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An efficient performance from Chelsea saw them ease past Coventry City 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Goals from Didier Drogba and Alex ensured a fifth consecutive win under manager Guus Hiddink, as Chelsea handed Chris Coleman's side a harsh lesson in the reality of modern football.

1987 winners Coventry were outplayed throughout as the magic of the Cup was outweighed by the yawning gulf between the Premier League and Championship.

Despite Chelsea's perfect start under Hiddink, their title hopes are faint at best, leaving the Cup as their best hope of domestic silverware.

The Dutchman's team selection reflected this as he fielded his strongest line-up including Ashley Cole, whose every touch was greeted with derision following his arrest for drunk and disorderly behaviour in the early hours of Thursday.

Drogba has enjoyed a lease of life since Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari, and he wasted no time in terrorising the Coventry back line, twisting away from his man and firing a left-foot shot just wide in the third minute.

Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda also went close, and it was clear the home side were clinging on and the crowd's boisterousness turned to apprehension.

In the 15th minute, the dam broke as the hapless Paul Dann dawdled on the ball 30 yards from his own goal. Drogba robbed him and raced into the box, rounded Kieren Westwood and, when it looked like he had pushed the ball too wide, placed an accurate left-foot shot into the corner of the net.

It was a superb piece of opportunism, and illustrated the difference in quality between the two sides.

The setback briefly spurred Chris Coleman's side into action, as the masked Leon Best - a result of a facial injury earlier this season - showed signs of life up front.

He showed great skill when set free by Freddy Eastwood, as he cut inside John Terry but fired his shot well over.

However, the visitors soon regained control, as Ballack saw a shot blocked and Frank Lampard had a long-range free-kick tipped over by Westwood.

Coventry were now clinging on, praying for half-time, and eventually it came, but not before Drogba and Salomon Kalou both went close.

Chelsea continued to exert control after the break, even if they created fewer chances, and Hiddink even had the luxury of bringing Michael Essien off the bench for his first appearance in six months following a serious knee injury.

Coventry's best hope looked like the long throws of Aron Gunnarsson, which had caused keeper Petr Cech problems, but one such opportunity led to Chelsea's second goal.

A Gunnarsson throw from the left on 72 minutes was easily cleared and the visitors raced away on the break.

Substitute Ricardo Quaresma hared down the right and crossed to the unlikely figure of Alex, who provided an assured left-foot finish.

Despite moments of promise from Best, Gunnarsson and Jordan Henderson, it proved a sobering afternoon for Coventry's fans, who sold out the Ricoh Arena for the first time.

Coleman was recently named Championship manager of the month for February, and if his side are to reach Wembley this season it will be at the play-off final.

Alex Chick / Eurosport