Stephen Hunt struck from close range in the 44th minute following a long throw into the box.

Everton, though, came within inches of snatching a late equaliser, only for James McFadden to see his chip come back off the crossbar and England striker Andy Johnson to then put the rebound against the post.

The hosts made another change with 21 minutes left when Seol was replaced by John Oster because of injury.

Lescott was then booked for shoving over Long near the touchline. From the resulting free-kick, Ivar Ingimarsson was also cautioned after he clattered into Everton keeper Howard.

The visitors continued to press for an equaliser – but were left frustrated when McFadden went down after going past James Harper and was promptly booked for simulation.

The Scot then saw his chip come back off the crossbar, and when the ball dropped to Johnson in the six-yard box with five minutes left, a goal looked certain.

However, the England man could only stab his effort off the inside of the post, which just about summed up Everton’s afternoon.