SK Brann 0-2 Everton

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111. (Not all contributions can be used)

By Sam Lyon

2200: Right, that's it from me - thank you for sticking with me amidst all the 606 nonsense. I hope it'll be back up and running Thursday evening when I'll be back, bringing you the best of the chat and action as Aberdeen, Bolton and Tottenham get involved in the Uefa Cup knockout stages. It should be a right giggle and no mistake, see you then.

2155 - PLAYER-RATER
Panathinaikos keeper Galinovic leads the way on your player-rater votes, with Steve Davis the best of a poor set of marks for Rangers on 6.06.

2149 - FULL-TIME: Rangers 0-0 Panathinaikos
That's it at Ibrox - a disappointing game and Rangers face a tough return leg in Greece for certain.

2148: Burke's cross causes the visiting keeper all sorts of problems as it looks like drifting into the far corner but it bounces off the bar and away for a goal kick.

"Iain McCulloch (with the extra 'i') was also the name of my uncle."
David McCulloch, Manchester via text

2143: Five minutes plus stoppage time remaining at Ibrox and I can't help thinking this result - if it stays this way - will suit Panathinaikos a lot more than Rangers...

"This service is currently unavailable while we carry out some essential site maintenance. Work is currently underway and we hope to have things up and running again as soon as possible. We expect to restore the service shortly."
606 on 606

The gags just keep on coming on 606...

"Ian McCulloch is also a professional snooker player from Preston, name fans!"
Richard, Cardiff via text

AND a colleague of mine at my old work place. You couldn't make it up could you Richard?

2139: Alan McGregor goes from the ridiculous to the sublime as he unnecessarily punches a cross right into Ndoye's pass but then makes immediate amends as he bounces up to palm the Panathinaikos striker's shot away from goal.

2137: ...and so it almost proves immediate as Ndoye turns on the edge of the box to get a sight on goal, only to slice his finish well wide.

2136: Decent effort from Daniel Cousin - the striker heading Broadfoot's cross narrowly wide. The hosts are enjoying the better of the chances but while it remains 0-0 Panathinaikos will know they are very much in this tie...

2132: Nacho Novo thinks he is through on goal but he is rightly hauled back for offside. Just.

2130: Tottenham 'legend' Helder Postiga finds himself in some space on the edge of the box but his 20-yard effort on the Gers goal flies high and wide.

2128: Fantastic strike from Barry Ferguson, the midfielder bringing the very best out of Galinovic on the stretch with a superb left-foot volley, and Nacho Novo then fails to get enough on the rebound to turn it in. Great chance wasted.

"Can I be the 14th pedant to point out that Ian McCulloch was in Echo and the Bunnymen?"
Simon, Belfast

Look, get over it people. Even gods among men like me make mistakes every now and then haha.

2124: Fantastic run from Nacho Novo as he drives into the box only to lose momentum and the danger is cleared. Daniel Cousin comes on to see if he can pick off the Panathinaikos defence.

2122: Lee, not Ian, McCulloch tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot has all the fizz of a can of coke that has been sat by your bed all night and has now deteriorated into a syrupy mess. Or something like that.

"Error 502. Service not available. Unfortunately a server error occured whilst trying to retrieve this page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A32336426. We are currently working to correct this."
606 on 606

Not the best of banter on 606, I'll admit. Still, I'm sure those techie dudes are doing all they can. Sorry everyone.

2117: It's a lovely atmosphere at Ibrox, but there has yet to be a great deal to get the home fans excited. The two sides are cancelling each other out at the moment, unlike last night when I gave all my mates an absolute battering on WII bowling. Get in.

2111: Panathinaikos keep the Gers defence camped in their own box with a series of crosses but the hosts hold out well and survive.

"Ian McCulloch??? Is he not in the Lightning Seeds?? Haha."
Stuart, Ayrshire via text

Alright, hands up haha - I made a boo-boo. It was Lee McCulloch's header at 2105. However, no Ian McCulloch wasn't in the Lightning Seeds, that was Ian Broudie. So nerrr. Credit to Jamie in Glasgow, Stuart in Banbury and Andy for spotting Ian McCulloch was the lead singer in the Echo and the Bunnyman, though. No-one likes a smartypants...

