In Liechtenstein, Josh McEachran and Nathaniel Chalobah are with John Peacock’s England team as they seek to win the European Under-17 Championships. Many people’s favourites for the tournament, they started with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic last week. After going 1-0 down, Everton’s Ross Barkley equalised, with McEachran adding a second and Arsenal’s Benik Afobe a third immediately afterwards. Josh was Man of the Match and was involved in everything England did going forwards, capping his performance with a sumptuous goal which you can watch here.

Chalobah, the youngest player in the tournament by almost 100 days (from Portugal’s Bruma, an apparent Chelsea target), played alongside Andre Wisdom at centre-back and was by far the more accomplished performer, doing his job well defensively and striding forward into midfield with confidence. The Blues pair both started again in Friday’s 1-0 win over Greece to seal a place in the Semi Finals, but were then given a rest on Monday night for the final group fixture with Turkey. A 2-1 win secured a final four match against France on Thursday, when both Josh and Nathaniel will be back in the team, looking to secure a maiden trophy at this level.

One age group up, meanwhile, and the Under-19 generations are competing in the Elite Round of qualifying to try and seal one of eight berths in France this July. One of the first teams to join the hosts was Croatia, who were backstopped by Matej Delač. Despite being a regular at Under-21 level and an occasional senior team squad member, Delač dropped down to give the Croatians a strong chance of making it through. Three wins from three sealed the deal, but Matej played just nineteen minutes of football. A nasty head injury inflicted whilst dealing with a free kick temporarily knocked him unconscious but despite suffering a mild concussion, he is none the worse for wear and should keep goal this summer ahead of potentially joining up with Chelsea in late August, after he turns 18.

Also heading to France are Italians Fabio Borini and Jacopo Sala, who featured in all three group matches against the Czech Republic, Northern Ireland, and Russia. Captain Borini, another regular Under-21 player, grabbed the second goal in a 2-0 win over the Czechs with a finish from the edge of the area, and helped as a Mattia Destro brace secured their qualification in a 3-2 win over Northern Ireland. The Azzurrini lost their last match 3-1 to Russia as our man scored another in consolation, whilst Sala’s three appearances saw one assist in outings where he was twice replaced at half time and once with a quarter of an hour remaining.

The trio will be joined by either Jacob Mellis or Conor Clifford, who are competing for the Group 3 winner’s spot along with the Ukraine and Bosnia. England and Ireland kicked things off in Kyiv earlier today with Noel Blake’s boys taking a 1-0 victory through Dean Parrett’s free kick. However, Ireland were comfortably the better side and will hope the remainder of this week’s fixtures take them through to the finals. Mellis had a decent game in direct competition with his team-mate, as the duo shared a number of tackles, and was replaced with fifteen minutes to go.

Looking forward to the Finals, with Holland and Portugal both also confirmed, there is a chance that Jeffrey Bruma and Kaby may increase club representation but with neither featuring on the road to France, it would be unlikely. Whoever goes, full coverage of their participation will be both here at CFCnet, and on Twitter @chelseayouth.

Cup heroes Sam Walker, Aziz Deen-Conteh, Jacopo Sala and captain Conor Cifford all retained starting places but there were changes elsewhere, with Nathaniel Chalobah restored at centre-back, Ben Gordon given a first Under-18 appearance of the season alongside him, and Adam Phillip returning after missing most of the season out injured.

On an alternative pitch to their usual academy outings, with the main pitch already being torn up for summer work, the game started with a bit of tempo in the midfield but little by way of cutting edge in either end of the field. Ipswich looked the more likely to make something happen with some good approach play, but they were unable to make anything happen in front of goal and it took them a good twenty minutes before Walker was really tested. When it arrived, however, the giant stopper was on hand to make a brilliant one-handed stop to claw the ball away from the upper reaches of the goalnet.

Chelsea moved the ball well, with Sala an increasing influence, showing his extra ability and class across the whole field. In attack he was potent and gave his side a threat down the right, and when Sampayo and Chalobah advanced high up the pitch, he was instinctive to cover their places at the back. It is little things like this which reveal the football player inside the footballer, and Sala continues to grow and show these things with every appearance, a most positive sign.

Chalobah was caught out from a long ball over the top, mis-judging the flight of the ball to allow the forward to ghost in behind, but he showed great tenacity to make up the ground and put in a fine challenge to force the chance out for a corner. It’s easy to forget that he only turned 15 a few months ago, such has been the ease with which he has adapted to academy football. Walker made another save following the corner before Chelsea went down the other end and opened the scoring immediately.

