EVERTON FC moved above Liverpool FC in the Premier League table after a casual 2-0 win over West Brom at Goodison Park.

The Toffees kept the feel-good factor generated by Tuesday’s FA Cup quarter final victory going courtesy of a first-half Gareth McAuley own goal, and Victor Anichebe’s 68th minute strike

It means David Moyes’ men keep alive their outside chance of securing Europa League qualification via the League, and can enjoy rising above their rivals for 24 hours at least.

While the Blues relaxed approach after going ahead is likely to have irked their manager, they were a class above the visitors throughout - and benefited from the continued excellence of Steven Pienaar.

Leighton Baines crafted the first opening for the home side, with a typically adept delivery into the box which Leon Osman headed wide.

Then Pienaar jinked into the area and pulled a pass back to the edge of the area for the loitering Darron Gibson, whose fierce shot flashed narrowly over.

The visitors were barely getting a look-in, as the Blues carved out chance after chance, a mazy run by Tony Hibbert resulting in a cross which Nikica Jelavic pounced on, only for his half volley to be blocked.

It was an irresistible start, which was soon rewarded. Osman exchanged passes with Jelavic in the area, and as the Baggies defence were slow to respond, the midfielder’s shot took a deflection off Gareth McAuley on its way past a wrong-footed Ben Foster.

However, only a slice of fortune prevented an equaliser against the run of play. In a rare attack Paul Scharner, so often on the score sheet against the Blues, unleashed a low strike which Tim Howard could only parry, and Chris Brunt’s effort on the rebound clipped Shane Long’s heel and carried the ball wide.

Marouane Fellaini went close moments later, as the pattern of incessant Blues attacking resumed.

Gradually Hodgson’s side began to eke out a few openings though, and Everton’s midfield got back to defend well, with Pienaar nipping in to chest back to his goalkeeper, averting danger as Shane Long lurked.

The silky South African almost edge his side ahead too – bursting forward and rifling a low effort just past Foster’s post.

To Moyes’ anger, Everton’s tempo had dropped off near the break and their pressing was noticeably less urgent since they opened the scoring.

They attempted to lift things after the break, and Fellaini again tested Foster with a vicious drive, before Jelavic was booked for a foul on Liam Ridgewell.

The Croatian lofted a free kick over the bar from the edge of the area, after Jonas Olsson had been booked for a foul on Pienaar.

Nobody could blame the visitors for trying to deter Pienaar, but his impact would not be limitied. He slipped a smart pass to sub Victor Anichebe, who escaped the slack marking of Ridgewell to drill his low strike in off the post.

And the chance for Pienaar to apply some gloss to the score line went begging, when he seized on Jelavic’s delightful back heel to go through on goal but opted for power over subtlety, allowing Foster to block his strike.

Jelavic might have made it three with a brave header just before he was replaced to plenty of applause, but by then the result was beyond doubt.

EVERTON: (4-4-1-1) Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka (Capt), Heitinga, Baines, Gibson, Fellaini, Pienaar, Osman (Gueye, 45), Cahill (Anichebe, 63), Jelavic (McFadden, 87).

Subs not used: Mucha, Stracqualursi, Distin, Neville.

Bookings: Jelavic, Cahill

Goals: McCauley OG (18), Anichebe (68)

WEST BROMWICH ALBION: Foster, Olsson, Scharner, Ridgewell, McCauley, Jones, Andrews. Brunt, (Coz, 77) (Capt), Tchoyi (Fortune, 73), Long, Odemwingie.

Subs not used: Daniels, Dorrans, Shorey, Mulumbu, Dawson.

Bookings: Olsson

Goals:

Ref: Peter Walton

Attendance: 32,051