Nikica Jelavic scored twice to help Everton take maximum points from their home encounter against Fulham at Goodison Park this afternoon.

The Croatian striker started the match brightly and broke the deadlock in the seventh minute. His initial shot was blocked by the hand of the Fulham's Pavel Pogrebnyak inside the penalty area. Jelavic stepped up to send the resultant penalty past visiting goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Jelavic almost doubled his and Everton's score moments later when he sent a powerful effort against the upright.

The lead was eventually extended in the 16th minute courtesy of Marouane Fellaini, who headed in a corner from Steven Pienaar.

South African midfielder Pienaar claimed a second assist of the match as the half drew to a close when he slotted a pass through to Jelavic, who slipped the ball past an advancing Schwarzer.

The Toffees continued to dominate after the restart and added a fourth to their tally on the hour mark. Substitute Tim Cahill beat the offside trap to collect a pass from Pienaar, before sending the ball into the net from inside the area.

The three points has seen David Moyes's side tighten their grip on seventh spot in the Premier League table.