Everton came from behind as headers from Denis Stracqualursi and Marouane Fellaini saw them deservedly beat Fulham at Goodison Park and book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Fulham went ahead on 14 minutes through a controversial Danny Murphy spot kick, but American Landon Donovan provided the assists as Stracqualursi opened his account for his new club to equalise on 27 minutes before Fellaini headed the winner 17 minutes from time.
Stracqualursi, who has found his opportunities limited since joining on a season-long loan from Tigre, was a surprise inclusion ahead of Louis Saha on David Moyes’ team sheet which also saw 20 –year-old Shane Duffy retained at the back. Fulham also made a change in attack as Andrew Johnson started ahead of Bobby Zamora.
Everton were on top in the early exchanges but Murphy put Fulham ahead from the spot after Heitinga was harshly adjudged to have handled as he slid in to block a Damien Duff shot.
Everton responded well and won a succession of corners which caused big problems for the Fulham defence, with both Duffy and Cahill going close for the home side. They were eventually rewarded when Argentinian Stracqualursi met a Donovan cross and sent a looping header beyond the reach of Stockdale.
Everton went close again just before the break as Cahill fired wide in an injury-time goalmouth scramble but the first half ended with honours even.
After a quiet start to the second half which saw few chances created by either side, Everton upped the tempo and began to press for a winner. The breakthrough came on 73 minutes as Donovan sent a deep cross towards the far post and Fellaini rose highest to guide a fine header back across Stockdale into the top corner.
Moments later Everton almost made the game safe but Cahill’s header from a Phil Neville cross came back off the crossbar. As he attempted to clear the rebound, Hughes then headed the ball back onto his own crossbar but this time it bounced harmlessly away for a corner.
Fulham failed to create anything of note in the closing stages and Everton might just begin to think that this could be their year.