Our young Blues were in Under-18 Premier League Cup action as they took on Everton in their second group game.

Ed Brand’s side suffered a 3-0 loss away at Southampton in matchday one of this competition, so the holders were looking to get their campaign back on track against the young Toffees.

We created the first big chance of the game as lovely work in the middle of the pitch from Josh Acheampong allowed Tyrique George to play a first-time pass to Michael Golding. The young central midfielder delivered an inch-perfect cross which Donnell McNeilly headed just wide.

Despite having the stronger start, we fell a goal behind as Matthew Apter’s speculative shot from distance found its way into the goal after an unforced error from goalkeeper Max Merrick.

The away side’s opportunities were only being fashioned through our mistakes and an error in midfield allowed captain Halid Djankpata a chance on goal. With only the keeper to beat he fired wide in a huge let-off for our young Blues.

We managed to level the score as George cut inside onto his right foot and smashed a shot which flew in under the goalkeeper.

We were in firm control now of the possession and the chances and our young Blues raced into the lead to underline our dominance as good hold-up play as well as a well-weighted lay-off by McNeilly allowed George to grab his second of the game with a shot placed in the left corner of the keeper’s goal.

The most notable moment of the second half was a red card for the match winner George.

The game ended with our young Blues winning 2-1 and registering their first three points of the group.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Max Merrick; Josh Acheampong, Brodi Hughes (c), Harrison Murray-Campbell, Somto Boniface; Sam Rak-Sakyi, Michael Golding (Kaiden Wilson 90+4); Tudor Mendel-Idowu (Noah Hay 82), Tyrique George, Zain Silcott-Duberry (Harrison McMahon 71); Donnell McNeilly (Leo Castledine 71)
Unused sub: Luke Campbell
Scorer: George 28, 34
Sent off: George 74

Everton (4-2-3-1): Dylan Graham; Roman Dixon, Harry Wright (Jack Tierney 83), Charlie Wilson, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Jack Patterson, Isaac Heath, Matthew Apter, Troy Smikle-James (Martin Sherif. 62), Halid Djankpata (c) (Callum Bates 62), Coby Ebere
Unused subs: Douglas Lukjanciks, Jacob Beaumont-Clark
Scorer: Apter 15
Booked: Wright 2, Apter 27, Patterson 62