MEMBERS of Everton’s last three FA Cup-winning teams were paraded during half-time at Goodison yesterday.

But the jubilant home supporters exited the stadium harbouring only thoughts of a prosperous future.

A riveting, raucous afternoon saw David Moyes’ side provide further compelling evidence they are capable of ending the club’s 14-year wait for silverware by earning a significant measure of revenge against Aston Villa.

Having suffered the heartbreak of injury-time defeat when the Midlanders visited in December, Everton demonstrated the scale of their subsequent improvement by earning a first FA Cup quarter-final berth since 2002.

Moyes has openly admitted his overall record in knockout competitions since arriving at Goodison almost seven years ago has left much to be desired.

But having last season reached the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and made inroads in the Uefa Cup, the Goodison outfit are now only one step away from a first Wembley appearance since 1995 with the semi-finals to be held at the showpiece venue.

The portents augur well. The last time Everton beat two Premier League teams in the FA Cup in the same season was that most recent successful campaign in the competition.

And after memorably ousting neighbours Liverpool in the previous round, a second successive triumph against higher-placed opposition can only give Moyes’ men further encouragement.

Certainly, the prospect of entertaining either West Ham United or Middlesbrough in three weeks will hold little fear. And why should it?