On This Day In Everton History: April 27th

The date of April 27 brings back many memorable days in the life of an Evertonian.

Today, we take a look at three of the best, including a cup semi victory, a step closer to the First Division title, and a hat-track from one of the Blues’ best players in the Premier League era:

1968 - Morrissey spot-kick sees off Leeds in FA Cup semi

A Johnny Morrisey penalty just before half-time was enough to see Everton past Leeds United at Old Trafford and into an FA Cup final with West Bromwich Albion in 1968.

Against a Leeds side also in the upper echelons of the First Division table and who had already beaten Harry Catterick’s Blues home and away in the league that year, it proved third time lucky for Everton this time around.

In a tight semi-final low on highlights, a Jack Charlton handball presented Morrissey with the chance to fire Everton ahead from 12 yards, which he duly took on 42 minutes.

A second FA Cup final in three years was the prize for Catterick and his side - could they repeat the feat of 1966 when they beat Sheffield Wednesday?

1985 - Rampant Everton take step closer to title

April 27, 1985 saw Everton’s remarkable run of form extend to a 25th consecutive game unbeaten and a fourth straight win as they thumped later-relegated Norwich 3-0 at Goodison Park to stay on course for that First Division crown.

Derek Mountfield and Trevor Steven both netted either side of half-time; the first a diving header converted from Kevin Ratcliffe’s free-kick, and the second a tap-in to an empty net following a flick-on from a corner.

Paul Bracewell soon got in on the act, intercepting Steve Bruce’s clumsy back-pass before rounding Norwich goalkeeper Chris Woods (a coach at Everton during David Moyes’ tenure) and slotting home. For the Blues and Howard Kendall, they could start to dream.

1996 - Kanchelskis treble trumps Sheffield Wednesday

Today marks 24 years since Andrei Kanchelskis almost single-handedly took Sheffield Wednesday apart as Everton hammered the Owls 5-2 in their own back yard.

A frenzied start saw Everton 2-1 up after just nine minutes; Daniel Amokachi gave them the lead, before Wednesday swiftly equalised through David Hurst, only for John Ebbrell to put the Blues back ahead 60 seconds later.

Then Kanchelskis proceeded to run riot, netting three of his own to which Wednesday’s only reply was a consolation through Mark Degryse.

A big win for the Blues, it also lifted them from eighth to sixth, with just the season closer at home to Aston Villa now left to play.