Stead goal gives Blackburn victory
LIVERPOOL, England -- Jonathan Stead's first goal of the season gave Blackburn a 1-0 win at Everton and lifted them seven points clear of the relegation zone in the English Premier League.
Despite the setback Everton are still in fourth spot, the final Champions League position, eight points clear of neighbors Liverpool.
Stead settled the issue in the 71st minute with a drive from just inside the penalty area.
Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn got a hand the to the ball but could not keep it out of the net.
Stead, a 14th minute substitute, was booked for a foul shortly after scoring but Rovers manager Mark Hughes said: "Everyone's delighted for him. He's worked hard this season."
Stead said:"That goal was too long coming. I got my chance with Paul Dickov getting injured and and hopefully I'll keep the goals coming.
"I scored the winner here last year in a 1-0 win. I wish I could play every game here."
Hughes added: "We had a bit of added pressure because of other results at the weekend but we've moved two places up the table and stood up to the challenge fantastically well."
Everton had put Blackburn's defense under plenty of pressure but American goalkeeper Brad Friedel was in great form.
West Bromwich lifted themselves off the bottom of the table for the first time since the end of November by beating neighbors Birmingham 2-0 at The Hawthorns.
Goals from Neil Clement and Kevin Campbell took West Bromwich to within five points of the safety zone.
Manager Bryan Robson said: "It's a nice boost to be off the bottom of the table. We know there is still a hard fight ahead of us but this one gives us a little bit of encouragement."
