Loans: Keepers on form

Two United goalkeepers helped their loan clubs to claim vital wins in the Premiership.

England's new no. 1 Ben Foster kept a clean sheet as Watford beat relegation rivals West Ham at Upton Park. The only goal was scored from the spot by Darius Henderson after he was fouled by Rio Ferdinand's brother Anton.

Foster later faced a penalty himself but Marlon Harewood hit it wide.

Tim Howard also had a blemish-free afternoon as Everton beat Blackburn in an important north-west derby.

The highlights of Howard's clean sheet were a brilliant save just before half-time to deny Zurab Khizanishvili and another excellent stop just after it to thwart Paul Gallagher. The 1-0 win means Everton are now just four points off a top-six spot and with it, qualification for the UEFA Cup.

Current holders of sixth place Reading bolstered their push for Europe with a 2-0 home win over Phil Bardsley's temporary employers Aston Villa. The Reds right-back completed 90 minutes but couldn’t prevent Steve Sidwell scoring a goal in each half.