Philliskirk picked up the ball in midfield and advanced forwards into space. Afforded such a luxury, he played a slide-rule ball in behind for Phillip to run onto. He took it into his stride, danced around the goalkeeper and tucked it into the back of the net. It was fantastic to see him scoring on his return to action after so long on the sidelines but joy soon turned to sorrow. He had spent the previous five minutes feeling an upper thigh injury and was unable to shake it off. He limped to the sidelines and was replaced by Philipp Prosenik.

Minutes before half time the lead was doubled in controversial fashion. Lalkovic took on the Ipswich left-back and dazzled him with an array of stopovers before jinking outside. The defender went to ground to tackle, and Lalkovic went over, looking to have drawn contact. There didn’t appear to be much of it, but the referee was duly convinced and pointed to the spot, much to the visitor’s dismay.

The Slovakian took the kick himself but it was a poor one, low and central, allowing the goalkeeper to save. He couldn’t hold onto the ball though, allowing Chalobah to steer the rebound home. Ipswich were incensed, feeling that the schoolboy defender had encroached, but the goal stood. Pointed remarks to the official went unpunished, with the Tractor Boys convinced that he had ruined their chances of a win.

Half time saw Sala and Clifford withdrawn after their midweek exploits, with Anton Rodgers and Todd Kane replacing them. Kane, most commonly a right-back, would adopt a right-wing role which paid early dividends. After Philliskirk – now captain – had made it 3-0, Kane swiftly became the second schoolboy on the scoresheet, driving home on his weaker left foot after Lalkovic’s effort from the left came back off the woodwork. In increasingly teaming rain, Ipswich’s heads had dropped, and they were surely looking forward to going home, with the game well out of sight at 4-0 early in the second half.

From that point, Chelsea eased off the gas, taking the time to pass the ball around with confidence and an air of arrogance, one deserved after earning their strong advantage. Efforts from Saville, Rodgers and Prosenik came in from outside the area, whilst Lalkovic and Deen-Conteh found much joy down the left hand side. The former had a lot of possession and came inside on numerous occasions, but often declined to shoot until the opportunity had passed its best point. Quicker decision making could have led to a far more prolific day for both him and the team.

Ipswich had a late and rare second half sight of goal from a free kick but it was wastefully sent high and wide, whilst Rodgers had one of his own at the other end end up in the side netting. With most of the goalmouth action concentrated in the five minutes either side of half time the game largely felt like even more of an end of season affair than usual and the referee brought an end to proceedings with everybody awaiting his whistle, none more keenly than Chris Kiwomya’s boys.

It was a professional performance if anything by Chelsea, who end their home campaign with just one defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace. After a leaky season defensively last year they’ve shored up dramatically and will be hoping for one last hurrah away to Tottenham on Monday lunchtime. Today, Saville, Philliskirk, Deen-Conteh and Sampayo impressed, whilst Gordon, Lalkovic and Chalobah showed some very good with some decidedly average. Sala shone brightest for 45 minutes on a day where nobody played badly, and the atmosphere around the academy was profoundly upbeat after a week in which it reached heights it has long since been waiting for.

Team: Walker, Sampayo, Chalobah, Gordon, Deen-Conteh, C.Clifford (c) (Rodgers 45), Saville, Philliskirk, Lalkovic, Sala (Kane 45), Phillip (Prosenik 41)
Goals: Phillip 41, Chalobah 45, Philliskirk 47, Kane 50

It served as reward for an evening of attacking football, and whilst the end product rarely qualified as excellence, the approach play and individual skill was worthy of high praise. Josh McEachran and in particular Jacopo Sala had outstanding evenings and helped the team on their way, but for the second time, Aston Villa forced them to come from behind. Tony McAndrew’s boys deserve every credit, and are easily the best team Chelsea have played in the competition.

Both teams fielded the same line-ups as the first leg, meaning a level of familiarity was present at kickoff, even if the majority of the 10,400 in attendance may not have been able to identify many of those present on the pitch. By the end of the night they were serenading Sam Walker, Jeffrey Bruma and others in song, and may yet be for years to come. Dermot Drummy’s boys started well, spreading the ball wide to both flanks, and threatened early first through a sliced cross from Jacopo Sala which went over, and then a shot from Kaby which whistled just over the top corner.

Villa briefly threatened when Ryan Simmonds showed agility to hook an acrobatic volley towards the top corner of the other goal but Walker got across well to direct it around the post. They were content to sit back early and let Chelsea have the play, but would have been regretting it had Marko Mitrovic or Bruma taken their gilt-edged chances around the quarter-hour mark. The Dutch defender first found himself wide open at the far post from a corner but stooped to head wide, before flying down the right wing and sending a cross over which offered Mitrovic a close-range tap-in, but he was unable to make contact and the chance was spurned.

