In the Z Cars derby, Leighton Baines' controversial penalty bang on 90 minutes completed a rousing Everton fightback.

But if Watford left Goodison Park feeling robbed by referee Graham Scott's award of the softest spot-kick of the season, they had only themselves to blame.

On his return to his old stamping ground, Tom Cleverley dragged a 99 th minute spot-kick wide – and with it went Watford's last hope of salvaging a point, which was the least they deserved.

It had the feel of Everton's great escapes in 1994 and 1998, when they reached dry land on the last day of term without really knowing how they did it.

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Two down after 64 minutes, they showed terrific passion and heart to steal the points, but the penalty which won it was generous to say the least.

Substitute Aaron Lennon fell over Jose Holebas, who had slipped and gone to ground already, when Scott pointed to the spot with a theatrical, look-at-me flourish.

It happened almost on the same spot where, 11 years earlier, Chris Powell had been penalised for handball when a cross hit him in the face. No wonder Watford have taken only one point in 11 League trips to Everton.

Seldom, if ever, had the stakes been higher for Everton since referee John Hunting turned a blind eye to Andy Gray's mid-air collision with Steve Sherwood at the 1984 FA Cup final.

Defeat would have left Everton marooned in the bottom three with a third of the season gone.

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But if this is to be caretaker David Unsworth's final flourish before he returns to the ranks, at least Lady Luck wore a blue scarf.

And after a monster 12 minutes of stoppage time, Unsworth finally broke his duck.

At half-time, they played Go West's eighties hit The King Of Wishful Thinking – and if Unsworth could hear it in the dressing room, he could have been forgiven for thinking it was aimed at him.

After a tedious opening, Wayne Rooney delivered the wake-up call by providing Leighton Baines with a gilt-edged chance, but the unmarked former England left-back's shot was parried by Heurelho Gomes.

But instead of being inspired or galvanised by that close call, Everton became nervous, fitful and ragged.

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They were lucky not to fall behind just before the interval when Brazilian winger Richarlison turned Phil Jagielka, outpaced Baines and rounded Jordan Pickford, only to hit the side netting from a tight – but not impenetrable – angle.

But the Toffees did not heed their escape, and within 30 seconds of the restart they were in disarray.

Andre Gray sent the £11.2m discovery clear in the box, and this time Richarlison showed exemplary composure to sidestep Pickford and finish confidently.

Gomes made a brilliant double save to deny Gylfi Sigurdsson and Rooney an undeserved equaliser, and the Watford keeper was forced to retire hurt with a head injury as a result of his heroics.

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And after 64 minutes, the Hornets doubled their advantage, Christian Kabasele darting in front of Phil Jagielka to head home Jose Holebas's corner.

No sooner were Watford looking comfortable, however, than substitute keeper Orestis Karnezis's first meaningful touch in the Premier League was to pick the ball out of his net as Oumar Niasse bundled in from close range following a defensive shambles.

And Karnezis was all at sea again when Everton sub Dominic Calvert-Lewin met Baines' corner to head an equaliser which had looked out of the question just 10 minutes earlier.

Then came Scott's intervention – at both ends. The nerves of steel Baines showed at one end deserted poor Cleverley after Richarlison had been tripped by Pickford.

Richarlison goal in pics

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Everton woes

They’ve not been too bad today.

But it is now 225 minutes since Everton last found the net.

Another batch of dropped points today and relegation is starting to become a distinct possibility.

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David Unsworth

This may well be the last time Unsworth is stood in the Goodison Park technical area.

Nothing he’s done so far has scream appointment.

Still 0-0 today though.

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Early action

Pretty even stuff so far.

Watford obviously the more confident but Everton not overwhelmed.

Shaping up nicely.

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Everton warm up

Can Everton finally get another win?

No three points since September.

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Watford team news

Everton team news

Toffees closing on new boss

Everton are preparing to step up their bid to make Sean Dyche their new manager.

The struggling Merseyside club have now identified Burnley’s 46-year-old boss as the man to keep them in the Premier League.

They are looking to trigger the £2.5million compensation clause in his contract at Turf Moor and have him in place for the vital clash at Crystal Palace on November 18.

But the Goodison club have not ruled out giving the job to Sam Allardyce if Dyche decides to extend his five-year reign in east Lancashire.

The former England boss has spoken to Everton – but his appointment would be a short-term arrangement designed to keep the club in the top flight.