Nobody laughing now as Everton set sights on Champions League spot

YOU cannot wipe the smile from Everton faces now that it is no longer a joke to suggest that they can reach the Champions League.

Everywhere you looked after a sixth 1-0 win of the season, and their seventh Premiership clean sheet, there were people laughing.

From boss David Moyes and chairman Bill Kenwright - hugging in the players' tunnel - to the broad grin from veteran keeper Nigel Martyn as he marked his 800th game with another near faultless display. Everton were written off before the season had even started but nobody is laughing at them now. They are third on merit and their ninth win of the campaign matches their total for all of last season.