The Blues secured their place in the next round of the Under-18s Premier League Cup with an entertaining draw away. Our boys only needed a point to secure top spot and safe passage into the next round. Despite this, the coaching team will be a little disappointed that our young Blues could not hold onto the lead on two seperate occasions.

Team news

There were three changes to the side that absolutely dominated Brighton 6-1 last week. In came Richard Olise, Zain Silcott-Duberry and Leo Castledine.

Familiar territory

In the opening 15 seconds of the game, our young Blues found themselves behind as straight from kick-off an outstretched leg from Josh Tobin was deemed late by the referee. A penalty was awarded to Derby, and it was dispatched by Malcolm Ebiowei despite Prince Adegoke’s best efforts.

The response was excellent from our boys as they put the Rams under intense pressure following the goal. Castledine, Charlie Webster and Malik Mothersille all had half-chances to get us level. We were rewarded for our efforts though in the 12th minute of the game.

After winning a corner on the right, Tudor Mendel-Idowu delivered a wonderful cross which found Luke Badley-Morgan who powered his header home.

Good fortune

We continued our good work and Derby struggled to string passes together. It was from a loose ball in midfield that our boys pounced and as it was laid onto Mendel-Idowu he drove towards goal. His great run led to an opening and just as he was about to pull the trigger, he was clipped from behind.

Webster stepped up and finished well as he sent the keeper the wrong way.

Shifting momentum

Our young Blues remained comfortable on the ball in the opening moments of the second half. However, with the first corner of the new half the young Rams took advantage to level the scoreline. In the windy conditions, the delivery favoured our opponents and landed behind Adegoke, with Ebiowei on hand to finish and get his second of the game.

With Derby now looking confident, we were able to suppress that by getting a third. Webster delivered a wonderful reverse ball to Castledine. His effort was saved well by the keeper but the loose ball fell kindly to Mothersille who has now scored 10 goals in all competitions.

With 64 minutes on the clock, Derby's Ebiowei secured the match-ball with a wonderful effort. He curled a lovely left-footed shot beyond the reach of Adegoke.

The game ended 3-3, with neither side really threatening a winner. The scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

Our Under-18s are next in action on Saturday 4 December when they welcome Arsenal to Cobham in the Under-18 Premier League.

Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Prince Adegoke; Richard Olise, Josh Tobin (c), Luke Badley-Morgan; Derrick Abu, Charlie Webster, Zain Silcott-Duberry (Samuel Rak-Sakyi 64), Edwin Andersson; Tudor Mendel-Idowu (Louis Flower 64), Leo Castledine, Malik Mothersille.Unused Subs: Sam Tlemcani.Booked: Charlie WebsterScorers: Luke Badley-Morgan 12, Charlie Webster 18 (pen), Malik Mothersille 55.

Derby County (4-2-3-1): Alfie Roberts; Sam Sebagabo, Charlie Rutt, Adebayo Fapetu (Trialist 86); Trialist, Nelson Aideyan; Malcolm Ebiowei, Olamide Ibrahim, Dajuane Brown (Harry Hawkins 73); Omari Kellyman, Cian Kelly.Unused Subs: Darren Robinson, Harry Evans, Eli Christie.Scorer: Ebiowei 1 (pen), 50, 64.