Everton hope for Cup run - Osman

Last updated : 25 January 2011 By BBC Sport

Everton's Leon Osman is hoping his team can repeat their 2009 FA Cup exploits after being paired with Chelsea, who beat them at Wembley two years ago.This Saturday's fourth round clash at Goodison Park is a repeat of the 2009 final, which Chelsea won 2-1.

But Osman told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Hopefully we'll have a good run again.

"Chelsea are one of the top sides in the country, if not Europe, but hopefully we'll get the crowd behind us and have a good cup tie."

Everton are now unbeaten in their last four games, having maintained that record with a last-gasp equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw against 10-man West Ham United.

That was the fourth time they have scored in injury time this season, three of which have earned them a point, against Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers and now West Ham too.

"I don't think an Everton team has given up on a game until the referee blows the final whistle," said Osman.

"A few times this season we've managed to salvage something in the last minute.

I don't think an Everton team has given up on a game until the referee blows the final whistle

Leon Osman on the 2-2 draw with West Ham

"It's positive, from that point of view, but we've got to start winning games from the first minute rather than in the last minute."

Having now drawn 12 out of their 23 Premier League games this season, only five top flight teams have lost fewer matches than Everton's six defeats.

But David Moyes' men have struggled to pull away from the relegation zone in recent weeks and still languish in 13th, just five points clear of danger, having won just five times.

Osman still praised his team's fighting spirit, however, even after failing to beat bottom club West Ham.

"We felt as though we were picking up some pace now and get a bit of momentum," said Osman. "But it's still a point gained, rather than two points lost on the day."

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport