TELL Me Ma to keep the champagne on ice, rang out the Everton fans’ enthusiastic anthem for their club's courageous FA Cup run.

But the fact the celebratory bubbly will have to remain in the chiller cabinet for now should not detract from what manager David Moyes and his team have achieved.

Everton had to do it the hard way to reach the final, beating Liverpool and Manchester United on the way.

And despite Louis Saha’s record breaking fastest ever goal in an FA Cup final, Chelsea were ultimately a step too far for this team that has come such a long way in recent times.

Moyes has spoken of his pride in the team and the fans after the defeat.

He is right to be proud of the team he christened the People’s Club.

But that pride felt across Merseyside and at Wembley on Saturday is also tinged with a huge sense of disappointment.

The disappointment of losing the final was etched across the face of captain Phil Neville and his players as they climbed the Wembley stairs to collect their runners’ up medals.

It was also evident in the eyes of Bill Kenwright when he hugged Moyes at the end of the match.

The way in which Moyes, with the unfailing support of Kenwright, has revived the fortunes of Everton is nothing short of amazing in an era dominated by billionaire owners.

Moyes will build on the disappointment of Saturday and hopefully he and the team will emerge stronger for it.

So, the disappointment must be tempered with a sense of hope and belief.

Hope and belief that soon, fresh silverware will be placed in the club’s trophy cabinet.