Everton 2 Fulham 1
Marouane Fellaini’s second-half goal sent Fulham out of the FA Cup.
The Whites went ahead through a Danny Murphy penalty after Johnny Heitinga’s handball, but Everton hit back to deservedly take their place in the fifth round.
Landon Donovan created both their goals, crossing for first Denis Stracqualursi and then Fellaini to head home.
The Merseysiders had every reason to feel hard done by after going behind on 14 minutes.
Referee Howard Webb’s decision to award a spot-kick after the ball struck Heitinga’s hand as the defender slid in to block Chris Baird’s shot seemed a tad harsh.
But after Murphy’s opener – the midfielder’s sixth goal of the season – Everton responded with a spell of sustained pressure.
Tim Cahill was denied an equaliser by a fine save from David Stockdale, who fumbled the resulting corner and was baled out by Stephen Kelly, who cleared Shane Duffy’s shot off the line.
The home side’s persistence paid off when Argentine striker Stracqualursi netted his first goal for Everton, who went ahead courtesy of Fellaini’s good finish with 17 minutes remaining.
Cahill almost capped a fine win for David Moyes’ men but his late header hit the bar.
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This post was last modified on 29/01/2012