Terrific Terry embraces The Bridge love-in

CHELSEA’S affinity with the FA Cup shows no sign of ending as they prepare for their ninth semi-final in 17 years and it’s fair to say Stamford Bridge’s love affair with John Terry – if you’ll pardon the pun – looks likely to last just as long after a trademark performance from the centre-half against Stoke City.

Terry’s off-field activities continue to see him booed by opposition fans and lambasted by critics but he scored one goal and set up another against Stoke to guarantee himself another set of headlines and strengthen his bond with Chelsea’s home crowd, who already hold him close to their hearts.

The emotional manner of Terry’s goal celebration after he thundered a 67th minute header past Thomas Sorensen from a Frank Lampard corner, tugging off his captain’s armband as he headed towards the East Stand, demonstrates just how much this competition means to a man who lifted the FA Cup aloft at Wembley last May and who intends to repeat the act in 2010.