Everton re-claimed fourth spot from neighbours Liverpool with a hard-fought 3-1 win over UEFA Cup-chasing Portsmouth at Goodison on Sunday.David Moyes' men were ahead after just 47 seconds when Aiyegbeni Yakubu headed home his 17th goal of the season, but Jermain Defoe (38) levelled before the break.

Tim Cahill ghosted into the penalty area to head Everton into the lead on 73 minutes and Yakubu's powerful finish capped off another productive day for Moyes and his men.

Portsmouth were caught cold by their former player Yakubu in the opening minute.

The striker chased down Lassana Diarra from the kick-off, and was fouled by the French midfielder. When Steven Pienaar lifted the free-kick into the box, Joseph Yobo flicked it on and Yakubu was all on his own to head past David James from six yards.

The goal gave Everton the perfect start and was not the way Pompey boss Harry Redknapp would have liked to celebrate his 61st birthday.

However, the visitors were level after 38 minutes.

Glen Johnson fired over a cross from the right and Defoe managed the faintest of touches in the six-yard box as the ball eluded Tim Howard.

Influential substitute Andrew Johnson had a second-half goal ruled out for offside before Cahill powerfully headed home Pienaar's angled ball into the box.

And Everton were not finished as Yakubu raced on to Johnson's diagonal ball and cut inside Sol Campbell before arrowing a shot into the net to make it 3-1.

The result leaves the Toffees three points above Liverpool, while Portsmouth remain in ninth spot.

More Football News from TEAMtalk