Leon has the X-Factor: Midfielder's greatest hit sets stage for victory

Everton struggled in a first half when Brann showed the skill and determination that saw them take the Norwegian title last November for the first time in 44 years.

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But Leon Osman's marvellous strike just before the hour was followed two minutes from time by a clinical finish from 19-year-old striker Victor Anichebe, who is making a happy habit of stepping off the bench to score.

Their success, marred only by a pitch invasion from a handful of over-zealous fans, was a record sixth successive European win for the club that lifted the Cup-winners' Cup under Howard Kendall.

Moyes said: 'That was a terrific result, one we had to fight for, and if you'd offered us that we'd have taken it, particularly as we didn't play well in the first half.

'We were passing the ball OK, but the players seemed to be waiting to score the perfect goal. We didn't pass it quickly enough, either, although that was better in the second half.

'We were happy just keeping the ball and I told them at half time there are a set of goals at one end that you're supposed to score in.'

Everton had won all four of their group qualifying matches, a feat only Bordeaux were able to match, but they appeared in grave danger of facing a deficit going into the second leg next week.

Brann had shaken off any ring rust since their title success by taking warm weather training in La Manga at the end of last month, and their first-half performance suggested they would be the first scorers.

Indeed, Eirik Bakke, the former Leeds midfielder now back starring in his native country, felt Brann had nudged ahead in first-half added time when Jan Gunnar Solli's corner finished in the net. Bulgarian referee Anton Genov came to Everton's rescue, rightly ruling that Bakke had fouled Tim Howard at the near post, although Brann's captain debated the decision fiercely as they walked off.

But that let-off for the Premier League side turned out to be the turning point of the tie, for Moyes's hard words in the dressing room reminded his team that sitting tight was not the Everton way.

Tim Cahill let fly with a shot that cannoned back off Hakon Opdal's right-hand post when hostilities recommenced, and that was the warning Brann were now facing a different proposition.

Then, with 59 minutes gone, Andy Johnson — paired by Moyes with prodigal striker Ayegbeni Yakubu in a bold formation — turned his marker and delivered a cross that caused panic in the heart of the home area. When the ball was hastily hacked clear, Osman was advancing at the edge of the penalty area and despatched a smart shot straight back beyond Opdal's reach and into the bottom corner of his goal.

Moyes, who celebrated as gleefully as any of Everton's travelling army, said: 'That was a great strike. The pitch was difficult but the ball sat up for him and allowed Leon to volley it.'

Brann thought they could save the situation by launching a late fightback and at least give themselves parity for the trip to Merseyside, but they had forgotten about Anichebe, Moyes's not-so-secret weapon.

Anichebe, still to decide whether to nail his colours to England's mast or Nigeria's, has come off the bench to score in Europe four times in six matches and his reputation should go before him.

The stadium announcer needed a second or two to cope with his name, and Brann's defenders were just as befuddled when Anichebe cruised through unmarked to convert Joleon Lescott's low cross.

Larissa and Nuremberg have already felt the edge of his sword, and Moyes said: 'Whenever Victor has come on, he's scored. It was a great goal from him and a terrific cross from Lescott.'

Brann's first-half efforts should not be shrugged aside, and nor will they be when Moyes primes his men to complete the job and earn a tasty last-16 tie against Rosenborg or Fiorentina.

Moyes said: 'Brann were strong, and the crowd made it a big night and a big atmosphere for them. They were a threat at set pieces and there were moments when they gave us a scare.

'We had to defend very well, and I'm not going to talk about making progress until the job is done, with our record in cup competitions.

'We had several players out with valuable European experience, and we kept the Norwegian champions at bay most of the night. But we will give them the respect they are due in the second leg.'