2105: A great cross from Nacho Novo is sliced away for a corner and Ian McCulloch almost makes it count with a terrific bullet header that flies inches wide. Good start to the half, that.

2102: The action is back under way at Ibrox, with our fingers firmly crossed it's a step up from what was a turgid first half.

2100: PLAYER-RATER
Phil Jagielka leads your votes for man-of-the-match on our player rater on 7.74, but Victor Anichebe's cameo sees him scoring highly too. Eirik Bakke's 6.46 is as good as it gets for SK - they've got to be a bit Branned off with that you would think (sorry).

"In Norwegian, Brann means 'fire' AND 'fuse'. Pun that!"
RedDevil16 (City United In Mourning) on 606

2054 - FULL-TIME: SK Brann 0-2 Everton
That's six successive wins in Europe for the Toffees and they are looking good for a real go at this trophy. Happy days in the Moyes household and a few thousand Everton fans who I reckon are going to sample a splash or two of the local brew in Bergen tonight.

2052: Brann throw a few more men forward but Everton look comfortable and Moyes even decides he can do without Yakubu for the last few seconds - the Nigerian has done well on his return to the side tonight.

"I don't care about jot's either..."
Ian, Marlow via text

2048 - GOAL: SK Brann 0-2 Everton
Bosh. Done. Jubbly. Finito. Joleon Lescott puts one on a plate for substitute Victor Anichebe with a sublime pass across the box and the striker makes no mistake in tapping home from seven yards. Looked like he might have been offside but David Moyes does not look like he cares a jot...

2046 - HALF-TIME: Rangers 0-0 Panathinaikos
That's the end of the first 45 at Ibrox and Novo will be rueing his failure to make the most of that late chance.

2044: Great chance for Nacho Novo at Ibrox - the best of the night by far - as the Gers striker drives into the box and tries to slip the ball under the keeper from the angle, only for Galinovic to stop the effort with his legs.

2043: ...and another Brann substitute Demba-Nyren brings a good save from Tim Howard on the stretch as the American is forced to palm his 20-yarder round the post. Another scare comes from the corner as Helstad's free header is stopped right on the line by Howard. This match might not be over...

2042: Huseklepp (yes, that's his real name) has looked lively since coming on for Brann and, despite the fact he looks at most 12 years old, his pace and trickery are enough to have kept the Everton defence on their toes.

2037: Manuel Fernandes tries his luck from 20 yards and Brann keeper Opdal makes a right meal of tipping it around the post. The corner comes to nowt, though. How many times have I said that tonight?

2036: Still a distinct lack of goalmouth action at Ibrox. Not much else to say, really, sorry.

2032: Andy Johnson and Yakubu have given their all up front for Everton this evening and the former is replaced by Anichebe as the Toffees look to sew this game up.

"Ibrox has 'Greek tragedy' written all over it already."
Leander, Paisley via text

2026: Panathinaikos are starting to press well at Ibrox and home keeper McGregor is seeing a bit of action - nothing too troublesome at the moment, but Rangers will do well to settle quickly I'd say.

2025: Andy Johnson dances into the box and onto Fernandes's through-ball, but his poked effort is deflected wide for a corner. It is wasted, though, and up the other end Solli drills at goal - Tim Howard collects comfortably.

2022: Good response from Brann, right-winger Solli twisting and teasing Joleon Lescott before drilling in a fine cross that brings a good block from the impressive Phil Jagielka.

"About time Everton!"
1984IsForReal on 606

2019 - GOAL: SK Brann 0-1 Everton
Leon Osman breaks the deadlock in Norway with a super right-footed effort from 20 yards, the midfielder striking the ball with the outside of his boot and curling it into the far corner.

2018: Great effort by Rangers midfielder Steve Davis, the Ulsterman drilling a shot at goal from 20 yards and forcing a good low save from visiting keeper Galinovic.

2015:Chizzleface, take your sausages out of the oven.

2014: First proper effort on goal from Panathinaikos as Alexis Tziolis bangs one over the bar.

2013: So close!! Tim Cahill picks the ball up just inside the Brann half, drives at the home defence and then spanks a glorious drive that is finger-tipped onto the post by keeper Hakan Opdal. Tremendous save, that.

