Everton have been spared from a potential fan revolt at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Thierno Barry netted in the 76th minute to secure a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
The French striker darted ahead of defender Sebastiaan Bornauw to convert Idrissa Gueye's delivery into the top of the net, sparking visible relief around the ground.
Loud jeering had greeted the half-time whistle after James Justin's 28th-minute strike exposed slack defending from the hosts.
Everton boss David Moyes resisted the temptation to substitute Barry for the more experienced Beto, and his patience proved justified.
The 23-year-old has now found the net four times in his previous five outings, having only scored once in his opening 18 Premier League appearances.
The result dealt a blow to Leeds, who had hoped to extend their advantage over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest and West Ham following both clubs' weekend victories.
Despite this setback, the visitors can take some comfort from losing just once across their last 10 league fixtures, though only three wins during that run highlight their own inconsistencies.
For Everton, the stalemate extends a troubling run at home, where they have won only once since November.
David Moyes resisted the temptation to substitute Barry for the more experienced Beto
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Supporters have witnessed just four league victories at Hill Dickinson Stadium throughout the entire campaign, fuelling the frustration that boiled over at the interval.
Moyes insisted that Barry is finally starting to find his feet.
He said: "I’m really pleased for Thierno. There are a lot of strikers in the Premier League who cost a lot of money and it’s not easy for them either."
"Recently we have not been creating that many chances, (so) he has had to take what he can. The bigger thing is he is a young French Under-21 international finding his way."
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Thierno Barry darted ahead of defender Sebastiaan Bornauw to convert Idrissa Gueye's delivery into the top of the net
|GETTY
The manager added: "His English was OK, not great, and I think he is just beginning to get settled in, (learning) how the Premier League works, what’s expected for the intensity of the league.
"He is getting used to the work levels and coming with that he is getting a few goals as well.
"We need to try to create some more chances so he can maybe get a few more."
Leeds boss Daniel Farke was also satisfied with a point, even though that allowed Nottingham Forest and West Ham to gain ground on them after they both won at the weekend.
The result dealt a blow to Leeds, who had hoped to extend their advantage over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest and West Ham
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He said: "Overall a really good result for us on the road, especially after an impressive result for Everton last time (beating Aston Villa)."
"The first half was impressive and it was unlucky we couldn’t capitalise. We had some great chances and we should have scored.
"It was clear at some point in the second half they would show up but I got the feeling we were still controlling the game even with less possession.
"We could have defended a bit sharper but I liked the reaction from the lads in the last 10 minutes.”
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