Everton's poor form in the final lap of the season continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham in a evenly contested game on Saturday.

Everton looked on course for a comfortable victory when they took an early lead in the 8th minute through Ayegbeni Yakubu. But West Ham stepped up the pressure and were rewarded with the equalizer in the 68th minute through Dean Ashton while substitute Freddie Sears almost snatched all three points for West Ham late in injury time.

West Ham almost took the lead in the 4th minute when debutant James Tomkins rose high to meet Mark Noble's curling corner but saw his header smash against the cross bar. Four minutes later it was Everton who took the lead when Yakubu turned around Tomkins before slotting the ball past Robert Green.

The Nigerian striker should have been awarded a second goal in the 15th minute when he hit the back of the net but his effort was ruled out for off side even though replays showed that the final touch came off a West Ham player.

Aston had two great chances to pull West Ham level before half time but was unable to hit the target as Everton hung on to their lead though the momentum had shifted in favor of the visitors. Sears was sent on to replace Luis Boa Morte after the break as West Ham upped the tempo in search of the equalizer.

The pressure finally told in the 68th minute when Aston rose high to head home Neill's cross as Tim Howard managed to get a hand to the ball but was unable to prevent the goal. Sears almost proved to be the hero once again late in the game but saw his shot strike the post with Howard not anywhere near the ball.