Everton halt Birmingham run

Birmingham's five-match winning streak came to an end at Goodison Park as they were out-played by Everton in a 1-1 draw.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's sixth-minute goal was all the hosts had to show for their early dominance and they were caught cold when Sebastian Larsson equalised with Birmingham's first shot of the match midway through the first half.

Everton continued to control the game after the interval but never really threatened to add a second. Not only did the result end Birmingham's excellent run of results it also extended Everton's sequence of league matches to just one victory in 11.

The atmosphere inside Goodison at kick-off was as cool as the strong, chilly wind blowing off the Irish Sea but that soon changed in the fifth minute.

Tony Hibbert's throw was cleverly chested into the path of Bilyaletdinov by Louis Saha and the Russian cut inside on his left foot to beat Joe Hart at his near post with a 12-yard drive.

Everton failed to make their chances count and the visitors equalised with their first shot in the 22nd minute.

Larsson picked up the ball in midfield, played it in to Christian Benitez on the edge of the penalty area and continued his run to collect the return pass and clip a shot past Tim Howard.

Everton began the second half as they had the first and eight minutes after the restart Cahill's diving header at the near post went just wide from Leighton Baines' cross while Saha curled a 25-yard effort over.

The crowd screamed for a penalty on the hour when Marouane Fellaini's cross to the far post was volleyed by Baines straight at Scott Dann and Roger Johnson cleared the danger as referee Stuart Atwell waved play on.

Unlike the first half Everton managed to retain control of the game but despite their endeavour they struggled to find the necessary creativity in the final third of the pitch.