TIM CAHILL reckons Everton’s remarkable run of last-gasp goals is just reward for their work ethic.

All but one of their last 11 league goals have come in the second half of games, the latest being Cahill’s 90th-minute winner at Manchester City on Saturday.

It was the fourth time in recent weeks that Everton have won a game courtesy of scoring in the final 10 minutes and the weekend’s late drama followed the previous week’s thrilling defeat to Aston Villa.

Joleon Lescott also scored beyond the 90-minute mark on that occasion to make it 2-2, but Ashley Young still had time to fire a winner.

But Everton hit back from that setback to record their sixth away win of the season at Eastlands – despite starting the game without a recognised senior forward.

However, Cahill set the example for his team-mates for his tireless performance in an unfamiliar lone striker role, which was rewarded with his first goal in 11 games.

“We ran ourselves into the ground and we got ourselves a result we deserved,” said Cahill.

“It’s about being fit and working hard and closing everyone down which we did all afternoon – sometimes it’s not the prettiest but we got the result.

“We were very unfortunate against Aston Villa but we’ve got a team here that wants to play week in week out regardless of injuries or anything else – so we just have to take the positives and all play to our strengths.

“And I’m just happy we got a great result after the disheartening loss to Villa.”