(REUTERS) - Everton moved up to third place in the Premier League despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace as they kicked off the weekend programme in a feisty encounter on Friday (Sept 30).

Christian Benteke earned Palace a point when he powered a header into the net past helpless keeper Maarten Stekelenburg five minutes after the break from Joel Ward's cross.

It was his fifth goal in six matches against Everton.

His Belgium team mate Romelu Lukaku had given the hosts the lead in the 35th when he bent a free kick over the wall after Damien Delaney was penalised for a high boot on Phil Jagielka, although the Everton defender had appeared to handle the ball.

Palace have proved lucky opponents for Lukaku, who has scored four goals in his last five top-flight appearances against the south London side who stay in seventh spot.