Everton climbed to third in the Premiership, two points behind arch-rivals Liverpool, after a convincing 1-0 victory against lowly West Brom.
A single goal from in-form Tomasz Radzinski was enough to give the Blues their sixth league win in a row.
Manager David Moyes left teen sensation Wayne Rooney on the bench, allowing the flourishing striking partnership of Radzinski and captain Kevin Campbell to continue.
And apart from a long-range effort easily saved by Richard Wright in the opening minutes it was all Everton.
Brimming with confidence, the home side surged forward and were only denied an opener in the 16th minute thanks to their own captain.
A Gary Naysmith corner was met with by the head of Alan Stubbs but his goal-bound effort was stopped by Campbell who could not get out of the way quick enough.
Undeterred the Blues continued to press and striker Radzinski rifled over a good effort from 30 yards minutes later. Albion keeper Russell Hoult saved well.
Everton finally got what they deserved in the 35th minute. Chinese international Li Tie split the visitors defence with a sublime ball and Radzinski burst through and hammered home from close range.
At the break the Blues lead by the slenderest of margins but in reality they dominated throughout and deserved to be further ahead.
Gary Megson’s men had a glorious opportunity to level the scoring seven minutes into the second half.
Baggies midfielder Andy Johnson played a great ball through to powerful striker Jason Roberts.
But with only the keeper to beat Roberts failed to convert. In fairness Wright spread himself well and made it hard for the 24-year-old to slot home.
At the other end Albion defender Sean Gregan forced an excellent save from his own keeper after deflecting a Thomas Gravesen cross towards goal.
And with 15 minutes remaining keeper Hoult was on hand again, this time denying Radzinski who really should have done better and increased his side’s lead.
Everton were forced to endure an unnecessarily nervy closing few minutes but they held on to run out worthy winners - their fifth 1-0 league victory in a row