Whilst the hosts continued to create openings but not take advantage of them, the visitors did, and in clinical fashion. The diminutive Simmonds popped up on the right and delivered a devilish cross from which striker Kofi Poyser converted, glancing a quick header into the corner and past the despairing dive of Walker. Just as in the first leg, Villa had taken the lead against the run of play, and thus were able to almost dictate the flow of the game. Ebby Nelson-Addy and Richard Blythe would retreat into holding roles deeper in the field and with wingers Tomos Roberts and Samir Carruthers covering the advancing full-backs, Chelsea were stifled and struggling for space in which to play.

Indeed, the only chances to immediately follow came from outside the area, and neither Kaby’s tame weak footed effort or Clifford’s high shot were threatening to Benjamin Siegrist. Bruma’s scuffed left-footed shot after a mazy and marauding run had the Swiss scampering, but it trickled wide of the post. Holding the lead until the break, Villa and McAndrew will have undoubtedly gone into the Stamford Bridge dressing rooms the happier of the two teams, but Chelsea will surely have taken heart from their showing, in the knowledge that the odds were in favour of them scoring a goal eventually.

True to first half form, the tempo was high after the restart, with plenty of ball for the wingers, Sala and Gokhan Tore. Whilst the Turk often toiled and was indecisive, the Italian was on top of his game, and everything began to flow through him, via the silky smooth McEachran. Early in the second half the former sent another dangerous cross in from the right, with pace and direction, but nobody gambled on getting on the end of it. Shots were to come from further out, and when Aziz Deen-Conteh chanced his arm from 25 yards, it took a world-class stop from Siegrist to stop the ball arrowing into the top corner.

It was Rohan Ince’s turn to have a shy at the increasingly peppered Villa goal, glancing a header wide from a corner. He was needed in a defensive capacity at the other end shortly afterwards though, putting himself in the right place at the right time to intercept a cross, having covered well on the break in the first place. After a shaky first leg and uncertain opening quarter to the second, he began to thrive and outperformed his more senior defensive partner on the evening.

As Mitrovic saw his header cleared off the line and Clifford put another shot over the crossbar, the tension began to rise as the question of whether a goal would arrive at all crept into Chelsea thoughts. The answer was an emphatic yes, and it came from the move of the night. Kaby won the ball in his own half and kicked off a move which led to McEachran wriggling free into space and playing a lovely ball in for Sala down the left. His first-time ball across the face of the area was met by Mitrovic at the near post, and all he needed to do was open his body and guide the ball into the net . In front of a capacity Shed/East Lower corner, joyous celebrations provided the impetus to go on and search for a winner.

Sala’s tail was well and truly up and having just provided a goal with his weaker foot, chanced his arm at goal from distance. It went over, but not by a great margin, and was indicative of the sort of confidence flowing through those in blue shirts by this point. They still had a job to do defensively though, and were thoroughly reminded of that when substitute Darius Darkin found himself open in the penalty area with the chance to shoot. Instead, he opted for a pass to Poyser, but Ince was on hand to remove the danger. A shot would have been the favoured option, and it was a definite let-off.

Back to the siege on Siegrist’s goal, and McEachran began to dazzle. A run of sheer magical perfection saw him beat three men before laying the ball off to Sala, who saw his shot blocked. If the ball was on his left foot McEachran might have looked to finish the run with a shot, but uncertain on his right side, chose to let somebody else have a go. Shortly after, it became irrelevant. More Chelsea pressure created space for Clifford on the edge of the area, and this time he got it right, sending an arrow into the top corner to win the Cup in spectacular style. The Bridge erupted in celebration, with a goal truly worthy of sealing the win.

Villa threw on Arsenio Halfhuid in a desperate attempt to chase the game, but left space for Chelsea to break into. Gokhan will have been disappointed not to add another to the scoreline when he hit the crossbar twice with one effort, his first shot bouncing off the top of the goalframe before landing on it a second time. He swiftly made way for the fresher legs of Milan Lalkovic, whilst George Saville also saw time in relief of the injured Kaby. The Portuguese midfielder suffered what appeared to be a serious injury in stoppage time and was unable to join his team-mates in celebration post-match. It therefore must be mentioned how well he played on the night and how much he has improved this season. Hopefully the injury will prove to not be serious and he can celebrate with the rest of the squad tonight.

Carruthers sent a late, desperate shot wide but Kevin Friend ended their chances of an unlikely response with the final whistle, signalling the start of the victory party. The squad took a lap of honour, obviously delighted, before the goalscoring hero Clifford lifted the FA Youth Cup. A fantastic way to end the night, and to cap a good youth season. Who knows, it could be the first trophy of three in the next fortnight.

