FA Cup: Moyes takes no chances as Everton hammer minnows Cheltenham

Everton ran out 5-1 winners at Cheltenham Town to book a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup as David Moyes looked to put memories of their defeat to Leeds behind them.

Everton's Leon Osman celebrates his goal against Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup third round.
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David Moyes admits he took no chances in his team selection for the 5-1 FA Cup defeat of Cheltenham after Everton's defeat to Leeds in the English League Cup earlier this season.

Moyes made several changes for the earlier game at Elland Road and was disappointed when his side were beaten 2-1.

But he fielded a virtual full strength line-up at the Abbey Business Stadium and goals from Nikica Jelavic, Leighton Baines, Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman and Marouane Fellaini secured a tie against Sunderland or Bolton in the next round.

Moyes said: "I don't know if it was the strongest Premier League side put out this weekend or not but it could be folly if I had picked up injuries tonight.

"Then it would have been made to look a bad decision.

"But I was disappointed when we lost our League Cup tie to Leeds United. I gave a few players a go and I didn't think we came up to scratch.

"I wasn't going to take a second chance tonight, that's for sure. I just felt we needed the people tonight who knew what was going on.

"It was a very professional job. We did a job. I wanted to try and progress in the cup if we can.

"We've got a bit of momentum and we want to try and keep it going if we can."

Nikica Jelavic opened the scoring after 12 minutes, getting on the end of a curling shot from Fellaini which rebounded from Scott Brown's save.

Leighton Baines doubled Everton's lead seven minutes later from the penalty spot after Fellaini was felled by Cheltenham captain Alan Bennet.

Osman appeared to have killed off the tie after 49 minutes when he slotted the ball past Brown after taking a Baines pass in his stride, but Cheltenham pulled one back two minutes later through Russell Penn's cool finish after good play by Kaid Mohamed.

Coleman re-established Everton's three goal lead after 57 minutes, dinking the ball over Brown after an exchange with Victor Anichebe.

And Fellaini wrapped up the tie with a minute to go, knocking home Anichebe's cross to make it five.

Robins manager Mark Yates said: "Scott Brown had only two saves and he didn't have a chance with any of the goals.

"But we were up against top goalscorers. It was a ruthless performance.

"We came up against a very good side but hopefully they know they've been in a game."

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