Cheltenham 1 Everton 5Everton reaped the rewards of fielding a virtual full-strength side as they overcame English League Two side Cheltenham in an FA Cup third round tie at the Abbey Business Stadium last night.

Nikica Jelavic opened the scoring after 12 minutes and Leighton Baines doubled Everton’s lead seven minutes later from the penalty spot. Leon Osman made it 3-0 early in the second period and, after Russell Penn scored pulled one back, Republic of Ireland international Séamus Coleman and Marouane Fellaini completed Everton’s nap hand.

David Moyes’ side will now visit the winners of next week’s Sunderland-Bolton replay at the Stadium Of Light in the fourth round.

Moyes paid Cheltenham the compliment of parading eight of the line-up which started the 2-1 mid-week win at Newcastle in the Premier League. Their decisive start to the game, coupled with the powerful nature of the team, ensured there was little chance of a shock result.

Fellaini was a constant threat in a free role, while full-backs Coleman and Baines got forward to good effect.

But promotion-chasing Cheltenham showed plenty of fight with Penn and Darren Carter impressing in midfield.

They did get some reward for their fighting spirit when they pulled one goal back on 51 minutes through Penn’s cool finish after good play by Kaid Mohamed.