League Cup quarter-final West Ham Utd 1 Everton 2: Whisper it quietly. Everton could be going to a cup final. The Merseysiders had already entered uncharted territory under David Moyes with their appearance in this League Cup quarter-final at a chilly Upton Park. It was a first under Moyes in five years of frustration in knockout football.

However, the manager punched the night air on 88 minutes as Yakubu Aiyegbeni, the club's record signing, repaid another portion of his transfer fee. A tense occasion appeared to be drifting inexorably towards extra-time when a long punt forward sparked confusion in the West Ham United defence.

Danny Gabbidon and Matthew Upson hesitated, Gabbidon then hoped Robert Green, the goalkeeper, would come and when he did, belatedly, Gabbidon had already made up his mind to head the ball back. All the while, Yakubu had given chase with a growing scent for the opportunity. Gabbidon's header thudded into Green, the ball wriggled loose and Yakubu guided home his 10th goal of an increasingly promising season.

West Ham took the lead through Carlton Cole, following loose Everton defending. However, the visitors, unbeaten in their previous 10 matches, worked their way back into the contest and merited their equaliser through Leon Osman.

Guardian Service

WEST HAM UTD:Green, Neill, McCartney, Gabbidon, Upson, Ljungberg, Parker, Mullins, Boa Morte (Reid 67), Cole (Pantsil 76), Ashton. Subs not used: Wright, Noble, Spector. Booked: Neill.

EVERTON:Howard, Neville, Yobo, Lescott, Jagielka, Osman, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley, Pienaar, Yakubu. Subs not used: Wessels, Hibbert, Johnson, Gravesen, Anichebe.

Referee:Mark Halsey (Lancashire).