Everton 1-1 West Ham:   Dean Ashton grabbed a fine equalising goal that could do serious damage to Everton's bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Everton had been ahead early on thanks to a blistering drive from Ayegbeni Yakubu, his 19th of the season.

But West Ham were the better side after the break and when Ashton headed in Lucas Neill's cross, it was no more than they deserved.

It could have been worse for Everton as Hammers teenager Freddie Sears hit the post in the dying minutes.

Freddie Ljungberg's pass then sent Sears in behind Joleon Lescott, but his shot from a tight angle was held by Tim Howard.

After 80 minutes West Ham sent on Nobby Solano for Ljungberg, then Jonathan Spector replaced Scott Parker two minutes later.

The game was on a knife-edge now and when Sears robbed Phil Jagielka on the edge of the box, the teenager was on his way round Howard before the American 'keeper grabbed the ball.

Mark Noble then drove inches over the bar as West Ham put a fine passing move together. Sears then got away from Jagielka again, and saw his stabbed shot hit a post.