LILYWHITES CRUMBLE AS BLUES TURN IT ON

PRESTON’S brave firsthalf resistance came to nothing as they bowed out of the Cup. Chelsea scored three times in 11 second-half minutes to ease into the fourth round at Stamford Bridge

- Steve Pieters

A frustrating showing from Mauricio Pochettino’s side, in which they hogged the ball throughout the first half but carved few openings, burst to life 13 minutes after the break with Armando Broja heading in his second goal of the season from Malo Gusto’s cross.

That was followed by two in rapid succession, first from substitute Thiago Silva, who nodded in from Cole Palmer’s corner, then another when Raheem Sterling whacked a free-kick beyond the dive of keeper Freddie Woodman, as Preston’s accomplished first half defensive showing faded into memory.

Enzo Fernandez tapped in right at the end from a yard out, a final reminder of the gulf to Ryan Lowe’s side who are 14th in the Championship.