They sang one of their favourite songs for the local hero, taking great delight in shouting that 'we've got a diamond called Ross Barkley'.
But as the local hero slid on his knees in front of the Gwladys Street, arms spread wide in celebration and a smile to brighten a rain-sodden evening, you could not help wonder whether it would be the last time Evertonians get to air it.
Given there has been so much scrutiny on Barkley's future, it was perhaps inevitable he would take centre stage and his fine goal on 56 minutes settling a match that few who sat through it will recall with any kind of affection.