What a story that would be…

Team: Walker, B.Clifford, Ince, Bruma, Deen-Conteh, C.Clifford (c), Kaby (Saville 90), McEachran, Gokhan Tore (Lalkovic 88), Sala, Mitrovic
Goals: Mitrovic ’64, C.Clifford ’83

Villa: Siegrist, Berry, Williams (Darkin 71), Devine, Deeney (c), Blythe (Halfhuid 87), Nelson-Addy, Carruthers, Roberts, Simmonds, Poyser
Goals: Poyser ’32

A full match gallery is now available, courtesy of Dan Davies.

Dermot Drummy, predictably, kept faith with the core of the side which has progressed through the rounds to the Final, but was forced into one defensive change. Schoolboy Daniel Mills Pappoe was enforced into an absence due to a hamstring injury, meaning Rohan Ince came in to partner Jeffrey Bruma at centre-back. Meanwhile, the hosts were missing a number of key players to due long-term problems, particularly goalscoring threats Gary Gardner and Jason Lampkin, but set up in a 4-4-2 formation with Tomos Roberts and Samir Carruthers providing width for Kofi Poyser and Ryan Simmonds in attack.

In heavy rain at Villa Park, which had attracted a decent if not healthy attendance with free entry for all, Chelsea began brightly and pushed to seize an early initiative. Gokhan Tore and Aziz Deen-Conteh poured down the left flank in the opening ten minutes, testing our Durrell Berry at full-back, with the converted striker struggling to cope with the demands. Long range efforts from Conor Clifford and Kaby provided sighters with the Irishman testing Benjamin Siegrist for the first time, before the real chances began to fall.

Gokhan had the first of those, after a nice pass from Josh McEachran opened up the play down the left wing again. The ball broke inside and after some neat footwork from the Turkish Under-21 international, only a last-ditch block denied him the goal the move deserved. From the resulting corner, Marko Mitrovic flicked a header from the near post which clipped the top of the crossbar on its way over. The bright start had Chelsea firmly on top but there was no goal to reward their dominance, and it was to prove telling. Villa had only threatened with long efforts from Ebby Nelson-Addy and Carruthers, but midway through the first half took the lead against the run of play.

It came about after Ince played a sloppy back-pass towards Sam Walker without looking, and conceded an unnecessary corner. Walker cleared the ball with an impressive punch but Richard Blythe was afforded time and space to play the ball back into the danger area. The looping ball found the head of centre-back Daniel Devine, who outjumped Mitrovic and looped a header over the stranded Walker and into the back of the net.

As if stung by the goal, Chelsea looked to level the game and the woodwork was to deny them for the second time. Play from the right broke inside and from the edge of the area McEachran struck a firm left-footed effort which Siegrist could only watch as it crashed off the angle of post and bar and away to safety. The game became a little stretched and Villa could have had a second with ten minutes to go until half time when Poyser ruffled the feathers of Ince and made his way into the six yard box before being denied by Walker’s feet.

Mitrovic’s appeals for a penalty close to the break for a near-post handball were denied and not entirely convincing, and closed the half out by struggling to reach an impressive cross by Bruma when free inside the six yard box. For all their hard work and creativity, they went into the dry of the Villa Park changing rooms trailing by a goal with the tie at the quarter point.

They didn’t come out looking particularly fresh and it was Villa who had their tails up, looking to take advantage of their lead and seize the initiative of the tie whilst at home. Some tough challenges from both sides came in and referee Kevin Friend issued a yellow card to one of the Villa number, but despite their territorial advantage, Walker had nothing to do. Mind you, neither did Siegrist as the visitors were limited to speculative long-range efforts from Clifford, although some clever play from Kaby almost created an opening for Mitrovic before Williams closed the door.

As the match hit the hour mark Chelsea were presented with their best chance of the night, as goalscorer Devine slipped on the wet turf in his own area. McEachran, who had been quiet and well-shackled all-night, took over and flicked the ball past the advancing Swiss stopper to Mitrovic, who had the goal at his mercy. He hit his effort first-time from six yards but somehow managed to find the head of Berry, who was on the line defending. However, despite missing the biggest chance of the match, they were to get level three-quarters of the way through the evening and in some style.

A free kick was awarded some 25 yards from goal, slightly left of centre. Gokhan and McEachran looked interested and with good reason as both are adept from set pieces, but the chance favoured a right foot, meaning the equally capable Jeffrey Bruma looked favourite. The Dutch Under-21 defender stepped up and curled a beauty over the wall and beyond Siegrist, who may have wanted to do better with the ball travelling within reach. Nonetheless, it was a spectacular goal and his third of the Youth Cup run.

With the momentum now fully shifted Drummy’s boys poured forwards in search of a winner, and had a chance when Deen-Conteh and Sala did well to create an opening for Clifford, who saw his effort blocked. The impact of the attempt and the follow-through left him struggling to continue with a lower leg injury, and with twenty minutes left he was withdrawn and replaced by Milan Lalkovic. The Slovakian would move wide and Sala dropped deeper into midfield.

