Steve's Mixed Feelings

Steve Lomas admits his satisfaction at sharing the spoils at Goodison Park at the weekend was tempered by hearing that Bolton Wanderers had won at Sunderland.

"It was a very good point, though with Bolton winning it was disappointing because we would have liked a draw there, or Sunderland winning," he admits.

"It is still a good draw, though, and we obviously have Sunderland next week so we have to take advantage there and get three points.

"There weren't too many chances but the way Everton have been playing this season it is a tough place to come.

"They have had a very good season and it is not easy to come to at the best of times, not to mention the fact that our record there isn't good.

"In all the times I have been at the club that is the best we have played up there, so we are pretty happy with a point even though it could have been better if Bolton hadn't won."

With two clean sheets on the trot, after a five month absence, Steve adds: "That is a big boost, two clean sheets to go with two wins and a draw; the back four were very good and if we can keep that up we will not go far wrong."

He insists that the home form is going to be crucial, and explains: "We have got a few home games to pick up points and we definitely have to win those. There are four left, and it is a must.

"Of course Sunderland will react on Saturday and it is not going to be easy - but it is not going to be easy for the last eight games."

Steve, returning from the knee injury that ruled him out of the Spurs game, replaced the suspended Lee Bowyer at Goodison, and he concludes: "I have had a bit of a stop-start time but hopefully after another week of training it will be better."