The Cherries took the lead just 13 minutes in at Kingsmeadow with a top-corner strike from Kian Tydeman. Despite this early setback, Chelsea fought back for the rest of the first half but struggled to find the back of the net, hitting the post twice.

After the break, we increased the pressure, and Kiano Dyer fired a brilliant equaliser into the top corner from distance to bring the sides level.

In his first appearance of the season for Filipe Coelho's side, Under-18s forward Runham then made an immediate impact. After a strong second-half performance from the Blues, he tapped the ball in from close range during stoppage time to secure all three points for Chelsea.

Our final Under-21s fixture of 2024 began steadily, with the Blues dominating possession as we pushed forward in search of an early opener.

A lovely piece of Chelsea connection nearly paid off when a brilliant long through ball found Dyer out on the wing. The midfielder's pass allowed Ato Ampah to use his speed to pick it up and deliver a quick cross to striker Shumaira Mheuka, who unleashed a powerful one-touch effort, only to see it smash against the crossbar.

Early Setback

The Cherries responded with determination, making it clear they were here for a fight. Their persistence paid off when they broke the deadlock. A smart long ball from Lewis Brown found Koby Mottoh, who skillfully cut the ball back to Tydeman. His well-executed looping strike soared into the top corner, beating Max Merrick in goal.

Bournemouth gained confidence after their goal and Lewis Brown nearly doubled their lead with a shot from just outside the area, but Harrison Murray-Campbell - who had made his senior debut against Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge - stepped in with a crucial block to deny the Cherries.

Not giving up

Chelsea continued to display passion and fighting spirit as we pressed for an equaliser. Sam Rak-Sakyi came close to getting on the scoresheet, using his tricky footwork to weave effortlessly through the Bournemouth defenders. As he entered the penalty box, he unleashed a powerful stinging shot, but Callan McKenna reacted well to make a crucial low save.

As we reached the half-hour mark, frustration began to build for the Blues. Despite dominating possession, our opponents made it increasingly difficult to break down their backline, limiting our ability to create any real, dangerous threats.

After a period of Chelsea building from the back and pressing forward, Bournemouth capitalised on a counter-attack that came close to success. Ash Clarke seized the opportunity, attempting a looping shot from long range after spotting Merrick off his line. Fortunately, the effort narrowly missed, drifting just inches wide and giving Chelsea a close escape.

The action quickly shifted to the opposite end, where Ampah once again showcased his skill on the far side. Beating his marker with ease, he cut inside and unleashed a venomous strike at goal, but the Cherries’ keeper reacted well to smother the attempt.

Donnell McNeilly then had a chance to score after connecting with a well-placed setup from Rak-Sakyi, following excellent work by Mheuka driving the ball forward. However, McKenna was equal to the task, making a solid save to deny McNeilly’s fierce low strike.

Moments before the break, during stoppage time in the first half, Ampah created another opportunity, manoeuvring around Bournemouth defenders and firing a shot from the edge of the box. Unfortunately, his effort rebounded off the post, leaving Chelsea 1-0 down at the interval with work to do.

Fighting for the comeback

Chelsea came out with increased aggression after the interval. Dyer played a brilliant looped ball into the box, where captain Alex Matos rose highest to connect with a header, but McKenna managed to save the attempt at his near post.

However, Dyer soon found his way onto the scoresheet with a stunning goal from distance. Having been lively since the restart, the midfielder picked up the ball outside the area and fired a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving the tall Bournemouth keeper with no chance. It was an outstanding finish.

Blues forward McNeilly had another go at goal, using his strength to hold off his Bournemouth marker and work his way inside the area to fire a powerful shot. However, the speed of the ball lifted it over the crossbar. We were applying pressure and working well, and it felt like only a matter of time before we added to the scoreline.

Late celebrations

The Blues almost took the lead through solid link-up between Brodi Hughes and Dyer. The defender made a strong run upfield and cut the ball back, allowing Dyer to take a touch in a good position, facing the goal. However, the chance just bounced wide of the post.

As we entered the final ten minutes, the pressure was mounting on the Cherries. Ampah whipped in a cross and Hughes kept the ball alive inside the area. Mheuka leapt to meet it, heading the ball towards the near post, but his attempt was agonisingly inches wide.

As Coelho turned to his bench to make four substitutions, Under-18s forward Runham was one of them and wasted no time making an impact. In the first minute of stoppage time, Richard Olise looped the ball into the area. Murray-Campbell collected it and crossed to Runham, who latched onto the ball and neatly tapped it into the back of the net, giving Chelsea the deserved lead.

We fought hard to maintain the advantage during the remainder of stoppage time and held on for our third win of the competition.

What's next

Chelsea will resume Premier League Cup action with a match against Brentford at Wheatsheaf Park, scheduled for Monday 27 January at 7pm GMT.

The teams

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Max Merrick; Brodi Hughes, Kaiden Wilson (Zak Sturge 85), Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith; Alex Matos (c) (Ollie Harrison 67), Kiano Dyer; Sam Rak-Sakyi, Donnell McNeilly (Frankie Runham 86), Ato Ampah (Richard Olise 85); Shumaira Mheuka (Deivid Washington 86)
Scorers: Dyer 51, Runham 90+1

Bournemouth (4-2-3-1): Callan McKenna, Koby Mottoh, Archie Harris, Toure Williams (Malachi Ogunleye 82), Harold William (Alfie Merrit 90+6), Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez, Ash Clarke, Lewis Brown (c), Kian Tydeman, Karlos Gregory (Jonny Day 74), Remy Rees-Dottin
Unused subs: Charlie Stevens, Billy Terrell
Scorer: Tydeman 13
Booked: William 81