The change seemed to remove some of the energy from the match and as the match ticked towards full-time, neither side looked likely to make something happen. Villa changed up their attacking options by introducing Darius Darkin and Arsenio Halfhuid, but when they had a chance to put the ball into the box from a free kick, Berry sent a comical effort flying into the far side touchline. The pace had dropped but the game had a sense that there would be a chance coming inside the final five minutes and it came to Chelsea in the 89th minutes. McEachran laid the ball off after a cleared free kick and Sala struck a clean, crisp effort which flew past Siegrist but crashed away to safety off the post, the third time on the night the woodwork had denied the Blues.

It proved to be the last effort in anger and Kevin Friend blew time on a pulsating first leg leaving everything to play for next Tuesday, particularly with away goals not counting for double. Lots of intriguing individual battles await as the two sides become more familiar with eachother and both will feel that they have a hand on the trophy. In reality, it might prove to be that Bruma’s sensational effort to keep Chelsea on terms going into their home leg gives them the slight edge, but we’re at half time in this FA Youth Cup Final.

Team: Walker, B.Clifford, Bruma, Ince, Deen-Conteh (Sampayo 90), Kaby, C.Clifford (c) (Lalkovic 72), McEachran, Gokhan Tore, Sala, Mitrovic
Goal: Bruma ’65

Villa: Siegrist, Berry, Williams, Devine, Deeney, Blythe, Nelson-Addy, Carruthers, Roberts, Simmonds (Halfhuid 75), Poyser (Darkin 70)
Goal: Devine ’19

Indeed, Sam Walker was, for the second week running, the only player who will play against Aston Villa to feature. Dermot Drummy gave starts to schoolboys Todd Kane and Nathaniel Chalobah in defence, the latter starting after scoring as a second half replacement at Leicester last week. Alongside the 15 year-old Chalobah was 19 year-old Kenny Strickland, quite the age difference. Nikki Ahamed and captain Daniel Philliskirk both continued to receive playing time in a diamond midfield anchored by Anton Rodgers, whilst Devyne was partnered by Philipp Prosenik in attack.

Devyne may well have had a successful day but it didn’t start well, as he missed a glorious chance for an early opener in a moment he will want to forget. Philliskirk broke up play inside the Cardiff third and carried it deep into the area. With the Kenyan forward open on the edge of the six yard box, the ball was duly squared to him for a tap-in, but a horrible left-footed scuff saw the ball go well wide of the target. It was the most gilt-edged of chances and with only Chalobah threatening from consecutive set pieces in the early stages, it was one which will have undoubtedly preyes on Chelsea minds.

The match had an end-of-season feel, with both sides approaching the final matches of the campaign having nothing to play for in the league. Cardiff offered nothing going forward and Chelsea were content to probe, playing the ball from side to side, looking to get Kane and Ben Sampayo forward from full-back, providing width in the diamond formation. The early issues arose when Sampayo looked to come inside onto his preferred right foot, which funnelled everything into a narrow part of the pitch, and prevented penetration. When Chalobah swapped sides with Strickland in the middle, he looked to play passes wider of Sampayo to force the left foot into action, and it worked, allowing Chelsea to get in behind the visitors and force the play.

Prosenik had been quiet for the opening quarter of the match but came alive with a fiercely-struck left-footed effort from the edge of the area which goalkeeper Reece Ottley beat away well, but it was the creative side of his game which saw the Blues take the lead shortly before the half hour mark. After they won the ball back on the halfway line the Austrian played a slide-rule ball in behind for Devyne to run onto. Picking it up towards the left of the penalty area, a cheeky heel flick created the space inside for a shot. Ottley was beaten but the ball came back off the post, yet not to be denied, Devyne stayed alert to follow up and tap into the back of the net.

Less than a minute later the lead was doubled through the same man. Chelsea came forward having robbed Cardiff of possession from the restart and when Devyne found himself unchallenged on the edge of the area, he set himself up for a shot. It was low and accurate, but despite lacking pace found the bottom corner. Ottley may claim he was unsighted, but will look at the goal as one he will have wanted back. Nonetheless, the lead was 2-0, and although Cardiff may have felt it was an unfair reflection of proceedings, they had offered nothing and continued to, for the next ten minutes at least.

