Everton lead West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the interval in their Premier League encounter at Goodison Park.
It was the home side who started the better and they might have taken the lead after just two minutes with an effort from Leon Osman, but he headed wide from close range.
Darron Gibson was next to come close for the home side after five minutes, but he fired wide from outside the box.
Everton did take the lead, however, after 18 minutes when Osman struck a powerful shot which took a deflection off Baggies defender Gareth McAuley before evading his goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Marouane Fellaini came close to the home side's second after 28 minutes, but his effort was smartly saved by Foster.
West Brom were not without their chances, however, and Paul Scharner brought a fine save out of Howard just past the 30-minute mark in the match.
