Osman delivers just on time and Everton get back on Euro track

LEON OSMAN struck in injury-time to give Everton victory after they had dominated the final stages against Portsmouth at Goodison Park last night.

The 23-year-old spun in the box to hook the ball high into the net just as it looked as if Pompey would hang onto a point.

Alan Stubbs had put Everton ahead in the first half with his first-ever goal at Goodison for the Merseysiders, but Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored a fine solo equaliser which Portsmouth defended almost to the death. Everton were suffering from a White Hart Lane hangover in the opening minutes, with their customary quick-tackling style missing. It allowed Diomansy Kamara two long runs from his own half virtually unchecked. Nigel Quashie and Patrik Berger had plenty of time and possession during the opening period, with Everton struggling to find their pattern and flow.