Everton held on to their fifth place in the Premiership table with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Newcastle United on the final day of the season.

Ayegbeni Yakubu put Everton in the lead midway through the first half but Newcastle struck back a minute after restart to equalize through Michael Owen. Everton were back in the lead in the 70th minute through Joleon Lescott before Yakubu bagged his second of the night by scoring from the penalty spot eight minutes from full time.

Everton needed to win the game if they were to hold on to their UEFA Cup place for the next season but very nearly went behind in the opening minute of the game as keeper Tim Howard failed to collect Charles N'Zogbia and had to rely on Phil Jagielka's clearance.

Andy Carroll almost scored on his first full start for Newcastle but was denied by a brilliant save by Howard. Everton slowly assumed control of the game and took the lead with their first meaningful effort in the 28th minute when Manuel Fernandes curled in a great free kick for Yakubu to head home from close range.

Steve Harper pulled off two great saves to deny Victor Anichebe while Joseph Yobo some how managed to put his header high over the bar from just six yards out. The Magpies came out all guns blazing in the second half and were rewarded just seconds after the restart as they were given a penalty after N'Zogbia was fouled inside the area by Yobo and Owen coolly converted from the spot.

Everton stepped up the pressure and almost took the lead through Fernandes who saw Harper deny him twice from free kicks. The hosts managed to get back in the lead through Lescott who volleyed home Fernandes's cross at the far post in the 70th minute. Yakubu completed the proceedings eight minutes from time converting from the penalty spot after Leon Osman had been fouled inside the area.