Everton 1 Norwich 0: Fourth-placed Everton re-established their seven-point lead over neighbours Liverpool with a narrow victory over Norwich at Goodison Park.

The race for the final Champions League berth is becoming an increasingly bitter battle between the Merseyside rivals - and plucky Norwich were caught in the crossfire.

The visitors had battled bravely throughout and could have been ahead had Dean Ashton and Darren Huckerby not wasted glorious second-half chances.

But in the end it was the influence of Duncan Ferguson, on as a late substitute, who caused the chaos which saw Everton grab a priceless victory.

Marcus Bent came on in place of James Beattie after 77 minutes and two minutes after the substitution the home side took the lead. James McFadden's cross was met by a powerful, close-range header by Bent and Robert Green made a fine save.

But the ball dropped into the six-yard box where Ferguson's outstretched boot and a desperate Gary Doherty's lunge sent the ball spinning into the net.

Ferguson claimed the goal in the resulting mayhem but it could easily have been an own goal.

Norwich responded by sending on another striker, Leon McKenzie, and Darren Huckerby was a constant danger throughout.

Norwich, committed if limited, will be aggrieved at the injustice of it all. They had created the better chances until Ferguson had trundled off the bench and prompted the panic necessary to edge Everton home.

EVERTON: Martyn, Hibbert, Stubbs, Weir (Ferguson 64), Pistone, Yobo, McFadden (Naysmith 87), Carsley, Cahill, Kilbane, Beattie (Bent 76). Subs Not Used: Wright, Chadwick. Booked: Hibbert. Goals: Ferguson 78.

NORWICH: Green, Edworthy, Doherty, Fleming, Drury (Stuart 45), Jonson (McKenzie 81), Holt, Francis, Brennan, Huckerby, Ashton. Subs Not Used: Gallacher, McVeigh, Shackell.

Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).