EVERTON under-18s  missed the chance to build  on back-to-back victories  over Liverpool and  Manchester City as their  match at Crewe Alexandra  was postponed due to a  waterlogged pitch.

Neil Dewsnip’s side, who  have been drawn away to  Middlesbrough in the third  round of the FA Youth  Cup, will have been  disappointed not to have  played after they had just  started to string a few  good results together.

But they will hope to  continue their good form  against Stoke City at Finch  Farm this Saturday (11am).

Coach Dewsnip said: “It  was really disappointing  not to have played  because the lads were in a  nice rhythm of playing and  the lads were desperate to  play. But obviously the  whole country was  battered and Crewe’s  pitches are of a kind that  they are susceptible to  that. But we will look forward to getting back into action against Stoke this week.”

Everton remain eighth in  the Group C table but such  is the tightness of the  division they are only 10  points off top spot and five  behind second-placed  Manchester United.

Everton will be keen to do well in the weeks leading up to the Christmas break in fixtures. Dewsnip’s side only  have three more Academy  League fixtures before the  New Year with away  matches at Blackburn  Rovers and  Wolverhampton Wanderers  in December following  Saturday’s home game  with fourth-placed Stoke.

They will have to make  the trip to Middlesbrough  in the Youth Cup third  round clash around the  same time as all matches  must be played before  December 12.

Although the tie would  normally be played at the  club’s home stadium,  Middlesbrough – who last  won the trophy in 2004 –  have dispensation to play  their ties at Billingham.  Synthonia. But as yet no  date or venue has been  confirmed.

But although Dewsnip would have liked his side to have been handed a home draw to get a taste of playing at Goodison Park, it is a tricky tie which he is looking forward to.

The Everton coach said: “It is a  very tough tie and I’m sure  it will be a good game. It is  at Billingham Synthonia  and that is a real shame. It  is a growing trend that  some of the major  Academies are playing  where their reserves would  play. That is a shame for  the players because they  miss out on the chance to  play at a really top  stadium. But it is a game  of football and we will want  to do our best wherever we  play.”

Everton have not had the best of luck in the Youth Cup in recent seasons and last tasted success in 1998 when Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman were among the winning squad. Since a Wayne Rooney-inspired side lost the 2002 final to Aston Villa they have not made it past the fifth round. Last year they were cruelly beaten on penalties by Norwich City at that stage.

Academy chief Ray Hall added: “It’s a good tie for us. Sometimes it’s better to be drawn away early on with the boys being so young.

“Middlesbrough are well-respected and very much renowned for developing young players. And although they are a Championship side, their academy is regarded as one of the best around.”