Confidence was flowing in the Chelsea ranks and further opportunity arrived for both Prosenik and Rodgers. The former collided with Ottley and was unable to direct an aerial attempt on target, whilst the Irish midfielder curled a free kick from wide onto the top of the crossbar. It looked for all the world a stroll in the park for Drummy’s boys, but a five minute spell before half time brought them firmly to earth with a resounding bump. The deficit was halved minutes before the break by captain Nathaniel Jarvis, who showed good strength and technique to get into position before crisply beating Walker, although there may have been a deflection. Chelsea appeared to be slacking off with the break approaching and from a stoppage time corner, they saw their lead wiped out. The ball was poorly cleared to the edge of the area, and a well-stuck volley was turned past Walker by Stephen Last, who stuck a leg out to leave the giant stopper stranded.

The parity restored by the Welsh was hardly deserved, but they had fought their way back into a game they had never been in and one would imagine that the Chelsea dressing room will not have been a happy place during the interval. The second half started as most second halves do at academy level, with a slower pace and a lack of tenacity. On this day, it meant the next fifteen minutes were rather sleep-inducing, but a moment of individual brilliance created the chance for the hosts to restore their lead.

It came from a Cardiff corner, which was cleared to Todd Kane on the edge of his own area. Ignoring an outlet pass to Philliskirk he accelerated away from two men and headed for the space in the middle of the pitch. With the Bluebirds committed forwards he found a lot of green to run into and continued on his way, beating another man in the middle of the pitch before being forced wide on the edge of the area. As men flooded back he had to hold the ball up, but found space to beat the right back to the touchline and cut the ball back for Philliskirk to slam into the back of the net. It was a quite brilliant show of effort, pace and skill from the schoolboy, and one which had turned the game back in his side’s favour.

Back ahead, the ball began to move around the blue shirts with more zip and pace, and opportunities arose for Devyne to secure himself the match ball. He was, however, denied by two blocks, the second a rather impressive one inside the six yard box, before he was withdrawn having picked up an injury. With all outfield substitutes named playing for the Under-16s, it meant John Swift was called from the pitch up the hill to enter the fray, slotting into midfield with Philliskirk offering more by way of attack. He quickly got stuck in, making one or two meaty tackles within minutes of his arrival.

With Chelsea content to retreat into what was essentially a five-man midfield, Cardiff began to throw everything forward. Tricky forward Billy Taylor carried the charge but grew frustrated, and chances fell to goalscorer Jarvis. He found himself on the end of two crosses, both headed over, whilst appeals for a penalty were loud enough to be heard back in Wales but there wasn’t much in Sampayo’s challenge to convince Mr Taafe to award a spot kick. Walker remained calm in his area to pluck a number of high balls out of the sky and Chelsea came away with a 3-2 victory.

Most impressive on the day was full-back Kane, who summed up his performance with his match-winning assist. Full of energy and vigour, he was keen from the off and showed solid contributions at both ends of the pitch on what was his first Under-18 appearance at Cobham. His schoolboy counterpart Chalobah was neat and tidy but struggled late on against the stockier Jarvis. Elsewhere, Rodgers and Saville kept the game flowing with sharp passing, whilst Ahamed and Prosenik were perhaps quieter than they would have liked. At the very least, Saturday showed that whilst the first choice are ready for the Youth Cup, there is plenty in reserve.

Team: Walker, Kane, Chalobah, Strickland, Sampayo, Rodgers, Saville, Ahamed, Philliskirk (c), Prosenik, Devyne (Swift 80)

Goals: Devyne ’29, ’30, Philliskirk ’60

We’ll come to the showpiece occasion shortly, but first the weekend action, and the performance was a largely credible one from Dermot Drummy’s boys, who went down fighting inside the last ten minutes to a Leicester team who are unbeaten in league football this season, and have only suffered a Cup defeat to Liverpool. Goalkeeper Sam Walker was the only regular to feature, and he made way for Aldi Haxhia, who is being given occasional action ahead of his summer release. Schoolboy Todd Kane made his second start of the season in defence, with Ben Sampayo on the left and Rohan Ince paired with Kenny Strickland, another who is likely to move on in the summer, in the middle.

A diamond midfield featured Daniel Philliskirk for just the third time in the Under-18s this season, and Nikki Ahamed for just the second as both need playing time with the reserve campaign complete, and Philipp Prosenik continued his comeback from injury alongside Bobby Devyne in attack. However, two goals inside the opening quarter of an hour from prolific Welsh Under-21 hitman Elliott Chamberlain put the visitors on the back foot at Belvoir Drive, and it was an uphill struggle from there on.

With no joy until the break, it would turn out to be one of Drummy’s substitutes who would make the difference and kick-start the comeback. Nathaniel Chalobah, still barely 15 but an England Under-17 international defender, came on for Bobby Devyne and slotted into midfield, with Philliskirk moving into attack. He reduced arrears with a volley at the far post, converting Kane’s cross, and gave Chelsea a way back. Midway through the second period and parity was restored when Ahamed struck a stunning effort from long range which left goalkeeper Robert Ambrusic with no chance. It wasn’t to be their day though, and substitute Ollie Norburn scored a contentious winner with six minutes left, with there being a debate as to whether the ball crossed the line. The result leaves Chelsea in 4th place in Group A, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, with a game in hand, but with only four fixtures remaining.

