Chelsea go through in struggle at the Bridge

CHELSEA were made to work hard by League One Bristol rovers before taking their place in the third round at Stamford Bridge last night. Michy Batshuayi opened the scoring for the Blues and that was quickly followed by Victor Moses’ second. However, Peter Hartley pulled a goal back ten minutes before the break only for Batshuayi to nab his second. And, when Ellis Harrison netted a penalty three minutes into the second period, rovers fancied their chances of an unlikely comeback. But Chelsea held on for a 3-2 win. Liverpool, meanwhile, eased through with a 5-0 win at Burton Albion courtesy of divock Origi, roberto Firmino, a Tom Naylor own goal and daniel Sturridge’s late double. Scottish striker Oliver McBurnie scored two goals in three minutes as Swansea won 3-1 at Peterborough. Compatriot Jay Fulton had earlier opened the scoring for the Welsh side. Former Aberdeen defender Zander diamond put Northampton ahead against West Brom but the Baggies bounced back with two goals either side of the interval from James McClean and Gareth McAuley. Posh levelled in the 82nd minute via Alex revell. There were no further goals in extra time and Peterborough went through 4-3 on penalties. Watford were the only other top-flight side to go out, losing 2-1 at home to League One Gillingham after extra time. Peter Crouch helped himself to a hat-trick as Stoke City won 4-0 at Stevenage. Former rangers loan signing Phil Bardsley also netted. Adama diomande scored a brace as Hull City came from a goal behind to beat Exeter City 3-1 in the West Country. Scotland international robert Snodgrass made sure of the win with nine minutes left. Everton swept aside yeovil 4-0 at Goodison Park with efforts from Aaron Lennon, ross Barkley and Arouna Koné (2). Crystal Palace eased past League Two Blackpool 2-0 at Selhurst Park with goals from Scott dann and Connor Wickham. Ayoze Perez netted either side of the break as Newcastle beat Cheltenham 2-0 on Tyneside. Former rangers forward Kyle Lafferty was among the scorers as Alex Neil’s Norwich crushed Coventry 6-1 at Carrow road.