Hunt fired in what turned out to be the winner just before the half-time break, firing a ferocious drive past Tim Howard from close in. Everton intermittently threatened through Andrew Johnson in the second half but couldn't find a way through the Royals' resolute defence.

Middlesbrough meanwhile ended their early rut thanks to a late . . . and controversial . . . 21 win at Fulham. The crucial goal came from Lee Cattermole, who finished neatly moments from the end.

Fulham had been 1-0 up thanks to Brian McBride's early strike but that came with a cost as the US striker dislocated his knee supplying the finish. Middlesbrough's equaliser came from new �6m signing Mido after a Tony Warner howler, the ball squirming out of the goalkeeper's grasp. And though Middlesbrough built from that and eventually secured victory, the goal wasn't the last meaningful action of the match.

Moments after Cattermole struck, David Healy had another effort at the other end. However, though the ball clearly appeared to cross the line, referee Andy D'Urso ruled otherwise.

At St Andrew's, West Ham also managed to see their season pick up, Mark Noble's penalty securing a 1-0 win over Birmingham City.

The winner came when Irish keeper Colin Doyle rashly upended Craig Bellamy with the striker through on goal.

Impressive throughout, young Noble stepped up to slot home.

Even before then West should have had a penalty however, Stephen Kelly appearing to impede debutant Kieron Dyer.