In a game of few chances, our young Blues had to settle for a draw against Barry Lewtas's side as we closed the gap at the top to two points.

The first period began in a frantic manner as both sides enjoyed spells of sustained possession.

Our best chance of the half came very early on as good play between the boys resulted in Harvey Vale putting in a great cross which almost found a lurking Dylan Williams, but Owen Beck managed to divert the ball away before it arrived to him.

Despite our good start, the home side controlled the first half and did have the chances to go ahead. Their best opportunity came through Billy Koumetio who hit the crossbar with a header from a corner. Territorially, Liverpool were keeping possession in our half but we did well to keep them out.

The second half did not have the same tempo as both sides sought what would have been the all-important goal in this contest, but neither could fashion anything clear cut as defences on both ends remained resolute.

We had the chance to draw level on points with table-toppers Manchester City but we had to be content with a draw.

Our development squad were in search of back-to-back wins as they took on Liverpool this afternoon.

Team news

There was only one change made to the side that beat Blackburn Rovers as Juan Castillo was drafted into the side to replace the injured Charlie Webster.

Good start

We got an early goal last week and we almost did yet again today, as Williams found space down the right flank and was able to pick a pass to Omari Hutchinson who was in a good position in the box. His eventual shot was blocked, but the warning signs were there.

We were getting closer to scoring and a fine team move saw Elliott switch the ball to Rankine on the left side of the pitch. His smart pass found Vale who put in a first-timed cross and with Williams lurking at the back post, Owen Beck stuck out an important leg to divert the ball away from the goal.

The young Reds found a rhythm to their game, and they had a good opportunity to take the lead. A good ball from a corner found the head of Koumetio, with his effort hitting the top of the crossbar.

Castillo let fly from distance and stung the palms of Harvey Davies in goal, and he parried over the bar.

Withstanding pressure

Our opponents were enjoying a spell of pressure and Slonina had to make two saves a minute apart which he made look comfortable.

We were trying to contain our opponents as they were in control of possession, but they almost found a way to goal as Owen Beck broke through with a good run, but Slonina was again in the way and made a good stop to keep the scores level.

Slonina was called into action early in the second half as he got down low to save a shot from Doak.

Resolute defences

Our first chance of the second-half came as good play from Hutchinson saw him attract a number of defenders and he used that to play a good reverse pass into Williams but his goalbound shot was blocked.

Unlike the first though, the second did not have as many chances as both sides had attempts but nothing worthy of note.

A late cross deep into stoppage time from Juan Castillo almost found Leo Castledine who was in a good position, but he could not control the ball into his path.

The game ended as a 0-0 draw and in reflection, it was a fair result.

Chelsea (3-4-3): Gabriel Slonina; Josh Brooking (Brodi Hughes 83), Alfie Gilchrist (c), Zak Sturge; Dylan Williams, Juan Castillo, Ben Elliott, Dion Rankine (Malik Mothersille 89); Harvey Vale (Leo Castledine 75), Omari Hutchinson, Mason Burstow (Jayden Wareham 75).

Unused subs: Ted Curd.

Booked: Ben Elliott 40; Josh Brooking 73.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Harvey Davies; Lee Jonas, Owen Beck, Rhys Williams, Billy Koumetio, Dominic Corness (c), Ben Doak, Luca Stephenson, Mateusz Musialowski (Max Woltman 65), Bobby Clark, Melkamu Frauendorf (Harvey Blair 70)

Unused subs: Liam Hughes, Tommy Pilling.

Booked: Ben Doak 11; Owen Beck 53.