Team: Walker (Haxhia 60), Kane, Ince, Strickland, Sampayo, Saville, Ahamed, Rodgers, Philliskirk, Devyne (Chalobah 45), Prosenik
Goals: Chalobah, Ahamed

Meanwhile, ten of the expected eleven to start in the FA Youth Cup Final will have had a long break from action before they head to Villa Park for the first leg of their second appearance in the occasion in three years. Jeffrey Bruma continues to travel with the first team and will be involved against Aston Villa unless needed in the first team – the Stoke fixture is four days before the first leg and he may be needed with John Terry suspended – whilst others, like Milan Lalkovic this week – have been training with the senior players.

A full preview will follow early next week as the match itself draws nearer but the team will most certainly be along the lines of what we’ve seen throughout the competition. Sam Walker will keep goal behind a back four of Billy Clifford, Bruma, Daniel Mills Pappoe and Aziz Deen-Conteh. Josh McEachran and Conor Clifford are likely to be certain starters, with Kaby not far behind them. If the Portuguese midfielder doesn’t start, Lalkovic will join Jacopo Sala, Gokhan Tore and Marko Mitrovic in attack.

Villa reached the Final by beating Rochdale, West Brom, Millwall, Fulham and Newcastle United, the latter in the Semi Finals. They were rather lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw from the first leg at home, with Kofi Poyser cancelling out Phil Airey’s strike, and benefitted from an own goal by goalkeeper Jack Alnwick in the return at St. James’ Park to qualify against the run of play in the two ties. That said, it would be foolish to underestimate what is a talented side, and whilst a full team preview will once again follow next week, goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist was part of the Swiss team who are currently Under-17 World Champions, and they have copious firepower in attack, even from part-time striker Arsenio Halfhuid, most commonly a defender.

The two sides met in the 2007/08 Semi Final, where a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge (Adam Phillip equalising a Nathan Delfouneso goal) was followed by a 3-2 win in Birmingham, with goals coming from Gael Kakuta, Sergio Tejera, and a winner from cup hero Phillip. This year’s tie promises to be just as exciting, and the dates were confirmed today:

FA Youth Cup Final First Leg: Aston Villa vs Chelsea, Villa Park, Thursday 29th April, 7.30pm
Tickets: Call 0800 612 0970

FA Youth Cup Final Second Leg: Chelsea vs Aston Villa, Stamford Bridge, Tuesday 4th May, 7.45pm
Tickets: £3 adults, £1 concessions, available shortly until 5pm on match day.

Look out for more in-depth coverage in the build-up to the big event, and keep an eye on Twitter @chelseayouth for information on tickets.

It’s been a few weeks since the Under-18s were involved in domestic action, as they travelled to the United States for the Dallas Cup, where they suffered an unfortunate group stage elimination. Their return to league football came in the form of a re-arranged fixture away to Portsmouth on Saturday morning, and it was a winning return, as goals from Philipp Prosenik and Anton Rodgers sealed a 2-0 win. Prosenik was making his competitive return to action for the first time since November, having suffered three different injuries this season, curtailing his progress in his first season abroad. He grabbed the opener in this fixture just before the half hour mark, moving onto a perfect corner from Rodgers to slam a header past Liam O’Brien.

Chelsea had already beaten Portsmouth twice in youth team football this season, with a 3-2 win at Cobham followed by a 1-0 victory in the FA Youth Cup at Stamford Bridge, and they sealed the season sweep late in the second half when Rodgers curled a deft free kick into the back of the net from the edge of the area. The Irishman’s season has also been up and down with irregular involvement caused by injury and international commitments, but he has chipped in with a handful of spectacular goals and continues to prove his worth when he gets time to show what he can do.

The match was also notable for the return to action of captain Connor Clifford, who had been out for a few weeks after picking up an ankle problem in the second leg of the Youth Cup tie against Blackburn Rovers. His fitness will be crucial ahead of the Final, which will be against either Aston Villa or Newcastle. They drew 1-1 in their first leg this past week, and the tie will be decided in the coming days.

