Everton ease past Cheltenham with five-star FA Cup showing

A five-star performance from Everton saw them avoid an FA Cup giantkilling with impressive ease at Cheltenham.

Goals from Nikica Jelavic, Leighton Baines with a penalty, Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman and Marouane  Fellaini ensured the Toffees will go to Bolton or Sunderland in round four.

Russell Penn briefly gave the hosts hope at 3-1 but David Moyes’ men comfortably won the tie in the end.

Moyes fielded a strong line-up with just three changes and that decision was rewarded with two early goals.

Cheltenham started well but were behind on 12 minutes when Fellaini’s shot came back off the post and Jelavic turned the ball past Scott Brown.

There was still time for Jelavic to squander a good chance before the Toffees doubled their lead nine  minutes later.

Alan Bennett climbed all over  Fellaini as they challenged for a high ball and referee Kevin Friend pointed to the spot. Baines beat Brown’s dive with the resulting penalty to all but end Town’s hopes of a shock win.

It was all too easy as Osman made it three early in the second half,  sidestepping several challenges  before firing home.

But Penn raised faint hopes of a comeback when he beat Tim Howard with a low finish in the 51st minute.

However, Coleman’s delightful flick put the result beyond doubt and  Fellaini’s tap-in sealed a fine win.