Stoke’s cup run ends at the Bridge

The Potters’ dream of FA Cup glory ended at Stamford Bridge at Sunday tea-time, but Stoke can still be proud of their best run in the cup for 38 years. Chelsea couldn’t be sure of their victory until the 67th minute when John Terry’s goal doubled their advantage after his fellow England international, Frank Lampard had given them a first half lead with a fierce strike from the edge of the penalty area.

The Potters failed to take full advantage of the supposed frailties of Chelsea’s stand-in keeper, Hilario and really only managed a few serious shots on goal. Mamady Sidibe and Dean Whitehead both had good, early chances to put the visitors into the lead but were thwarted by some goal line clearances from the Chelsea defence who protected their keeper well to deny the Potters their normal scoring opportunities from set-pieces.