Anelka 37

                                                                                                           Sturridge 47

Chelsea cruised into the FA Cup fifth round after a clinical dismissal of a Preston side who were capable of causing an upset.

Goals from Nicolas Anelka late in the first half and Daniel Sturridge early in the second saw Chelsea through.

If Darren Carter had scored instead of blazing over from three yards with the score still at 1-0, the tie might have taken a different turn.

But Chelsea looked like they could always move through the gears. And well though Preston applied themselves, a shock was never really on the cards.

Florent Malouda had the ball in the Preston net midway through the half but referee Mike Dean brought play back for a Chelsea free-kick.

They went ahead on 37 minutes, Anelka cutting inside and driving a left-foot shot in off keeper Michael Lonegran from the edge of the area.

Carter should have equalised on 44 minutes when Chelsea keeper Henrique Hilario saved a Chris Brown header and Carter fired over the rebound with the goal gaping.

Two minutes after half-time, Chelsea sealed matters, Daniel Sturridge following-up from close range after John Terry’s header was blocked by Lonegran.

Lonegran athletically denied Anelka as Chelsea calmly saw the game out.