"I'm glad there was no replay," admits Jose

Last updated : 07 January 2006 By Paul Lagan

It was close in terms of score, but Chelsea progress to the Fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of dogged Huddersfield Town.

The League One side grabbed a equaliser 15 minutes from time, but Eidur Gudjohnsen's goal eight minutes from time sealed victory after Carlton Cole had given Chelsea a 12th minute lead.

Jose Mourinho was in his usual pragmatic mood: "When they scored their equaliser, I felt anything could happen - even lose,” said the Chelsea coach.

“They fought really well, but we had enough chances to win the match in the first half.

“Our pace slowed down in the second half and they started to show self-belief.

“The attacked towards their fans in the second half and that helped them.

“Had it gone to a replay I would have had the chance to play better players, but the danger was at 1-1, they could have scored a second.

“They played the same system as they do in their league. But it’s good that we don’t have to travel to West Yorkshire for a replay.

“We should have scored two goals in the first half as that would have made it easier in the second.

“Diarra was my best player and I told him that as a reward for that performance he will be in the first-team squad for next week’s away match in the league against Sunderland.

“He defends like Claude Makelele and attacks like Michael Essien.

"Overall the team performance was okay, nothing special.

“As for Wayne Bridge, he needs tom play games but I need to win games. I’ll always pick players on form and who I think will win the game."

Huddersfield boss Peter Jackson had mixed emotions, proud of his players but disappointed not to have got a replay.

“I really did think we would get a draw,” he said.

“In the first half we showed Chelsea too much respect and in the second, we gave one of the best teams in the world a real good cup tie.

“Despite their changes, they have internationals on the bench, we did well, but gave the ball away too much.

“Their first goal was a disappointing affair, but we had our chances especially within the first three minutes when we were on top.

“But for us, our next two league games are the important thing.

“Not many sides score against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, so I’m proud of them for that.

“We knew that we would enjoy ourselves and I’m glad that we did not disgrace ourselves.

“I proud of the performances of my players.”