CHELSEA THROUGH AFTER TITANIC CUP
CLASH
(Sky
Sports)
 Gillingham
2-4 ChelseaShaw 51, Onuora 65 - Gudjohnsen 3, 90, Gronkjaer 13, 24 AXA FA Cup
Dan Reynolds reporting Chelsea had to survive an almighty second half comeback from underdogs Gillingham to book their place in the FA Cup Fifth Round after a pulsating six-goal thriller at the Priestfield Stadium. The FA Cup holders looked set for an easy victory after storming into a three-goal lead after just 24 minutes, but were forced to grimly hang-on after a blistering second half display from Gillingham. A double from Danish winger Jesper Gronkjaer his first goals for the club - and a third-minute strike from Icelandic hit-man Eidur Gudjohnsen seemed certain to set the Blues up for a convincing victory and an enticing clash with London rivals Arsenal at Highbury. But a barnstorming comeback from Andy Hessenthalers men almost brought about one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of all time and revenge for the Gills FA Cup Sixth Round exit at Stamford Bridge last season - as strikes from Paul Shaw and substitute Iffy Onuora threatened to take the game to a replay. And just as the Gills looked likely to snatch an equaliser from the jaws of defeat, up popped Iceman Gudjohnsen to break the First Division clubs hearts with a cool finish deep into injury-time. It was cruel on Gillingham, but in truth they should have been dead and buried after a shocking first half performance which saw them lucky to go in at half time just 3-0 down. It took barely three minutes for Claudio Ranieris men to break the deadlock when former Bolton ace Gudjohnsen capitalised on some poor defending to fire the Blues into the lead. He was a constant menace throughout the match and linked up brilliantly with former Ajax star Gronkjaer, who doubled Chelseas lead with a fierce finish after 13 minutes. And the wing wizard, who was at the heart of all Chelseas attacking moves, seemed to end the tie as a contest after just 24 minutes when he raced onto a lofted Dennis Wise pass and clinically placed his shot past the advancing Gills keeper Vince Bartram. But the pulsating clash was turned on its head after Onuora was brought into the fray during the break and he caused mayhem in the Chelsea defence to hand Gillingham an unexpected lifeline. The powerful striker battled his way towards the edge of the Chelsea penalty box and both Frank Leboeuf and Albert Ferrer couldnt prevent the ball spilling loose to former Millwall ace Paul Shaw, who coolly placed his shot under Carlo Cudicinis body. The goal sparked the Gills into life and they continued to bombard the Chelsea rearguard, although danger-man Gronkjaer almost won it for the Blues when his low drive spun agonisingly wide of Bartrams left post. Both sides were giving everything in a blood and thunder Cup clash and an unbelievable comeback moved a step closer when Gillingham pulled the game back to 3-2. Former Swindon star Onuora was again the thorn in Chelseas side as he headed home after Cudicini could only punch a fierce Nicky Southall free-kick straight onto his head. And Chelseas away day hoodoo seemed certain to strike again when Shaw almost latched onto Onuoras over hit through ball. But just as Hessenthalers valiant side were throwing everything at Chelsea in search of a dramatic late equaliser, substitute Graeme Le Saux delivered an inch-perfect cross which Gudjohnsen clinically despatched to give Ranieri his first away win since taking over the Stamford Bridge hot seat. It was harsh on Gillingham, but their heroic second half performance will go a long way to restoring pride after they so woefully crashed to a 5-0 defeat against Chelsea in last seasons FA Cup Sixth Round. |