THE men in pink have suddenly made many green with envy.

Everton were given the helping hand they badly required to get their Premier League season up and running on Saturday afternoon, but few could argue they were not thoroughly deserving of their slice of good fortune.

In beating Birmingham City, David Moyes' men became the first side to claim victory at St Andrews in 18 matches, a run which covered 12 months, but more importantly rediscovered that winning feeling for the blue half of Merseyside.

The Goodison Park outfit may owe a debt of gratitude to Roger Johnson and his early second half error to gift them the lead, but Everton were full value for a win which was secured in the dying moments by Tim Cahill's stooping header.

For those Evertonians sceptical of claims coming out of the club that results were not a fair reflection on the level of performances in the six games which had gone before, victory in the second city was vindication for the faith of the manager.

To put the display into context, Moyes' men appear to have learnt from the harsh lesson dished out from Newcastle United as they swaggered through Goodison two weeks ago.