A WORRYING air of acceptance drifted over Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.

As the fourth official’s board went up indicating seven minutes for Everton FC to salvage something from a poor performance against Stoke City, many home supporters headed for the exits.

Never mind the hope of a lengthy injury time. They’d seen enough.

And the worry for the club’s board is that, with the expensive festive period on the horizon, some won’t be back for quite a while.

Why should they? Everton FC have lost half of their 10 home games this season – four of seven when taking just the Premier League into account – and what was only last year one of the most feared venues in the top flight has become one of the most accommodating.

Only Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion have scored less home goals this campaign than David Moyes’s side, who continue to make life difficult for themselves by conceding the first goal in nine of their last 10 Goodison outings.

The lack of striking options is now beginning to bite; Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe injured, Apostolos Vellios raw and age and a succession of injuries are now catching up with the previously ever-reliable Tim Cahill.

However, the chances are in any case beginning to dry up with the creativity and flair of Mikel Arteta sorely missed.

The immediate priority, though, must be for Goodison to regain its menace.