Baines keeps Everton's European hopes on track

Everton‘s English defender Leighton Baines (R) celebrates scoring during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England, on January 30, 2013. Baines scored twice as Everton defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1.

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP): Leighton Baines scored twice as Everton defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Wednesday to keep their Champions League hopes on track.

England defender Baines grabbed both his goals in the first half at Goodison Park as Everton stayed in fifth spot in the Premier League, just one point behind Tottenham, who were held 1-1 at Norwich.

Substitute Shane Long claimed a second-half consolation for West Brom, who have now taken just one point from a possible 15.

Baines grabbed the opener after 27 minutes with a fierce drive which soared past Ben Foster in the West Brom goal after being set up by Leon Osman.

Baines added a second on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot — his 10th successful spot-kick in 10 attempts in his Everton career — after Victor Anichebe was fouled in the area by Claudio Yacob.

Yacob had only been on the pitch for five minutes after coming on as a substitute for George Thorne.

Everton were worth their advantage, but they were stunned in the 65th minute when West Brom, who had won the teams’ first meeting 2-0 earlier in the season, pulled one back.

Long was the man on target when he pounced on some hesitant defending from John Heitinga to head in past Tim Howard.

Long, who had replaced James Morrison just four minutes earlier, was first to the ball delivered by Romelu Lukaku.

West Brom were almost level in the 68th minute when Graham Dorrans crashed a free-kick against the crossbar.

In a frantic finish, Steven Pienaar then hit the post for Everton before David Moyes’ men hung on for the three points.