Blues see off Iron in FA Cup

Chelsea made difficult work of their FA Cup third-round tie against Scunthorpe on Sunday, with a goal in either half sealing a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea 2 Scunthorpe United 0

Costa gives Blues an early lead

Loftus-Cheek replaces Oscar at break

Iron denied second-half penalty

Loftus-Cheek goal seals victory

Match Summary

Guus Hiddink's side got off to a bright start when Diego Costa fired them in front after 13 minutes, but they switched off and allowed the Iron to get stuck in for much of the cup-tie.

It wasn't until Ruben Loftus-Cheek struck 22 from time that the Blues were assured of victory as Hiddink started a successful defence of the trophy he won during his previous spell at the west London club in 2009.

Full Report

The hosts didn't have to wait long to breach the League One team's goal, with Costa managing to get goal-side of his marker and convert a cross from Branislav Ivavonic on 13 minutes.

Costa then linked up well with Oscar, whose step-over created space for a shot which curled just wide of the target from 16 yards out, before Pedro mis-hit his effort after Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Ivanovic had combined to set up the Spanish winger.

Mark Robins' men had hardly caused any problems for the Blues in the first half, but they were asking questions after the break, with Kevin Van Veen going down under a challenge from Ramires inside the penalty area, only for the referee to wave play-on.

Loftus-Cheek, who had been introduced at half-time for Oscar, then wrapped the game up on 68 minues with a second goal for the home team.

Ramires started the move when he won possession and fed Willian, who released Cesar Azpilicueta on the overlap and the Spaniard's cross was turned home by Loftus-Cheek at the far post.

Van Neen tried to catch out Asmir Begovic at his near post with a free-kick, which was dragged wide, and the goalkeeper had to be alert in the closing stages to deny Jordan Clarke's fierce drive with a smart reaction save that was tipped onto the woodwork.