Everton manager David Moyes received a double boost in the Europa League that improves his side's chances of moving to the next stage.

A battling 2-1 victory against BATE Borisov in Minsk was cause enough for celebration. However Benfica's defeat by AEK Athens was the icing on the cake.

Everton are now in pole position thanks to a goal from Tim Cahill 13 minutes from time to seal their second successive victory in the group.

That completed a superb comeback with Marouane Fellaini equalising in the 68th minute to cancel out the opener from Dmitri Likhtarovich.

Given that Everton were without 10 first-team players - Joseph Yobo suffered a thigh strain on the eve of the game - it was little wonder Moyes was delighted.

He was forced to play Tony Hibbert in central defence and he came through the test with flying colours.

Moyes said: "It was really pleasing as we were without so many and only have one central defender. We had no other senior players available as you could see from the bench.

"It was a resilient performance in the end that got us the result.

"I thought Tony Hibbert played really well. He epitomises a lot about Everton. Last season we had similar problems but it was with no centre-forwards.

"Joseph picked up a slight thigh strain in training. We don't think it's too serious.

"To win away from home in Europe is very important. We hope that our home form will help us as well.

"We're in a good position and we'd like to try and stay there. It might make some of the games easier as the campaign goes on if we can get the points early."

Fellaini got the ball rolling by getting on the end of a free-kick from Leighton Baines to head into the corner.

Then Cahill sprung the offside trap to hoist a shot over the goalkeeper to stun BATE.

Moyes said: "Tim Cahill is always a threat. He's maybe not scored as many so far this season but come the end of the season, he'll have scored plenty and he pops up with important goals for us.

"BATE scored a very good goal. I thought we were wasteful in the first half with our passing and finishing.

"The goal maybe distorted it though as I actually thought we played better in the first half even though we were 1-0 down.

"BATE were better in the second half with the wind and the rain behind them."