Our first defeat in five came in today's London derby as the Chelsea Under-18s struggled to contain the home side's attack. Despite our good form, second-placed Fulham were better than us today.

One of the first chances of the game came through Reiss Denny as he headed wide from close range, but besides that opportunity both teams were struggling to fashion any chances worthy of note.

It was the home side, though, that took the lead midway through the first-half and it was Aaron Loupalo-Bi who converted excellently, beating multiple opponents before finding the finish to match.

On the stroke of half-time though, cue our best chance of the game as Denny again was in the action, as he burst through on goal and had a shot saved by McNally in goal. Donnell McNeilly was quickest to the rebound, but his effort was cleared off the line.

We started the second period quickly and a fine move ended with Boniface rifling a shot into the net. A great start to the new half from our boys.

The young Cottagers restored their lead six minutes later and it was the scorer of the first Loupalo-Bi who scored his second as he converted the rebound of his first shot, which was saved by goalkeeper Max Merrick.

The home side found their third of the game and it came through Terrell Works who managed to squeeze a shot under Merrick.

We gave ourselves a lifeline for a comeback as Ampah found the net after good work from Chinonso Chibueze down the wing.

The appearance of a comeback was brief, as Callum Osmand put the game beyond doubt for Fulham as he finished well after a pass from Loupalo-Bi. There was enough time for our London rivals to add a fifth and it came through Chibuzo Nwoko.

Our young Blues play their final fixture on Saturday 29 April away from home against Brighton Hove & Albion.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Max Merrick; Harrison McMahon (Noah Hay 86), Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell (Kaiden Wilson 46), Somto Boniface; Sam Rak-Sakyi (c), Reiss Denny (Ato Ampah 76); Zain Silcott-Duberry (Frankie Runham 76), Kiano Dyer, Tyrique George (Chinonso Chibueze 76); Donnell McNeilly
Scorers: Boniface 48, Ampah 83

Fulham (4-3-3): Alfie McNally, Bradley De Jesus, Jonathan Esenga, Sam Amissah, Samuel Tabares, Oliver Gofford (Chibuzo Nwoko 53), Terrell Works, Delano McCoy-Splatt, Aaron Loupalo-Bi, Callum Osmand, Lear Gordon
Unused subs: Ma’kel Bogle-Campbell, Thomas Olyott, Damon Park, Bradley Slade
Scorers: Loupalo-Bi 29, 54, Works 80, Osmand 85, Nwoko 89