Toffees frustrate misfiring Blues

Stubborn Everton ended Chelsea's lingering interest in the title race with a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

The game, a dress rehearsal for May's FA Cup final, was dominated by goalkeepers Petr Cech and Tim Howard.

Both made a string of fine saves to ensure the game remained deadlocked and the result now leaves Chelsea six points behind leaders Manchester United, who also have a game in hand.

Cech came to Chelsea's rescue early on when Tim Cahill put Jo through with a neat pass but he was unable to beat the home goalkeeper.

Chelsea continued to press for an opening goal but Everton's defence remained resolute. Indeed, the Toffees almost opened the scoring themselves in the 33rd minute when Jo broke down the left-flank and crossed low for Cahill.

The Australian midfielder turned cleverly before drilling a low shot towards the bottom corner of the net.

But for the third time in the game, Chelsea goalkeeper Cech pulled off a superb save. A lightning counter-attack from Chelsea in the 42nd minute almost brought reward for the home side. Nicolas Anelka burst down the right flank but with Florent Malouda completely unmarked in the penalty area, the France international's cross was easily intercepted by Howard.

Cech rescued Chelsea again two minutes after the interval when a cross from Leon Osman was met by the head of Cahill but his glancing effort was well held by Cech.

Chelsea managed to wrestle back the initiative and John Terry almost broke the deadlock when he let fly from fully 30 yards only for Howard to leap spectacularly to his left.

Steven Pienaar and Cahill both wasted late chances for Everton while Drogba hit the crossbar with a volley in injury time.