biggest win in the FA Premier League on Saturday.

For while the Bermudian hitman scored in the 5-0 rout of Everton -- his first in the Premiership -- he injured himself in the process and had to be substituted.

The injury to the players' groin means he is now rated as doubtful for City's Worthington Cup quarter-final tie against fellow top-flight newcomers, Ipswich Town, tomorrow night.

Goater must have had a vision of how the weekend's clash was going to go.

Reflecting on Friday on the club's recent run of six successive league defeats, the player bemoaned the lack of goals from both he and his strike partners.

"There is a very fine line between getting those victories and losing,'' he said. "We have been looking at the last few games when we have been as good as the opposition. But we are not scoring first to take the lead and we feel if we do that then we can get the three points.'' The lesson was clearly learned on Saturday.

Costa Rican, Paulo Wanchope, opened the scoring in the 13th minute -- tapping in after Everton keeper, Paul Gerrard, had failed to hold on to Kevin Horlock's free kick. Horlock was once again the provider in the 24th minute when Steve Howey rose to meet his cross at the far post for 2-0.

The spotlight fell on Goater as half-time approached.

Goalkeeper Nicky Weaver launched a long ball upfield in the direction of Wanchope and the gangly frontman flicked on for Goater who held off a defender before slipping the ball past Gerrard.

The strike threatened to raise the Maine Road roof, but joy turned to sadness moments later when Goater had to exit the field of play.

Scottish international, Paul Dickov, replaced his fellow striker and City went on to add two further goals in his absence.

First the substitute netted in the 54th minute and then Gary Naysmith put the ball into the back of his own net.