Grant enjoys first win

Goals from 18-year-old Scott Sinclair, Steve Sidwell and two for Salomon Kalou ensures there will be no uncomfortable inquest for Grant.

This lively third round tie was settled by two goals in the space of seven minutes at the start of the second half, with a Kalou header followed by a searing drive from Sidwell before the former doubled his tally late on.

Grant's tenure is already under close scrutiny due to him lacking the relevant coaching badges required to manage in the Barclays Premier League.

The likes of Marco van Basten and Jurgen Klinsmann have been linked with the role - speculation which was strongly refuted by Chelsea.

But at least Grant has a win under his belt - even if only against Coca-Cola Championship side Hull - which offers him a degree of breathing space.

Grant can initially thank Sinclair, whose delightful opener came eight minutes before the break at a time when Hull were growing in confidence.

Stephen McPhee almost levelled before the break, but then after it Kalou headed home his first of the season in the 48th minute followed four minutes later by Sidwell's maiden goal since his summer move from Reading.

Credit to the Tigers as they refused to roll over and came close with sub Richard Garcia forcing a save from Cudicini, Ian Ashbee heading narrowly over the woodwork and Okocha shaving the bar with a rising free-kick.

In the end, it was Chelsea who added an exclamation point to the scoreline with Kalou sweeping home a low ball from substitute Joe Cole.