FOUR GOALS, a comprehensive victory, another decent workout and a clean bill of health.
Yet for all those positives, there was only one major topic of conversation among the travelling support at Spotland.
Having welcomed Joleon Lescott back from his extended summer break, those fans will hope they have not seen the last of their sought-after centre-back in an Everton shirt.
The regularity and conviction with which the away throng sang his name throughout Saturday’s game indicated they, like David Moyes, are adamant the defender is going nowhere.
But with Manchester City cranking up their efforts to prise the England international away from Goodison, a significant test of Everton’s resolve awaits.
In adding Emmanuel Adebayor to a summer portfolio that already includes Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez, City have now signed players from three of last season’s top six Premier League clubs.
Hughes is determined to take that number to four with the capture of Lescott, and won’t be dissuaded by Everton’s point-blank rebuttal of their opening £15million offer last week.
Speaking at last Wednesday’s shareholders forum, Moyes reiterated he is under no obligation to sell any players, despite the obvious financial constraints within which he must operate.
Any outgoings, says the manager, will be at his discretion. But the harsh reality is that if Lescott’s head is turned by City’s riches and the promise of potential glory, gaining top dollar for his services will become the priority.
The lure of City is, on the face of it, pretty tempting right now for most players. But the grass isn’t always greener, and Lescott would do well to remember the integral part he has played in helping Everton re-establish themselves among the upper echelons of the English game in recent years.
Indeed, Lescott doesn’t have to look far for an example of how Everton’s collective spirit and character can be more conducive to success than the Eastlands billions.
Brazilian striker Jo endured a miserable time after moving to City last summer before a loan move to Goodison in January helped kickstart his stalled career in England.
The 21-year-old was desperate to extend that association and, having negotiated another 12-month stay at Everton, began justifying the faith shown in him by Moyes with two goals in an encouraging 4-1 win at Coca-Cola League Two side Rochdale on Saturday.
Partnering Louis Saha in attack, Jo produced a clinical finish in each half; the first when taking a pass from Tim Cahill – another to make his first outing of pre-season – in his stride before shooting an angled left-footed drive in off the far post, and the second after capitalising on some sloppy home defending.
“We’re pleased Jo is back on board with us,” says Leighton Baines. “
