Ferguson inspires Everton fightback
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-17 09:19

Duncan Ferguson stepped off the bench to spark an Everton revival as they claimed a 1-1 draw at Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

The rugged former Scotland striker entered the fray after 74 minutes with his side trailing 1-0 to their rivals for a Champions League spot, and within two minutes set up Tim Cahill's equaliser with a headed pass.

Minutes later he was at the centre of an ugly goalmouth flare-up after he caught Mark Schwarzer on the head after lunging for the ball following a fumble by the 'Boro keeper.

Fourth-placed Everton, who sold midfielder Thomas Gravesen to Real Madrid in the week, thoroughly deserved their point after they had fallen behind to a superb Boudewijn Zenden finish from an acute angle after 26 minutes.

James Beattie, still to score for Everton since joining from Southampton, almost equalised when he dribbled a shot against the base of the post after another mistake by Schwarzer.

Everton have 44 points, 14 behind runaway leaders Chelsea who extended their advantage to 10 points on Saturday with a 2-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur while second-placed Arsenal slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers.

Boro remain in sixth place on 36 points, one behind Liverpool who were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United on Saturday.

In Sunday's late kickoff bottom club West Bromwich Albion suffered a shattering 1-0 defeat at Fulham, for whom Papa Bouba Diop headed a stoppage time winner.

West Brom, who have not won a league match since former England captain Bryan Robson took charge of his old club in November, showed plenty of spirit but were punished severely when Diop stole in unmarked to head in Mark Pembridge's corner.

West Brom have a meagre 13 points from 23 games, five behind Crystal Palace who head a mini-group of four teams scrapping four survival in the basement.

Southampton and Norwich City, who also lost on Saturday, occupy the two other relegation places.

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