Everton 2-2 Ipswich Town: Visitors come from two goals down to draw at Goodison Park

Members of fan group The 1878s – a reference to when the club was founded – had laid out blue cards for supporters to hold up, while a swirl of blue, white and yellow ticker tape rained down on the players as they stepped on to the field.

Legendary managers and players of the past were celebrated by a sea of flags and banners waved proudly across the Gwladys Street stand, with one reading: “We built this city – since 1878.”

The players rose to the occasion with a positive start and Beto had already spurned two opportunities by the time he snuck between two defenders and headed Everton in front on 26 minutes.

McNeil ensured the momentum remained with the Toffees when his low-driven shot placed them firmly in the driving seat.

But Enciso’s dipping effort crashed off the bar and beyond Jordan Pickford to reduce the deficit and dampen the mood – and Everton were unable to find their groove again in the second period.

With Beto struggling to impose himself, Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench to make his first appearance since 25 January, but the striker – who is out of contract at the end of the season – did not get sight of goal.

The final say came at the other end when Hirst was afforded far too much space as he rose unchallenged to meet a deflected cross and level the game with just 11 minutes left to play.

It wasn’t the fairytale ending Everton had hoped for in their last Saturday at home, but they have another shot at a winning finale when they play their closing match at Goodison Park against Southampton on 18 May.