Brave Bluebirds beaten at the Bridge

Chopra celebrates

It cancelled out Drogba's 2nd minute opener that threatened to turn this FA Cup tie into a procession.

Cardiff were having none of it though and earned thenmselves praise from the watching commentators for their endeavour and they were rewarded when Chopra nipped in behind Alex to head home Chris Burke's cross.

City created other chances but the first half ended 1 - 1.

Chelsea were back in front early in the second half with Ballack hammering home, Sturridge got the run of the ball to finish through Marshall to make it 3 - 1 and Kalou's super header made it 4 - 1.

Chops heads home

Still all the while Cardiff were attacking and Whittingham forced Hillario into a smart save, McNaughton fired just wide and McCormack's volley went well wide.

The end result was no surprise, was widely predicted and for anyone looking in the paper without seeing the game will assume it was a rout but those watching on TV, the internet and near 6,000 City fans at Stamford Bridge will known their team did well and can hold their heads up.

City are straigt back into League action with West Brom coming to the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, ko 7:45pm.