'WE CAN BEAT THEM' WE; Baines sure Blues will go one better against Chelsea at Wembley: BAINES HAS BELIEF FOR CUP FINAL.

Byline: DOMINIC KING

By DOMINIC KING Everton Reporter

LEIGHTON BAINES believes Everton's deserved draw at Stamford Bridge has given their hopes of beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final a shot in the arm.

The Blues defied the effects of fatigue from Sunday's semi-final battle with Manchester United to take a point at Stamford Bridge for the third year in succession last night by drawing 0-0.

It might have been different had Jo, Tim Cahill or Steven Pienaar taken any of the chances that came their way but Baines was not too downhearted, particularly as David Moyes made four changes to his line up and Everton still flourished.

That has given the defender hope that Everton's season will end with cup success - especially given the way the defence has been .

STAR MAN: Leighton Baines goes past Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last night playing in recent weeks. "We were a bit shaky early on in the season but since then we've been fantastic at the back. "Hopefully that bodes well for the game next month," said Baines, who should have been awarded a first half penalty. "I don't think it says anything about what is going to happen in the final; that's a completely different game and occasion but it certainly gives us confidence "We played well, kept a clean sheet against them for the second time this season and created chances so hopefully we can get another good result in the next game." The 'next game' to which Baines refers is actually the cup final but before that is the small matter of maintain their push in the Premier League.

Baines appreciates it is going to take another big push to topple Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday but is slightly disappointed they aren't going into the game on the back of a win. "It was a terrific effort from all the boys, considering what we had been through at the weekend when extra time and penalties were so draining," said Baines. "With that in mind, it was a magnificent effort. We thought we might as well have a go, we created a few chances and perhaps we caught them by surprise. We deserve credit. "We all felt a bit stiff and sore after playing United but once we got out there, I thought we acquitted ourselves really well, everyone worked hard. "There were a couple of moments when we thought we had good chances but it wasn't to be and we'll happily take the point. On another day, those chances would have gone in."