalty would have been the fourth but his strike was unofficial therefore was not included in the final scoreline.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave Frank Lampard’s side the lead before new signing from Burnley, Dwight McNeil scored twice as he lit up his Everton debut in style.
Lampard will hope McNeil can continue finding the back of net when the new season gets underway next weekend.
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McNeil said after joining Everton: “Last season was difficult for the Club, but going into the last bit of the season, you saw from the players and fans the desire, mentality and togetherness they have.
“They came together and were united as one. That is massive for players and gives you that extra bit of confidence. This season we want to do better and I want to be part of the team to help them do that.
“I’ve played at Goodison a couple of times and you always knew it was always a difficult place to go because the fans are behind the lads from the start to the end. It is good and something I want to be part of. Now I am fortunate to be on the same side as the fans and am looking forward to getting going.”
The pressure will be firmly on both the manager and the players to deliver much better results after a dismal 21/22 campaign which saw them narrowly avoid relegation.
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Everton are facing a tough opening fixture as they welcome Lampard’s former side, Chelsea to Goodison Park next Saturday.
Marcus Chan