Review of the Year - September 06
This is a month that not only stands out in 2006's history, it stands out in Everton's entire club history.
And all because of one result. The first game of the month was the 204th Merseyside derby.
There were high hopes amongst the Goodison faithful, thanks to the promising start to the season and the arrival of hot prospects Joleon Lescott and Andy Johnson.
But even those expectations were put into the shade by the match itself.
Tim Cahill, a player with a great habit of netting against Everton's local rivals, did what he does best in the 24th minute - ghosting in, timing his run to perfection to punish a Liverpool defence that had failed to pick up his run.
His cool finish under Pepe Reina was merely the pre-cursor however - the warm-up for the star of the show.
Johnson was that man - netting a cool finish in the opening period and a poacher's strike late in the game after an error by Reina.
The image of the hitman wheeling away after that final strike gesturing the 3-0 scoreline to the home fans is one that will live long in the memory.
And so whilst Everton remained unbeaten throughout the month of September, none of the four matches that followed that month came close to matching the derby for drama, entertainment and sheer passion.
Indeed, the next match proved something of a frustration - Everton leading twice against Wigan but being pegged back on both occasions by Paul Jewell's men.
A draw at Newcastle and another late equaliser from Manchester City in the final home game of the month ensured that, after the superb derby win, Everton ended the month rueing what should have been in terms of league position.
In the Carling Cup Victor Anichebe was given his first senior start as the Blues edged a second round tie at Peterborough 2-1.
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