Shrewsbury 0 Chelsea 4Premiership giants Chelsea ran roughshod over little Shrewsbury Town's FA Cup dreams this evening when they crushed the third division side 4-0 at Gay Meadow in their fourth round tie.
The Londoners, inspired by a majestic performance by Italian veteran Gianfranco Zola who scored two of the goals and created another, ensured that there was to be no repeat of Shrewsbury's famous third round defeat of mighty Everton.
The minnows had soaked up a constant stream of pressure in the first half but they finally cracked five minutes before the break when Zola scored from just six yards out after a fine succession of crossfield passes involving Frank Lampard and Boudewijn Zenden.
In the 52nd minute, Zola turned provider when his left wing cross was headed in by half-time substitute Carlton Cole before Zola was again on the scoresheet with the third in the 75th minute delightfully chipping from the outside of the box over the head of keeper Ian Dunbavin who otherwise had enjoyed a solid performance.
The fourth arrived in the 80th minute when Jody Morris curled a left foot shot around the keeper after cutting in from the right.
Shrewsbury gave their all but were unable to break down a well-organised Chelsea defence with only veteran striker Nigel Jemson coming close with a late free-kick which was well-saved by Carlo Cudicini in goal.