Everton striker Ayegbeni Yakubu had a major impact in a 12-minute substitute appearance, scoring one and setting up a last-minute winner in the 3-2 victory at Blackburn.
Mikel Arteta's fourth-minute penalty had been cancelled out by Steven Nzonzi midway through the second half before the introduction of the Nigeria international.
With his first touch seconds after coming on he put his side 2-1 up and although Jason Roberts lashed home an equaliser two minutes later Tim Cahill converted Yakubu's cross from close range late on to keep alive Everton's late bid for a European place.
Blackburn's defence seemed half-asleep when Arteta picked up the ball on the right of the area, turned Gael Givet but was brought down by Ryan Nelsen.
Arteta converted from the spot to become the first person to beat Paul Robinson since Birmingham forward James McFadden's goal on March 24. However, the interval benefited Everton as they re-asserted their authority and twice could have extended their advantage.
Cahill's header was off target, before Leighton Baines' thunderous 25-yard strike cannoned off the outside of Robinson's right-hand post with the goalkeeper motionless.
Nzonzi levelled in the 68th minute, side-stepping Arteta and blasting a swerving 30-yard shot past Howard. But having tested their opponents all afternoon with set-pieces Blackburn fell victim to one themselves.
Baines' 78th-minute long-throw was flicked on by substitute Victor Anichebe and Yakubu bundled the ball home just 22 seconds after his introduction.
Rovers' response was instant as Kalinic helped the ball forward for Roberts to thrash a 20-yard shot past Howard.
The feeling was there was still another goal left in the game and so it proved. Yakubu somehow found space on the left of the area and rolled a pass into the six-yard box where Cahill tapped home.
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