Yakubu hammer blow as Toffees snatch win

AYEGBENI Yakubu pounced on a defensive howler two minutes from time to book Everton a place in their first Carling Cup semi-final since 1988.

With the match seemingly heading for extra-time after a desperate second-half, Danny Gabbidon headed the ball past his own goalkeeper allowing the Nigerian to poke home the winner.

It was Everton’s only shot of the half but was enough to seal the Toffeemen victory over a West Ham side who started brightly but quickly ran out of ideas.

Everton’s win extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions and they return to Upton Park to tackle West Ham in the league at the weekend.

Dean Ashton and Freddie Ljungberg returned to the Hammers’ starting line-up for the first time since October with Matthew Etherington out injured and Nolberto Solano cup-tied.

Everton made just one change from their 3-0 win over Fulham with Phil Jagielka replacing injured full-back Leighton Baines.

West Ham took the lead after 11 minutes. Cole escaped his man and beat the on-rushing Tim Howard with one touch before clipping the ball in.

But with Everton camped in and around the West Ham box in the opening half, Pienaar slid a neat pass to the unmarked Osman who curled his shot past the stranded Green. It was no less than Everton deserved for a concerted period of pressure.

With extra-time looming, West Ham gifted Everton victory. Gabiddon allowed Jagielka’s long ball to bounce and just as Green was coming out to claim the central defender headed it through the keeper’s arms allowing Yakubu to pounce.

WEST HAM: Green, Neill, McCartney, Gabbidon, Upson, Ljungberg, Parker, Mullins, Boa Morte (Reid 67), Cole (Pantsil 76), Ashton.

EVERTON: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Osman, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley, Pienaar, Yakubu.

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).