Two quality Donnell McNeilly finishes gave our young Blues a deserved victory over Crystal Palace at Cobham this afternoon.

Palace started on top as Zack Henry had a shot which was saved well by Luke Campbell in goal. However, the young Eagles took the lead early soon after that shot, as Campbell could only parry a firm shot from Zach Marsh as the rebound fell to Jesse Derry who tucked away.

We then began to find our groove and Michael Golding unleashed a great shot which was met with a spectacular save by goalkeeper William Eastwood.

Ato Ampah went close soon after with a good strike, but the goalkeeper was there again to swat the ball away. Golding had another chance after a fine through ball from Ampah, but again Eastwood saved well, this time with his face.

McNeilly was next up to squander a huge opportunity as he did well to hurdle a challenge initially but again we failed to find the net as he struck the post.

A fizzed in ball from Ampah found Golding unmarked in the box, but he could not control his effort as it flew over the bar.

The second period followed the same theme as the first, with our boys on top of proceedings.

Reiss Denny smashed an effort against the bar as we continued to push for the equaliser our play deserved.

The goal we were looking for finally came and it was McNeilly who was slid in and finished impressively with his left foot to find the bottom corner.

We almost went ahead through Ampah as his half-volley inside the box was tipped over well by Palace keeper.

Nevertheless, we found the winner and it was McNeilly fresh off his goal at Under-21s level last week, he got his second today for the Under-18s as he was in the right place to receive Murray-Campbell’s assist.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Luke Campbell; Harrison Murray-Campbell, Travis Akomeah (c), Kaiden Wilson, Somto Boniface; Reiss Denny, Harrison McMahon (Frankie Runham 90+6); Michael Golding, Tyrique George, Ato Ampah (Shumaira Mheuka 90+6); Donnell McNeilly.

Unused subs: Kai Crampton, Chinonso Chibueze.

Booked: Kaiden Wilson 37; Travis Akomeah 55; Reiss Denny 90+3.

Scorers: Donnell McNeilly 81, 90+9.

Crystal Palace (4-3-3): William Eastwood; Tyler Whyte, Kai Reece Adams-Cushhman, Cormac Austin (George King 82), Jake Grante, Mofe Jemide, Zack Henry (Seb Williams 25), Matteo Dashi (Leon Elliott 88), Zach Marsh, Hindolo Mustapha, Jesse Derry (Caleb Redhead 72).

Unused subs: Marcus Hill.

Booked: Mofe Jemide 72.

Scorers: Jesse Derry 7.