FOR many Everton supporters, Saturday evenings have long been a source of irritation and indignation.

Despite having become firmly ensconced in the upper echelons of the Premier League, their team is, more often than not, a long way down the running order for the highlights of that day’s action.

But those same fans will have been greatly heartened to find Everton in their seemingly accustomed position when the weekend’s FA Cup round-up was broadcast at the weekend.

The cameras descended upon Macclesfield Town’s intimate Moss Rose stadium in the hope of seeing David Moyes’s side maintain the dismal form they have shown in the competition during recent seasons.

Yet those sensing a shock were to be disappointed as Everton sidestepped a potential banana skin with relative comfort to ease into the fourth round.

It’s easy to see why this was earmarked as a potential upset.

Travelling to lower league rivals in quaint surrounds on a freezing afternoon, there were more than a few reminders for Everton of the 2003 embarrassment against Shrewsbury Town.

Macclesfield’s substitutes even included Jamie Tolley, a midfielder who was in opposition that infamous afternoon at Gay Meadow.

The 2-1 defeat still rankles with Moyes who, having also seen his side stunned at home by Oldham Athletic 12 months ago, is all too aware of the dangers football’s oldest knockout tournament can possess.

But after a few early warnings from a spirited Macclesfield team, there was rarely cause from concern from the moment Leon Osman’s ultimately decisive strike calmed any nerves shortly before half-time.

While talk of Wembley is grossly premature, a sign of how serious Moyes is taking this season’s competition came when the team-sheets were handed out.

Of course, given the injury crisis that has gripped the already threadbare squad, wholesale changes were never on the cards.