Oscar's sublime free kick was enough for Chelsea as they overcame Stoke City 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Samuel Eto'o nearly gave Chelsea the lead in the first, the Cameroonian collected a pass from Eden Hazard before dragging a left-footed shot inches wide.

Oscar put the hosts ahead in the 28th minute with a glorious free kick that curled into the top corner.

Steven Nzonsi tried his luck distance in the 33rd minute but the Frenchman fired his effort straight at Peter Cech.

Stephen Ireland could have brought the Potters level in the 40th minute, but the midfielder fired his effort into the side-netting.

Oscar came close to doubling the Blues just a minute later but the Brazilian's effort from the edge of the area was kept out by the upright.

Oscar nearly extended Chelsea's advantage in the 52nd minute with a curling effort that went just wide, after some good passing between Ashley Cole and Andre Schurrle.

It was proving to be a battle between Oscar and Begovic, with the latter denying the Brazilian's close range effort in the 63rd minute.

Frank Lampard tried his luck from outside the area but the midfielder's half-volley was kept out by Begovic.

Eto'o squandered a great opportunity to increase the home side's lead in the 76th minute, the striker shot wide from inside the six-yard box, after some great individual play by Hazard.

David Luiz came close to getting on the score sheet in the 83rd minute, after the defender's free kick drew a fine save from Begovic.

In the other game of the day, Hugo Rodallega's second half strike forced a replay for Fulham, as they drew 1-1 against ten-man Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.