2011: Ooh it's something of a midfield battle at Ibrox, while Everton have started similarly to this half as they did the match - plenty of possession, not much cutting edge.

"It's on European nights like this where Everton's sophisticated pass and move football comes into its own."
m1santhrope on 606

Erm, when m1santhrope?

2006: Good work from Tim Cahill and Yakubu earns Everton a corner. Fernandes has three attempts at a cross but he can only earn another set-piece. It comes to nowt.

2003: It's a bright start at Ibrox as both teams look to get the ball down and zip it about nice and early. Let's hope Brann and Everton follow their lead as the match re-starts in Norway...

1959: Rangers and Panathinaikos are about to get started up in Glasgow and it looks like a red-hot atmosphere at Ibrox. UK web users can watch this match online, just follow the link below.

1955: By the way - huge apologies to all you 606 enthusiasts out there - the technical bods are still working on getting it back up and running. I'll try to keep you posted. But don't forget you can still taunt me over the fact I'll be spending Valentine's Day tomorrow evening in the office with my colleague Dan Warren instead of out and about with a lady via text on 81111. Splendido.

"It's actually 218 miles from Glasgow to Liverpool. Factually correct jokes are funnier Tom. 3/10."
Adam, Tunbridge Wells via text

"Anon's text about Bristol City - now that's humour!"
Mike, Liverpool via text

1952 - PLAYER-RATER
Hardly a vintage half of football by any stretch of the imagination, but if Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was a bit bored by what was unfolding in front of him, here's some good news for him. He's leading our Player Rater vote with 8.20. Joy.

"I think you're wrong about Tom Hayward91's comment - it's 100% rubbish. Proper cheddar. Bristol City for the Premier League next season (I had to get that shout out in!)."
Anon via text

1949 - HALF-TIME: SK Brann 0-0 Everton
And that's practically the last of the action in Norway. Let's hope it livens up in the second half huh?

1948: Brann think they have taken the lead - and it wouldn't necessarily have been against the run of play - but Eirik Bakke is deemed to have fouled Tim Howard as Moen's corner goes straight in. Good decision.

1947: Jagielka - always liked him - again does well in the Everton defence as Helstad attempts to dance his way into the box only to find Big Phil the immovable object.

1943: Lee Carsley kerplunks another effort goalwards that is more likely to trouble the corner flag than the net and, dare I say, it's all an ickle bit dull...

1939: As a debate rages in the office over just how funny tom_hayward91's post was below (we're looking at about 65% say it was humourous, 30% think it was rubbish and 5% haven't seen it because they are face deep in pie and chips), Everton continue to push and probe in Norway with Brann causing the occasional worry on the counter. Not much to talk about in the way of goalmouth action, though...

"I think Moyes will take his wife for a weekend in Glasgow and then walk back home after. He will walk 500 Moyes."
tom_hayward91 on 606

1934: Andy Johnson does well in the box and lays it back to Leon Osman, who forces a fine save from keeper Opdal with a curling drive from just inside the box. Best save of the night, that.

"Maybe Moyesy will push the boat out and buy his missus a DVD player? Then she won't have to suffer the ignominy of watching Scandanavian footballing delights on video."
Cen via text

1932: Lee Carsley tries his luck from 30 yards... and it flies off-target high, wide and not very handsome.

"Is that the same Karadas who was on loan at Pompey a while ago?"
Rich, Canterbury via text

Indeed it is Rich and he's looking lively.

1929: TEAM NEWS
Daniel Cousin is named on the bench for Rangers' Uefa Cup tie against Panathinaikos with Lee McCulloch was given the nod in the lone striker's role. On-loan Fulham midfielder Steve Davis is handed his debut, while Nacho Novo makes the starting line-up for the first time since early November.

1928: Nearly a mix up in the Everton defence but Phil Neville clears under pressure from Helstad.

1927: Home keeper Opdal gets behind another Everton shot - Leon Osman this time cracking a drive at goal.

1923: Dum de dum. The match enters that all-too-inevitable feeling-each-other-out stage and I don't even have a torrent of your missives on 606 or text to keep me amused in the meantime. Fear not, our technical wizards are sweating in their attempts to get 606 back up and running as usual. Anyway, I wonder what Moyesy's getting his missus for Valentine's - your thoughts?

