This was the final act of one of the most dramatic seasons in Everton’s history. Having suffered their worst ever start to a season under Mike Walker, new manager Joe Royle dragged Everton from the spectre of relegation to an unlikely FA Cup final. Manchester United, thwarted on the last day of the season from a third consecutive Premiership title, were, however, hot favourites.

But despite heavy United pressure throughout, it was Everton who found the necessary cutting edge. On the half-hour mark, Anders Limpar led a lightning Everton breakaway. He switched the ball to Matt Jackson on the Everton right, who cut inside and played in Graham Stuart; his shot crashed off the underside of the United crossbar, but Paul Rideout reacted quickest to head home the rebound. A string of outstanding saves from Neville Southall assured the goal was enough for an Everton victory.

‘I’m happy with the way the season has turned out but I’m not happy with the way things were,’ said Southall afterwards. ‘We were a disgrace for part of the season. We gave our fans a torrid time and staying in the Premiership was the main achievement. But we had to do something like this for all those people who went to places like Wimbledon and Crystal Palace on cold wet nights. They deserve this – it’s for them.’