Albion, however, were still causing Everton problems, and when James Morrison fed the ball into Fortune's path with a clear run at goal, Howard needed to produce a telling block. From the corner Morrison drove a shot into the side-netting.

But after 36 minutes all Albion's industry went to waste when they conceded a shocking goal. Jay Simpson's horribly misplaced pass gave Everton a throw which in turn saw Donk foul Pienaar from behind.

And when Baines' free-kick curled into the box, three Everton men had got away from their markers, with Carson hopelessly exposed as Cahill powered in a free-header.

There was still spirit in Albion, and soon after the break Koren ran from his own half to fire just wide of a post from the edge of the box.

Then Fellaini picked up his 12th booking of the season, clattering into the back of Jonathan Greening, who had just replaced Borja Valero. Albion then sent on Luke Moore for Simpson after 57 minutes.

Moore's first involvement was to cut in from the right and see a shot deflected wide.

But from the corner Albion thought they had scored. Donk headed on and Moore's flick was somehow hooked off the line and into Howard's arms by Phil Jagielka.

Everton's response was to take off Fellaini, push Cahill back into midfield to try to stem the flow of Albion attacks, with Louis Saha sent on up front.

But the problem was still there when Brunt surged forward to flash another low drive just wide of Howard's left-hand post.

However, after 70 minutes Saha looked to settle the issue when he took a flick from Pienaar, turned and drilled an outstanding 25-yard drive inside the far post.

Osman then tested Carson with an angled drive, with Saha's fine goal having knocked the wind out of Albion's sails.

Greening was booked for a foul on Pienaar with seven minutes left, before Moore hit the Everton bar from 25-yards and then dragged another effort wide.