Both sides began the fixture with intensity and passion, fully aware that only a win would ensure progression in this knockout competition, as Chelsea hosted non-league opposition looking to cause a historic upset.

We started strongly, though, when Mheuka opened the scoring with a brilliant solo goal, followed by Ryan Kavuma-McQueen doubling our lead with a powerful strike into the bottom corner.

The third goal came from Leo Cardoso, who delivered a clinical finish as we kept up the relentless pressure. Mheuka then added his second with a rifled shot into the top corner. Just before half-time, Merstham managed to pull one back through Amari Perkins, but it did little to disrupt Chelsea’s momentum.

After the break, the Blues burst out of the blocks, with Mheuka completing his hat-trick by calmly converting a penalty after Reggie Walsh was brought down inside the area. Walsh continued to impress, connecting perfectly with a well-delivered Harry McGlinchey cross to head home Chelsea’s sixth.

The final goal of the evening was a masterpiece, as Chizaram Ezenwata leapt high to acrobatically volley in a swinging Charlie Holland cross, rounding off a commanding 7-1 victory.

Bold start

This lively fourth-round fixture burst into life from the first whistle, with a strong Kingsmeadow crowd of 1,202 supporters setting the tone. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the stakes as both sides battled for a fifth-round spot in this prestigious academy competition.

Chelsea wasted no time asserting ourselves. Calvin Diakite delivered an excellent looping ball to Kavuma-McQueen, who surged down the wing to find Reggie Walsh at the edge of the box. Walsh’s strike was denied by Shay Dunn’s outstretched leg, but it let the opponents know we were there.

We dictated the early play, controlling possession and pushing forward relentlessly. Merstham’s backline was under constant pressure as Kiano Dyer, flourishing with confidence, glided effortlessly up the field. Partnering effectively with Ollie Harrison in midfield, Dyer kept Chelsea in full flow.

The breakthrough felt inevitable and when it came, it was nothing short of spectacular. Olutayo Subuloye’s pinpoint through ball found Mheuka, whose tricky footwork beat a Merstham defender. The striker rounded the keeper in style and calmly slotted the ball in at the near post to give Chelsea the lead.

Cardoso soon delivered a moment of brilliance. Using his incredible speed and skill, he wove through the Merstham defence with ease. Although the defenders managed to recover and dispossess him, Cardoso’s flair was a warning of more to come.

Stunning second

Chelsea remained in control and the second goal followed in true Blues fashion. Genesis Antwi showcased his blistering pace on the right wing, before cutting the ball back into the area. Kavuma-McQueen sprinted onto it and smashed a low shot into the corner, leaving Nico Tero helpless.

Moments later, Cardoso nearly added a third with another quick run, but his strike flashed just wide of the post.

Floodgates open

Chelsea’s dominance continued as we ruthlessly extended our lead. Cardoso played a clever one-two with Mheuka, whose return pass sent Cardoso charging into the box. The Portugal youth international unleashed a thunderous strike into the net. This time, there was no missing.

The Blues were in full flow, enjoying our football. Mheuka soon added his second in outstanding fashion. Charging toward the area, he held off Merstham defenders with strength and unleashed an unstoppable rocket into the top corner. It was a goal to remember.

Merstham refused to go quietly and eventually pulled one back. Foday Sesay’s determined run ended with a well-saved shot by Chelsea goalkeeper Hudson Sands, but Merstham striker Perkins pounced on the rebound to score from close-range.

The spectators experienced a thrilling and action-packed first half, during which Chelsea surged ahead to secure an impressive 4-1 lead.

Pressure pays off

We maintained our intensity in the second half, quickly extending our lead within two minutes as Mheuka completed his hat-trick. Walsh’s quick footwork inside the box proved too tricky for Chris Lutonadio, who tripped our schoolboy and conceded a penalty. Mheuka stepped up confidently, executing a stuttered run-up and sending the keeper the wrong way.

Substitute Harry McGlinchey wasted no time making an impact. After a speedy run from Mheuka, the ball was sent wide to McGlinchey, whose looped cross found Walsh perfectly positioned for a header. Walsh’s efforts were rewarded as he added his name to the scoresheet in style.

Chelsea’s pressure remained relentless. Captain Harrison showcased his dribbling skills, spotting Cardoso unmarked and delivering a low cut-back. Mheuka was quick to pounce, but the flag was raised for offside, halting his celebrations.

Moments later, Kavuma-McQueen unleashed a powerful strike that rebounded off the post and Cardoso’s follow-up shot was expertly saved by the Merstham keeper.

Chelsea kept up the intensity despite having another goal disallowed. Antwi’s hard work down the wing resulted in a precise cross for Kavuma-McQueen, who tapped it in, only for an offside call to deny the Blues for a second time.

A penalty was awarded to Chelsea after a tackle on captain Harrison, offering him a chance to score. However, his chipped effort was caught by the Merstham keeper, denying us the seventh goal again.

That goal did arrive, though, as Chelsea’s determination finally paid off when schoolboy Ezenwata scored. Holland’s superb cross into the area found Ezenwata, who leapt high and delivered an acrobatic volley into the net, sealing a bold and entertaining victory for Chelsea.

What it means

Chelsea’s Under-18s now progress to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, where we will face the winner of Preston North End or Manchester United in an away fixture, to be decided after their Friday clash.

The teams

Chelsea (4-3-3): Hudson Sands; Genesis Antwi, Olutayo Subuloye, Landon Emenalo, Calvin Diakite (Harry McGlinchey 51); Ollie Harrison (c), Leo Cardoso, Kiano Dyer (Charlie Holland 58); Shumaira Mheuka (Chizaram Ezenwata 58), Reggie Walsh (Marcell Washington 71), Ryan Kavuma-McQueen (Yahya Idrissi 71)
Unused subs: Joseph Wheeler-Henry, Freddy Bernal
Scorers: Mheuka 14, 32, 47, Kavuma-McQueen 23, Cardoso 28, Walsh 52, Ezenwata 89
Booked: Walsh 18, Kavuma-McQueen 43

Merstham (4-4-2): Nico Tero, Jayden Meade, Shay Dunn, Chris Lutonadio (c), Chris Rangel, Reese Cartwright (Adrian Brito Turbo 71), Luyanda Mafu, Josh Solecki (Luke Danby 59), Foday Sesay, Amari Perkins (Ashley Tshitenga 59), Jimmie Basquine (Theo Egbri 63)
Unused subs: Vincent Sammland, Matt Burjak, Elke Babu
Scorer: Perkins 39

Crowd: 1,202