Everton have secured a 2-1 win over Wolves to lift them to 12th in the league.
The Toffees dominated possession in the first half but failed to make good on numerous chances at goal.
The visitors were the first to get on the scoresheet thanks to a Stephen Hunt penalty in the 36th minute, controversially awarded after Marouane Fellaini challenged Dave Edwards just inside the area.
David Moyes's side drew things level just seven minutes later, however, when Phil Jagielka headed in from close after Wolves captain Roger Johnson had conceded a free kick just outside the area.
Ten minutes after the restart Wolves suffered a setback when right-back Richard Stearman, an ever-present in the lineup this season, sustained a serious injury to his left wrist in a tussle with Tim Cahill. He left the field, hunched over in pain, as George Elokobi came on as a substitute.
Cahill had a good chance to give the hosts the advantage on 69 minutes when he attempted to convert a Seamus Coleman cross but was denied by a lunge from Stephen Hunt, who helped the ball into the arms of Wayne Hennessey just yards from the net.
Everton finally broke the deadlock at 82 minutes when Leighton Baines made good on a penalty, awarded after Ward brought down Louis Saha during a corner shot.
Next up for Wolves is an away trip to Chelsea next Saturday, while Everton travel to struggling Bolton the same day.
Neil Wilkes
