LEON Osman’s opportunistic second half strike rescued a point for Everton FC against Norwich at Goodison Park.

The Blues had fallen behind to Grant Holt’s 28th minute goal, as Paul Lambert’s side capitalised on their only chance of the first period.

Despite dominating possession a third consecutive defeat seemed on the cards until David Moyes introduced the enigmatic Royston Drenthe, who immediately lent a sharper edge to Everton’s attack.

It was his strike that Osman nudged past John Ruddy, to ensure EFC had at least some positives to take from a drab encounter played in front of the season's lowest league gate of the season.

Moyes’ men dominated early proceedings, crafting a string of half chances and reducing the visitors to long balls.

But the Toffees could not claim to have dominated in any style, as their passing – while superior to Norwich’s – was hit and miss at best.

The opening chance came from Tim Cahill’s cushioned header in the area, but Marouane Fellani’s shot was smothered.

Then Leighton Baines rushed down the left and cut the ball across goal for a lurking Tim Cahill, only for Canaries defender Russell Martin to slide it clear.

 Magaye Gueye was making a rare start in place of Diniyar Bilyaletdinov on the left side of midfield, and he linked smartly with Louis Saha, who teed up a Leon Osman curler that had to be put behind again by Martin.

Then when John Heitinga’s long range free kick hit the Norwich wall, Saha seized on the loose ball and fired a low cross into the area that Cahill was inches from sliding home.

So after all that possession it was typical of Everton’s fortunes lately, that Paul Lambert’s side should take the lead with their solitary chance of the half.

Everton failed to deal with a long ball, Morrison won his header in the are and Grant Holt turned John Heitinga far too easily to roll a shot past Howard.

Saha could have levelled when he surged past Martin and cut onto his right foot, but he delayed his shot and it was eventually blocked by Zack Whitbread. The French striker was inches away a minute later, turning sharply and drilling a low shot just past Ruddy’s post.

It could have been worse when Phil Neville gave the ball away near goal to Wes Hoolahan, who should have done better with his cross and the threat thankfully fizzled out.

The second half saw the anxiety factor cranked up further in Goodison Park, when even smart passages of defensive play near Everton’s area could prompt only murmurs of discontent.

Tim Cahill had struggled; frequently looking isolated when asked to win knockdowns and the Aussie was replaced by Denis Stracqualursi with half an hour remaining.

The Argentinean almost crafted a goal with his first touch too, a bullet header which Saha pounced on and brought a fine block from Ruddy.

It was an all too fleeting flash of inspiration, as the Blues play began to deteriorate under the pressure of chasing the game.

Defeat would have left the Blues hopes of a cheery Christmas in tatters, something had to give. It did when Moyes introduced the direct approach of Royston Drenthe. The little Dutchman is never afraid to shoot on sight, and it was his low drive that Osman diverted past Ruddy to bring parity.

Drenthe made a sizable difference, minutes later he stunned Ruddy with a venomous drive which the former Everton keeper could only parry behind for a corner.

Then Stracqualursi brought a last ditch tackle from Marc Tierney as he bored down on goal, and sub Conor McAleny sliced it wide on his Goodison debut.

EVERTON: (4-4-2) Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Heitinga, Baines, Fellaini, Neville (Capt), Osman, Cahill, Gueye (Drenthe, 71) (Stracqualursi, 61) Saha (McAleny, 88).

Subs not used: Mucha, Rodwell, Distin, Bilyaletdinov.

Bookings: Neville

Goals: Osman (80)

NORWICH CITY: (4-3-1-2) Ruddy, Naughton, Martin, Morrison (Wilbraham, 79) Whitbread, Crofts, Holt, Surman, Hoolahan (Johnson, 73) Fox, Tierney.

Subs not used: Rudd, Jackson, Pilkington, Bennett, Barnett.

Bookings: Naughton

Goals: Holt (28)

Ref: Lee Probert

Attendance: 31,004