Everton must pay in Euros: Ashton's Goodison strike may cost £30m

It was a huge blow to Everton in their race for fourth spot with neighbours Liverpool, whom they face at Anfield next Sunday.

David Moyes' team are now two points behind, with Liverpool's game in hand at Manchester United today. For injury-hit Ashton, his goal represents a huge lift after being left out of Fabio Capello's squad to face France.

West Ham drafted in defender James Tomkins, 18, for his debut and he learned all about the agonies of the Premier League — at both ends — inside 10 minutes.

Replacing the injured Matthew Upson, Tomkins rose magnificently after five minutes to meet Mark Noble's outswinging corner.

His header cleared Leon Osman on the line but bounced off the bar. But the Basildon-born stopper was punished in Everton's next meaningful attack.

He should have coped with Victor Anichebe's flick-on but, put off by the menacing presence of Yakubu, he allowed the Nigerian to turn him outside the penalty area. Yakubu did not waste the invitation, scampering clear to fire past Robert Green.

Everton, without Joseph Yobo, James Vaughan, Andy Johnson and Steven Pienaar, also saw Tim Cahill limp off early and will hope it does not rule him out next week. Tomkins, 19 next Saturday, recovered well but the rest of the side caught the collective jitters.

Anton Ferdinand was not the steadying influence manager Alan Curbishley would have wanted and only a linesman's flag prevented them falling 2-0 behind when Yakubu beat Green from eight yards. The ball had broken to the striker when Noble's tackle rebounded off Anichebe's shins into Yakubu's path and TV replays suggested he was level with the last West Ham defender.

Anichebe, one of the strongest strikers in the Premier League with the possible exception of partner Yakubu, then outmuscled Tomkins to reach another Yakubu pass, but Green rushed out to make a brave block.

Moyes has based his side's impressive challenge for a place among Europe's elite next season on sturdy defence, hard graft and diligent organisation. But there was a distinct lack of communication approaching half-time when Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka both tried to clear Noble's cross at the same time.

Chaos ensued as Arteta fired the ball against Jagielka's leg and Goodison Park breathed a sigh of relief when Ashton fired the rebound wide.

Then Everton's rising star, England defender Joleon Lescott, had to thank goalkeeper Howard for saving him. The American had Ashton's vicious free-kick covered until it took a deflection off Lescott's boot.

Howard stuck out his trailing right leg and kicked the ball away. West Ham fans greeted the introduction of young striker Freddie Sears with huge enthusiasm early in the second half.

Sears had scored their winner against Blackburn last weekend and is a far more popular figure than the man who made way, £6 million misfit Luis Boa Morte.

Everton were kept on the back foot for long periods, although Yakubu was well denied by Green as he tried to turn in a Leighton Baines cross on a rare breakaway.

Sears then drew a foul from Lee Carsley on the edge of the box after another exciting turn but Noble fired the free-kick wide.

Inspired by the youngster, West Ham snatched the equaliser that could cost Everton so much. Nobody harried Lucas Neill by the right-hand touchline and the Hammers skipper delivered a pinpoint cross towards Ashton, the striker towering above Jagielka to power in a header.

Sears then almost stole the points when he raced clear of Jagielka and flicked the ball wide of Howard only to hit a post.