1919: Another half-chance falls Brann's way as Helstad collects a long Moen pass 16 yards out and Phil Jagielka is forced into a saving diving challenge to halt the frontman's progress.

1916: Brann are slowly forcing their way into this match, largely through their aerial threat up front, but Everton are still bossing possession.

"It'd be magic if the S in SK Brann stood for Special. All the more power to the cereal puns."
Adam Pearce via text

1911: Blimey - right against the run of play Brann striker Karadas has a great chance to open the scoring but the former Pompey man heads wide from six yards out.

1909: Excellent possession from Everton, who exchange pass after pass in and around the Brann defence until Joleon Lescott's cross is collected by the keeper. There's a gulf in class between the sides at the moment.

"First time in Norway for the Toffees? You could say it's a Brann spanking new experience for them!"
spanishtickle on 606

"Don't forget that SK Brann are the current Norwegian Champions."
skottland on 606

1905: Rusty ol' start this from Brann as Andy Johnson forces a save from keeper Opdal from 25 yards.

1904: Immediate chance for Yakubu to worm his way back into Everton fans' hearts as he dashes onto Phil Neville's through-ball in the box, but his right-footed shot is too tame to really trouble the keeper.

1903: And we're under way...

"I'm getting the missus Resident Evil: Extinction for Valentine's. Good choice?"
largepi on 606

I don't think presents come any better largepi.

1858: The two teams are in the tunnel at the rather aptly-named Brann Stadion (must have taken them all of three seconds to come up with that) and we're seconds away from kick-off.

"Sammy Sam Sam Sam. Why is Manucho not playing tonight against Rangers?"
RedDevil16 (City United In Mourning) on 606

Manucho misses out because of his Africa Cup of Nations with Angola exploits apparently RedDevil16.

1850: David Moyes insists Yakubu is in the right frame of mind to lead the line for Everton, with his recent disciplinary matter "put to bed and behind us now". The Scot also admits the fact that Brann haven't played for a couple of months - it's the Norwegian off-season at the moment - has "not helped" his preparations but that he has "watched plenty of videos on them". Must be a blast of an evening in the Moyes household huh?

"Can someone message me at 2015 to take the sausages out of the oven?"
chizzleface on 606

"I had too much Brann this morning - hopefully Everton aren't as loose tonight as I am now."
Phil P, Liverpool via text

"For once I think we should ask you what YOUR predictions are. Well?"
goldtoffeefan(Irish Representative of the FFE+TBBCOE) on 606

Well goldtoffeefan I'm going for a goal-frenzy-tastic Brann 0-5 Everton and Rangers 3-2 Panathinaikos. Bosh.

1840: TEAM NEWS
Everton recall striker Yakubu after he was fined and dropped for Saturday's win against Reading following the Nigerian's late return from the Africa Cup of Nations. He plays alongside Andrew Johnson in attack, while midfield man Mikel Arteta is absent with a groin injury.

"Spurs to meet Everton in the final."
mdfactor on 606

1832: Sorry to hit you with a downer so early on. But technical boffins with far more know-how than me have informed me that our 606 service is "a bit clunky" right now.

It's not out of action by any means, but please persevere with us if you encounter any probs.

"I think Everton will have far too much for SK Brann and run out 3-1 winners and Rangers will use home advantage and see off Panathinaikos 2-0."
CartersRightPeg on 606

1830: Hello, good evening, welcome.

It's all about Europe tonight - and I don't mean the cheesy 80s Swedish hard rock composers of the 'classic' The Final Countdown - as Rangers host Panathinaikos and Everton travel to SK Brann in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup.

Revenge might be on the Gers' mind. The last time they met Panathinaikos the Greek side beat them in the 2004 Champions League group stage and at the same time beat the Scottish outfit to a consolation place in the Uefa Cup.

Things look far easier for Everton, who will play in Norway for the first time in the club's history.

Coming into the game with a 100% record in the Uefa Cup so far this season, the Toffees are up against a Brann side that has won only one of their three home games in Europe.

As always I want your chat via text on 81111 and on 606 - forget about the fact that you've forgotten tomorrow is Valentine's Day and you've failed to get your missus or fella a thing - meaning you're likely to be alone, sad and single come Friday - and let's enjoy the footy!