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Everton's dreams of reaching the Carling Cup final were ended by efficient Chelsea, who won 1-0 thanks to a clinical Joe Cole strike for a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Moyes acknowledged after the match that there is a lot work still to be done if the Toffees are to become genuine and consistent contenders for football's top club honours.

He told Sky Sports: "There's no doubt we're going in the right direction, but what we need to do is somehow bridge that gap between Chelsea and Everton.

"We need to find that way of making that next step.

"We're getting close, but to actually play them, beat them, and compete year-in, year-out, to be in the top four and win cups, there's a gap and you need to try and fill that."

He added, with heavy irony, "It might be money, who knows?"

Moyes was pleased with the effort put in by players, but said he hoped they would use the disappointment to spur them on to greater success.

He added: "They did everything they could. It wasn't our night, it didn't drop for us, it didn't fall in the right places.

"Over two legs it's difficult to beat some of the top teams. It was a difficult game, but the players kept at it, so there's no complaints from me.

"I've told them that we want more nights like this and hopefully we will gain from the experience."

source:goal.com