Fan has dream crushed after 10,000-mile trip for postponed Merseyside derby

Everton confirmed on Saturday morning that their 12:30pm showdown with Liverpool was off due to Storm Darragh.

Fans will be frustrated by the call, despite high winds and rain meaning it was called off on safety grounds.

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

It was the young Toffees' dream to watch his Scouse mum's team play one last match against their old red rivals at their historic home ground before their move to Bramley Moore Dock.

The teen said in the build-up to the game he was looking forward to a 'special' match, but - unless the game is rescheduled for within the next week - now looks set to fly back Down Under having missed his chance.

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Mackenzie's mum, Liverpool-born and diehard Bluenose Rita, thought the kid had 'no chance' of getting enough money to make the trip to Merseyside.

But he managed to save up himself, touching down at John Lennon Airport in time to watch Wednesday's 4-0 home win over Wolves - which happens to be his dad's team.

"You've got no chance mate," his mum told BBC Radio Merseyside when asked about her response to his derby dream. "We've just come back from England and there's no way I can save that money in the time we've got.

"When we came back [after Easter], he said it was his dream to go to an Everton vs Liverpool game at Goodison Park.

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"He saved up the money, used all his savings and said two weeks ago 'I'd really like to go mum - will you let me go?' I said, 'I can't stop you if you've got the money'. We're very proud of him."

Mackenzie told the BBC he could have used his savings to eventually buy car but made this trip instead.

It breaks your heart, doesn't it?

"Everyone says I'm a lucky charm," said Mackenzie. "I am sure it's going to be special."

Poor kid.

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 battered by Storm Darragh this week, with pictures and footage emerging of the concourse being flooded by rain water with the new state-of-the-art draining system yet to be installed.

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

Everton admitted on Friday evening that the derby was in danger of being called off, and confirmation came in another statement published on Saturday morning at 8:30am - just four hours before kick-off.

"Following a Safety 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 safety in the local area due to strong wind gusts, and an amber severe wind warning that remains in place until 6am on Sunday, today's fixture should be postponed on safety grounds," the statement read.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank supporters for their understanding. Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff and players is of paramount importance.

"Information relating to a rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

"All tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rearranged fixture."