BY CHRIS MCNULTY
SEAMUS Coleman hit his seventh goal of the season late in the day to earn Everton a win over Cardiff City that puts them back into the European qualification positions.
The 25-year old netted a dramatic 93rd minute winner at Goodison Park to give the Toffees a win that elevated them into sixth position, above Manchester United who play at home to Liverpool tomorrow.
Coleman has been in scintillating form this season and is the highest scoring defender in the Premier League.
The Killybegs man had a touch of good fortune about it, not that he or the Goodison faithful were complaining.
Goalkeeper David Marshall had thwarted Everton on numerous occasions and relegation-threatened Cardiff looked to have earned a draw thanks to Juan Cala, who leveled after Gerard Deulofeu had given Roberto Martinez’s side the lead.
Coleman sealed a win when his volley looped into the net, a mis-hit effort spinning off the outside of his boot after Gareth Barry headed down Aiden McGeady’s cross.
It was another fine display from Coleman whose marauding surges down the right flank saw him threaten Cardiff time and time again, with Leighton Baines giving a similar performance on the other side.
Coleman is contracted to Everton until 2018 and despite rumours of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United it is said that Martinez is keen to open talks with the Republic of Ireland international with a view to handing him a new, improved deal.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)