By Matt Lond & J Bateman
February 17 2003

Chelsea's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Jesper Gronkaer end Stoke's dreams of FA Cup glory.

Stoke 0-2 Chelsea   Hasselbaink 52 Gronkjaer 74 Att: 26,615

Chelsea stayed on course for a second successive FA Cup Final appearance after battling past Stoke City at The Britannia Stadium.

They are desperate to make up for the disappointment of losing to London rivals Arsenal in the showpiece at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium last May.

The possibility of a repeat encounter with the Gunners is still alive after second half goals from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and substitute Jesper Gronkjaer ended the challenge of the First Division underdogs who are in the bottom three in the division.

Stoke's energy did give Chelsea a run for their money  but in the end their class told and the Blues went through.

Chelsea were without Marcel Desailly and Gianfranco Zola through injury and did well to survive a good performance in the first 45 minutes.

Lewis Neal had Stoke's best opportunity after only eight minutes, but he was unable to control an inviting chance and was well off target.

Chelsea threatened to silence the noisy home fans with occasional moments of class, with Hasselbaink flicking Graeme Le Saux's cross just wide.Enrique de Lucas also went close for Chelsea when he was only inches away with a low drive.

Chelsea struck after 51 minutes, and it was Hasselbaink who displayed his opportunism to break the deadlock when Le Saux's cross was deflected into the Dutchman's path by Marcus Hall, of which Hasselbaink exploited his good fortune to beat Steve Banks from close range.

Chelsea almost doubled their advantage later on when Gudjohnsen's shot was saved by Steve Banks.

Stoke continued to ask Chelsea questions and had a good chance but  James O'Connor shot over the top.

A few minutes later, Chelsea made Stoke pay three minutes later when Gronkjaer wrapped the game up.

Gudjohnsen brilliantly released Gronkjaer, and he demonstrated pace and power before beating Banks at his near post with a fierce drive.