Chelsea reach FA Cup semi-finals

LONDON, Mar 23 (Reuters) Champions Chelsea, looking for a league and Cup double, reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a bad-tempered 1-0 win over a depleted Newcastle United, who had Robbie Elliott sent off.

Chelsea, 12 points clear in the league, needed only four minutes to find the net, Damien Duff's corner from the left meeting John Terry low in the area and the captain glancing the ball into the net off the legs of a defender.

Newcastle, looking for their first silverware for more than 50 years, frequently rattled Chelsea going forward in a physically bruising enounter, although they struggled to create any clear opportunities.

Elliott was sent off in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence.

Liverpool thumped Birmingham City 7-0 on Tuesday and West Ham United beat Manchester City 2-1 on Monday to reach the semi-finals. Charlton Athletic play Middlesbrough today and the semi-final draw will be made tomorrow.

Reuters DH VP0432