This was arguably the most dramatic Merseyside derby Goodison Park witnessed… they will talk about it long after this storied old place lies in the dust, writes IAN LADYMAN

Everton's move from Goodison to the banks of the Mersey has been coming for a while. In fact it’s been delayed once. But here, on the night of the final home derby against Liverpool, it felt as though that short, emotional journey down the hill to the water finally began. There are still six games left to be played here. The old lady is not quite ready yet to draw the curtains on her 131-year contribution to English football history. But this still felt like the moment Everton started to say goodbye and it was some way to do it.

This was not only the final game here against their neighbours, it was arguably the most dramatic. If there has been a meeting as ultimately ill-tempered, it is hard to recall it. They will talk about it long after this storied old place lies in dust. Those who were here will remember how it felt and what it meant. Ninety minutes before kick-off, they had made an announcement over the PA system asking those gathered outside to move along to allow the team buses to arrive. Some hope of that.

There were hundreds of them gathered on Goodison Road outside the Wilnslow Hotel. Teenagers who don’t remember the day when Everton were really good. Adults who certainly do. Goodison Park played host to its final Merseyside derby when Liverpool came to town on Wednesday night. There are still six matches to be played at the stadium that has been the Toffees home for 131 years. Everton fans put on a show as they welcomed their arch rivals to Goodison under the lights.

Children – many hoisted on shoulders – who probably should have been in bed. Who needs school when history is unfolding before your eyes?. It was a little edgy for fifteen minutes. Flares and fireworks were lit. Blue smoke and the smell of cordite filled the air. The songs and the chants were not particularly cordial. There is little fondness between these two sets of supporters these days. The days of red and blue mixing on the Gladwys Street have gone and certainly will not be replicated at Bramley Moore Dock.

Eventually thoughts turned towards the football which ultimately matched the atmosphere. It was fractious and it was full of meaning. It was, frankly, just like so many arguments between neighbours. For Everton it felt like an opportunity to derail Liverpool’s title ambitions. They managed that here last year and after this remarkable night they may feel they have at the very least given them a bit of a wobble once again.

For Liverpool it felt like a night to be endured. That they came within seconds of victory was quite something in itself. In the main, despite the controversy around the equaliser, they weren’t really good enough. Off the field, Everton had decided not to be shy. On the front of the programme was a photograph of Mikel Arteta who did once score a derby winner here for Everton but also happens to be the manager of Liverpool’s title rivals Arsenal.

It felt fitting that so much was at stake and that the story of the evening was a whole dollop of drama on the field. James Tarkowski gave the famous old ground a fitting Merseyside derby send off with a stunning half volley in stoppage time. The short walk between Liverpool's two Premier League grounds will be no more at the end of this campaign. But the things that matter will remain. We saw that here. The heart of this rivalry will beat on, its thrum never to be drowned out by the sound of the waves.

This has traditionally been how it’s been and sentimentality alone was never going to do justice to this occasion. This was a sporting contest first and landmark day second. Walking across Stanley Park at 5pm, it was to be reminded of just how unique this relationship has been. Red and blue sitting almost on top of each other. Goodison in front of you, Anfield over your left shoulder. It will not be like that anymore. The city of Liverpool and the landscape of English football is about to be fundamentally changed for ever.