Everton fan's sleep shattered after 16,000-mile journey for postponed Liverpool clash

An Australian teenager was left heartbroken after spending “all his savings” on a flight to Liverpool to watch the latest Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, only for the match to be postponed.

Everton confirmed on Saturday morning that their 12:30 p.m. The clash with Liverpool was canceled due to Storm Darragh.

Fans will be frustrated by the decision, even though strong winds and rain meant it was canceled due to safety concerns.

But none more so than 15-year-old Mackenzie Kinsella, who had made the 10,000-mile, 24-hour trip around the world from Sydney to watch her beloved Toffees.

The young Toffees' dream was to see their mother's Scouse team play one last game against their old Red rivals at their historic stadium before moving to Bramley Moore Dock.

The teenager said in the build-up to the game that he was expecting a “special” match but, unless the game is rescheduled for next week, it now looks like he will return to Australia having missed his chance.

Mackenzie's mother, the Liverpool-born Bluenose Rita, thought the boy had “no chance” of getting enough money to make the trip to Merseyside.

But he managed to save and landed at John Lennon Airport in time to watch Wednesday's 4-0 home win over Wolves, who happen to be his father's team.

“You don't stand a chance, buddy,” his mother told him. BBC Radio Merseyside when asked about his response to his derby dream. “We just got back from England and there is no way I can save that money in the time we have.

“When we came back (after Easter), he said his dream was to go to a Everton vs Liverpool match at Goodison Park.

“She saved the money, used all her savings and said two weeks ago, 'I'd really like to leave, Mom, will you let me go?' I said, 'I can't stop you if you have the money.' We're so proud of him.”

Mackenzie told the BBC that she could have used her savings to eventually buy a car, but instead she took this trip.

4

It breaks your heart, doesn't it?

“Everyone says I'm a lucky charm,” Mackenzie said. “I'm sure it will be special.”

Poor boy.

Everton will bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park, their home since 1892, at the end of the season, ahead of the move to their new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The new ground has already been hit by Storm Darragh this week, and pictures and images of the lobby flooded by rainwater with the new state-of-the-art drainage system yet to be installed.

The area around Goodison has fared no better, with heavy rain and winds expected throughout the weekend, meaning the game was deemed unsafe for fans.

4

4

Everton admitted on Friday afternoon that the derby was in danger of being called off, with confirmation coming in another statement released on Saturday morning at 8.30am, just four hours before kick-off.

“Following a Security Advisory Group meeting at Goodison Park, attended by officials from both clubs as well as representatives from Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council this morning, it was decided that due to the risk to security at the local area due to strong gusts of wind and an amber high wind warning that remains in effect until 6am Sunday, today's match should be postponed for safety reasons,” the statement read.

“We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank fans for their understanding. While we know this will be deeply disappointing for fans, the safety of fans, staff and players is of utmost importance.

“Information regarding the new date of the meeting will be announced in due course.

“All tickets purchased for the original match will remain valid for the rearranged match.”