ROBBIE FOWLER bagged his first two goals in all white to inspire United to a 3-2 victory over Everton, with strike partner Mark Viduka opening the scoring as Leeds moved into third place in the Premiership.

It was 50 years since Everton last won a league game at Elland Road and once the Fowler Viduka partnership really hit it off, Leeds' troubles of the past seven days were cast aside, although two late goals gave Leeds several nervy moments in injury time.

Events off the pitch involving Lee Bowyer was the topic on everyone's lips, but a determined United side were focused totally on picking up the vital three points that keeps them up with the pace at the top of the table.

The name of Bowyer was constantly chanted throughout the 90 minutes, a clear indication that the Elland Road faithful echoed the sentiments of chairman and manager, that they want the 24 year old midfielder to stay.

With Bowyer unavailable and injuries plus suspensions biting hard, team selection was made easy.

Seth Johnson passed a late fitness test to return to the side after limping off against Leicester on Sunday as manager David O'Leary named the same starting line-up.

Irish striker Robbie Keane returned to the bench after missing out at the weekend with an ankle injury.

Despite early Leeds possession it was Everton who fashioned the first chance as Tomasz Radzinski got free on the right of the area but emergency Toffees striker Steve Watson fired over the bar from the Canadian's low cross.

Ian Harte knew exactly what he was doing when he attempted an audacious lob over Everton keeper Steve Simonsen and the Irish defender was unlucky to see the ball land on the roof of the net.

His repeat try was on ten minutes was way off target, but his delivery from a free-kick moments later was inch perfect for Mark Viduka who headed over the bar from ten yards.

The United duo combined again from a corner from the right but again the Leeds striker was off target, this time from six yards out, although the ball arrived at pace and Viduka reacted fastest to again head over.

Harte's uncle Gary Kelly had better luck when he found time and space on the right on 19 minutes and advanced into the area to chip a delightful ball across for Viduka to stoop and twist to head Leeds in front.

Kelly again was instrumental in United's next move driving the ball across the face of the Everton goal, while Danny Mills' surging run ended with the England international's shot flying well wide.

What Elland Road really cried out for was a goal for recent arrival Robbie Fowler and the England striker duly supplied Leeds' second goal against the club he supported as a boy and penchant for scoring against.

On 26 minutes Mills again made a dash towards the Everton area but this time he supplied a deft chip over a static defence for Fowler to bring the ball down on his chest and steer the ball low past Simonsen with with his right foot from ten yards.

The celebrations said it all as the Leeds side jumped on Fowler and then for the second time waved their salute to Lee Bowyer up on the gantry in the West Stand.

The visitors pressed late on the first half with one scramble inside the United are from a corner a worry to Rio Ferdinand and his defenders, while Matteo made a great tackle to deny Watson, who then tested Martyn with a low shot from 12 yards, but the Leeds keeper got down low to his right to save.

Leeds and Fowler were a coat of paint away from making the points seemingly safe three minutes before the interval, when the Leeds striker saw his left foot drive hit the post and fly wide.

United came out for the second half all guns blazing, typified by Kelly's rasping drive from the right of the area which Simonsen did well to bring down and hold.

Having lost Mark Pembridge early in the first period, on 49 minutes Everton boss was forced to replace defender Alessandro Pistone who was carried off on a stretcher. Paul Gascoigne and Joe-Max Moore were the replacements.

The Toffees luck was also out when Dominic Matteo and Radzinski tumbled together inside the Leeds area, bur referee Peter Jones waved away the visitors muted appeals for a penalty.

But Everton were enjoying their best spell prompted by Gascoigne and Max Moore's shot sliced wide from a tight angle, while Harry Kewell's reply for United was also off target.

Gary Naysmith should have done better from just six yards out when he headed down Alexandersson's cross straight into the arms of Nigel Martyn.

Mark Viduka's attempt on 66 minutes had the Revie Stand on its feet, but after turning a defender superbly, the Leeds striker dragged his shot wide.

But it it was Fowler who was celebrating his second goal moments later set up by United's favourite son David Batty.

Picking the ball up 25 yards out and with the crowd screaming for him to shoot, Batty drove the ball goalwards only to se it ricochet off a defender straight into the path of Fowler who turned to fire home from 10 yards with his left foot under Simonsen.

Seth Johnson was then denied his first goal for Leeds by a superb save from Simonsen, diving low to his left to keep out the United midfielder's low drive which had taken a slight deflection.

Radzinski dragged another shot wide of the Leeds goal, but moments after Leeds were denied a penalty when Viduka looked to have his legs taken as he advanced on goal, Everton pulled a goal back.

On 84 minutes Watson lofted a deep cross from the right and Max Moore finished with a volley across Martyn into the far corner.

Then, as against Leicester on Sunday, Leeds were slack at the back to allow Weir to head home Tal's corner in injury time to have the Elland Road crowd biting its nails

But it was too late for United to be denied for the second time in a week and they left to standing ovation with Bowyer's name again ringing round Elland Road.

The visit of leaders Newcastle on Saturday now promises to be the game of the season so far.

www.leedsunited.co.uk Man of the Match - Robbie Fowler.