After successive wins open up a gap of three points to second from bottom Everton, Villa contrive to lose to the merseysiders at home and suddenly the table, always compact, looks positively threatening once again.

It's Everton's first away win of the season as frustrations boil over with referee Salmon and Les Smith is sent off for "throwing the ball" at the Stoke official. In truth Smith was simply returning the ball for the referee to restart the game from a free kick.

Salmon from as early as the first half was being castigated for his 'unusual' officiating culminating in his bizarre 85' decision that was met with vociferous protests from players, fans and staff alike.

Salmon was deservedly bombarded with boos as he left the field at full time.

Everton close to within a point of Villa as Sheffield United also win leaving the bottom three two points behind Alex Massie's men in 18th.