WEST HAM'S gallant effort for Europa League qualification ended with a 3-1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park yesterday.

The Hammers needed to win to stand any chance of pipping either Tottenham or Fulham for the one remaining European place but, despite leading the contest through a 30-yard Radoslav Kovac strike, a red card for young defender James Tomkins turned the tide and the Toffees were able to eke out the three points.

Kovac strode forward and was allowed to rifle a fierce shot past Tim Howard midway through the first half to give the visitors the lead.

But the game was turned on its head in the 36th minute, when Tomkins was adjudged to have tripped Tim Cahill as he scampered through on goal.

Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot, and to add insult to injury, gave Tomkins his marching orders. Louis Saha made no mistake from 12 yards and Everton were level.

Defender Joseph Yobo then found time and space at the back post to make it 2-1 just before the break.

Luis Boa Morte and Junior Stanislas enjoyed good chance for West Ham, but they couldn't find the net.

Saha wrapped up the game in the second half, in a game where the only plus for Gianfranco Zola will have been the sight of returning striker Carlton Cole coming through the match unscathed after making his first appearance for 11 games after injury.