The heavyweights land telling blows

After producing a couple of surprises, Gillingham were yesterday stopped in the quarterfinals by heavyweight opponents who finally made their superior punching power tell.

Chelsea were never going to roll over in the way their Premiership counterparts Bradford and Sheffield Wednesday had earlier in the competition at the hands of Peter Taylor's Second Division lightweights.

But without moving out of first gear, Gianluca Vialli's world XI overcame a sloppy first-half performance to cruise past the gallant men of Kent.

Gillingham were left with their memories, a standing ovation and the prospect of returning to a league campaign that could still end with a trip to Wembley if they make the play-offs. Judging by the form that took them on their best FA Cup run in their 107-year history, that remains a distinct possibility.

Gillingham were never overawed, however, and for much of the first half more than held their own, defending impressively and breaking forward with a neat passing game.

But they, were the architects of their downfall as Chelsea took the lead after just 17 minutes. Gustavo Poyet intercepted a Gillingham throw, hoisted in a cross from the left and Tore Andre Flo headed home unmarked.

The second half, though, was a different story. Gillingham brought on a second striker, Carl Asaba, making his first appearance of the season after injury. But in relaxing their defensive attitude for the pursuit of an equaliser, they handed Chelsea the space to get their passing game together and kill off the game.

On 49 minutes the youngster John Terry scored his first senior goal with an unmarked header from Gianfranco Zola's corner, and two minutes later Weah scored an audacious third with a deliberate looped back-header over the advanced goalkeeper Vince Bartram.

The game was over as a contest and it became just a question of how many Chelsea would score. Bartram saved with his feet from Jody Morris and Zola, while Gabriele Ambrosetti and Bernard Lambourde missed sitters before the home side added a fourth: Marcus Browning pulled back Morris in the area and Zola converted from the spot for his first goal since October.

Number five arrived shortly after when Morris hit the post and fired home the rebound.

Chelsea: De Goey, Lambourde, Terry (Clement 73), Desailly, Harley, Poyet, Deschamps, Morris, Zola, Weah (Sutton 78), Flo (Ambrosetti 73). Subs Not Used: Petrescu, Cudicini. Booked: Harley. Goals: Flo 16, Terry 49, Weah 50, Zola 85 pen, Morris 88.

Gillingham: Bartram, Southall (Browning 78), Ashby, Pennock (Asaba 46), Butters, Edge, Smith, Hessenthaler, Lewis, Saunders, Thomson (Nosworthy 58). Subs Not Used: Hodge, Mitten. Booked: Lewis.

Referee: P Durkin (Dorset).