Our under-18s tasted defeat for the first time this season on Saturday, as they were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea at Cobham Training Ground.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Flo Balogun had a golden chance to open the scoring when Valentino Livramento’s back pass set the young forward through on goal, but his low effort was saved well Karlo Ziger.
Trae Coyle then came close with a goal-bound half-volley that was tipped over the crossbar, but the Blues countered from the resulting corner and opened the scoring through Thierno Ballo, who converted from close-range following a fine save from Arthur Okonkwo.
Then 10 minutes after the break, Chelsea were able to double their lead through Clinton Mola, who stormed into the box and found the bottom right corner from the tightest of angles.
Coyle came close once more with an improvised effort that rattled the crossbar, before Yunus Musah’s driven effort from the edge of the box was turned behind for a corner.
We eventually clawed one back, though, thanks to a classy headed finish from Balogun into the bottom left corner, following Sam Greenwood’s inch-perfect delivery.
But our lifeline didn’t last long and less than 10 minutes later, Chelsea restored their two-goal advantage through Ian Maatsen, who beat his marker and fired the ball past Okonkwo.
WHAT’S NEXT
Kwame Ampadu’s side must now turn their attention to their Under-18 Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday, September 15.
The game will take place at London Colney with kick-off at 11:30am (UK time) and access is by invitation only.
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