Battling Everton killed off Chelsea’s lingering title ambitions with a hard-fought goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

The result leaves Guus Hiddink’s side three points behind second-placed Liverpool and six adrift of leaders Manchester United, who beat Portsmouth at Old Trafford and also have a game in hand.

The game, a dress rehearsal for May’s FA Cup final, was dominated by both goalkeepers.

Chelsea’s Petr Cech and Everton’s Tim Howard took the plaudits on a night when both sides failed to make the most of their chances.

Chelsea’s Cech was the first goalkeeper forced into action when a left-wing cross from Joleon Lescott was glanced into the arms of the Czech Republic international by Jo in the second minute.

Cech came to Chelsea’s rescue in the sixth minute when Tim Cahill put Jo through with a neat pass but the Everton striker was unable to beat the home goalkeeper who kept out his shot at point-blank range.

Moments later Chelsea responded with a long-range effort from Michael Ballack smothered by Howard who dived low to his left to ensure the ball did not creep inside the post.

Everton captain Phil Neville was shown the yellow card for a foul on Didier Drogba in the 13th minute.

Three minutes later Lampard, playing his 50th game of the season, sent a 25-yard shot just over Howard’s crossbar.

Michael Essien tried to go one better than Lampard in the 19th minute but his effort was well off target.