The team move up to second in the PL2 as they secured victory in their first game of 2023.

It did not take long for our young Blues to start the new year as they ended the last as lovely play allowed Rankine to finish inside the penalty box.

There were numerous chances to extend the lead in the first period as we dominated our opponents early on. Mason Burstow, Cesare Casadei and Dylan Williams all came close to adding to the lead.

Nonetheless, it took a sublime effort from Webster to give us our second.

Our young Blues took the foot off the pedal in the second half with a measured approach to see out the game and in the end they ran out comfortable winners against a Leicester City side that seldom threatened our goal.

Cold day, hot start

Chelsea started with a bang as we raced into a 1-0 lead courtesy of a fine finish in the penalty area by Rankine five minutes into the game.

After dominating early proceedings and forcing the young Foxes into errors, our boys capitalised and took the lead.

We continued to show that we were the sharper of the two teams as sharp combination play and neat one touch football highlighted the confidence that we were playing with early on.

Our dominance in the first 25 minutes was reflected in our six shots on goal to our opponents' zero.

Fine football

Casadei went close to doubling our lead as he latched onto a pass from Rankine but he dragged his shot just wide.

A quick free-kick which found Williams created yet another opportunity as the winger’s tenacity allowed Burstow to have an effort on goal but it went straight at the keeper.

The second goal finally came and it was well deserved. The busy Rankine was involved again as he nipped ahead of his opponent to pounce onto a loose ball. He laid the ball off to Webster and the midfielder struck from distance finding the top corner of the net.

Casadei charged towards goal and had a close effort of his own as he smashed goalwards but Chituru Odunze made an excellent stop.

We started the second period in similar fashion as Casadei sent Williams clean through on goal but Odunze stood big and saved with a right boot.

Second-half substitute Ethan Fitzhugh had the home side’s first chance of the second period as a looping volley almost caught out Beach but it fortunately went over the bar.

Quieter second period

Leicester City did show some fight in the second half to try and turn the game around and a solo run from right-back Joe Wormleighton ended with him unleashing a left-footed shot which only just went over the bar.

We did get into some good crossing opportunities but we were unable to create a gilt-edged chance to give us another goal.

The chances for both sides were few and far between as our young Blues settled for a comfortable victory which sees us climb to second, a point behind top spot having played a game more.

You can catch our development squad in action next on Friday 13 January as we take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Kingsmeadow in match scheduled to kick-off at 7pm.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Eddie Beach; Derrick Abu (Brodi Hughes 76), Alfie Gilchrist (c), Josh Brooking, Zak Sturge; Charlie Webster, Ben Elliott; Dion Rankine, Dylan Williams, Cesare Casadei (Harrison McMahon 83); Mason Burstow (Malik Mothersille 76).

Unused subs: Ted Sharman-Lowe, Tudor Mendel-Idowu.

Scorers: Dion Rankine 5; Charlie Webster 40.

Booked: Alfie Gilchrist 28; Josh Brooking 68; Ben Elliott 89.

Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Chituru Odunze; Joe Wormleighton, Deniche Hill (Bayli Spencer-Adams 62), Ben Nelson (Ethan Fitzhugh 46), Paul Appiah (c), Ronny Nelson, Shane Flynn, Brandon Cover, Tawanda Maswanhise (Terrell Pennant 76), Khanya Leshabela, Wanya Marcal-Madivadua (Kian Pennant 46).

Unused subs: Arlo Doherty.

Booked: Joe Wormleighton 29; Kian Pennant 55