Two games of the season remained ahead of kick-off, both against Blackburn. A win and a result in our favour elsewhere would mean we leapfrog tonight’s opponents and move into second place as we aim to finish the Premier League 2 season on a high.

The first 45 minutes saw both teams enjoy a period of dominance each. Harvey Vale provided our attacking threat while Ethan Wady was called upon to keep the hosts out, but that was all the action to report during a flat first half.

George Nunn struck from close range five minutes after the restart and that served as a reward for our patience. The solitary goal was enough for us to move up the table ahead of next weekend’s season finale.

Starting XI

For our final home game of the season Charlie Webster, Myles Peart-Harris and Joe Haigh were rewarded with starts after strong performances with the Under-18s in recent weeks. It was the first development squad outing for the latter who has eight goals to his name in this campaign. Henry Lawrence returned from injury last time out with a goal and captained the side. Meanwhile on the bench was defender Bashir Humphreys for his first involvement at this level.

Level first half

The game got going in the bright evening sunshine as the Blues kicked off under the watchful eye of Thomas Tuchel. With the majority of the ball inside the first quarter, we looked to stamp some early authority on the game. A slightly more experienced Blackburn defence were doing their best to contain Joe Haigh and George Nunn.

With both defences having a solid start it took until the 23rd minute for us to see the first shot of the game. Harvey Vale was the player to provide the action, shooting from range with his right foot. However it was easy pickings for Jordan Eastham in the visiting net.

Vale’s shot seemed to wake both teams up and it was Blackburn who would have the next attempt. Ethan Wady pulled off an excellent save, low to his right, to keep out the visitors from five yards.

We had a penalty shout soon after, Henry Lawrence was pushed in the back by Samuel Barnes as he fired at goal in the box. Referee Scott Simpson was not swayed by Chelsea shouts and waved play on.

As we approached the end of the half Blackburn had their own spell of control, but much like ours earlier it lacked conviction. After an additional two minutes to what had been a quiet first half, it was time for some words of encouragement at the break.

Inspired restart

The regroup at half-time saw Chelsea return to the pitch with a spring in their step and our bright start was rewarded with a bit of luck five minutes after the restart.

Charlie Webster’s goal-bound shot took a wicked deflection off a Blackburn man and dropped nicely for Nunn who slotted home. Despite loud and lengthy appeals, the goal stood and it was 1-0 to the Blues.

Keeping the lead

Blackburn’s Joe Nolan was introduced and got straight involved in the action. He blazed a golden opportunity over Wady’s net from close range after giving Sam McClelland the slip. The visitors upped their game after falling behind and we had work to do in defence.

Ten minutes remained of our season at Kingsmeadow and Nunn’s work for the evening was done. Andy Myers sent on Jude Soonsup-Bell in his place to try and add some security to our slender lead.

As the final whistle blew, results elsewhere had fallen in our favour. Going into the season’s last game, we were in second position with 39 points, one clear of Tottenham in second.

What’s next?

Our final game of the season is next Friday 7 May against Blackburn. Kick-off at Leyland County Ground is 4pm.

Chelsea Ethan Wady; Henry Lawrence (c), Sam McClelland, Xavier Mbuyamba; Dujon Sterling, George McEachran, Charlie Webster, Harvey Vale; Myles Peart-Harris, Joe Haigh (Bryan Fiabema 87), George Nunn (Jude Soonsup-Bell 79)Unused subs Karlo Ziger, Declan Frith, Bashir HumphreysScorer Nunn 50

Blackburn Jordan Eastham, Daniel Pike, Lenni Cirino, Daniel Ayala (Joe Nolan 60), Samuel Barnes (c), Louie Annesley (Jalil Saadi 46), Isaac Whitehall, Jake Garrett, Samuel Burns, Daniel Butterworth, Connor McBride (Sam Durrant, 77)Unused subs Antonious Stergiakis, Jared HarlockBooked Butterworth 45; Cirino 53; McBride 65

Referee: Scott Simpson