Team: Walker, Sampayo, Strickland, Ince, Deen-Conteh, Saville, C.Clifford (c), Rodgers, Prosenik, Lalkovic, Mitrovic

On the loan front, the season is entering its final weeks and for the majority of Chelsea’s young prospects enjoying spells elsewhere, everything is still to play for, perhaps nowhere moreso than in Holland, where FC Twente are two games away from their first title in over 80 years. A tough 2-0 win over Heerenveen on Saturday night means that Miroslav Stoch and Slobodan Rajkovic edge that little bit closer to their first senior silverware, even if their involvements in the side continue to differ. Rajkovic was an unused sub once again, whilst Miroslav returned to the starting eleven after injury, and played almost the full duration, making way in stoppage time. His performance was again a little below his par for the campaign, but whilst Ajax continue to mount late pressure – a 7-0 win over VVV Venlo keeps them in contention with 96 goals scored and an absurd +77 goal difference – it very much remains in Steve McClaren’s hands.

In England, Michael Mancienne, Jack Cork and Scott Sinclair are still involved in a relegation battle, although Franco Di Santo and Blackburn are safe. The Argentinian spent his Sunday lunchtime sat on the bench enjoying the Lancashire sunshine as his teammates took a deserved point from Manchester United, and aided Chelsea’s title chase in the process. Sinclair had a free weekend as a consequence of Wigan being without a fixture due to FA Cup Semi Final commitments, but both Mancienne and Cork started and played big parts in the fight against the drop for their respective sides.

Mancienne has been rather integral to Wolves’ performances of late and a point at home to Stoke in a goalless draw on Sunday keeps Mick McCarthy’s side six points clear of the drop with four games to play. He was neat and tidy in his work, and whilst he won’t commit to his thoughts on where his future lies next season, it’s a promising sign for him personally to be playing well in the top flight on a consistent basis.

Cork, meanwhile, was restored to the Burnley starting team after last weekend’s Claret calamity at home to Manchester City and, coincidence or not, was part of the club’s best result in months. A huge 4-1 victory over Hull at the KC Stadium still leaves them with work to do, but it offers a great deal more hope than it did before the match. Whether Cork’s inclusion in the side affects their performance or not is well up for debate, but he certainly does appear to offer them more than alternative options such as Kevin McDonald, and had a good afternoon on Saturday.

Down in The Championship, the season is somehow still alive for Ryan Bertrand and Reading. They currently lie nine points out of a playoff spot after the weekend 0-0 draw at Cardiff, but have two games in hand which could leave them with a potential outside shot at sneaking into the top six. The match in Wales appears to have had very little by way of incident, but it can probably be said that a clean sheet to his name makes it a decent weekend for the attacking left-back, who this week spoke of his frustration at not being given a chance to break through at Stamford Bridge, and suggested he may be happy to remain at Reading on a permanent basis.

Ben Gordon continued his experiences at Tranmere with a 2-1 defeat away to Walsall, and picked up another yellow card for his troubles. Manager Les Parry offered a comment on his contributions to date:

“When we look at the contribution of Ben he’s stronger in defending, but not so effective going forward. Ben has done nothing wrong, but certainly with it being a home game it’s something we’ve got to seriously consider.”

There’s even something for Matej Delač to play for, albeit on a different scale. In an up and down performance from the teenage stopper at the weekend, Inter Zapresic lost 3-1 to bottom placed Croatia Sesvete, and it cost their manager his job. Matej made some outstanding saves but was also poor on occasion, and you can judge for yourself in the match highlights here. The new man in charge is Ilija Lončarević, a man of great experience and reputation, and somebody Matej will be looking to impress in his final months in Croatia.

I am sad to report that the little boys did not get through, but not for lack of trying. They won yesterday 1-0 but needed to two to advance. And I have to tell you it wasn’t because of lack of heart, skill or talent! We were the best team by far, just ask any person watching, and most of them were neutrals. The boys played in 85 degree heat and wind gusts of 40mph or more, that challenged the way they played, but that wasn’t the worst bit. They got a ref that was seriously the worst ref I have ever seen, he nearly sent off a player for one yellow card, he got fouls wrong endlessly to the moans of the people watching (how do you get bundled over and still pick up the foul???), and when he sent off the opposing teams coach refused to make the guy actually leave, and allowed the worst amount of delay of game I have ever seen, and that wasn’t the worst bit.

The worst bit, was the team we played, from the start they were about one thing and one thing only, delaying the game (in this tournament they are only allowed a maximum of 4 minutes of stoppage). They took at least 2 minutes to complete a goal kick, endless time “losing” the ball on the sidelines for a throw in, booting the ball not only over here there and everywhere, but to a point that the ball was not retrievable, thought they would saunter away to try, and then have to be called back to start play again, I have never seen anything like it. Not just the last 8 minutes of the match, but nearly the entire match!! It was horrible, the folks on the side lines (and true lovers of the game and not Chelsea) were complaining bitterly about how unfair it was. But in the end the wind and the ref and the delay of game was more than we could climb and we didn’t get that second goal (yes it is hard to get beyond a bus!!!)

Marco scored the goal not 5 minutes from the start of play and it was a great goal. We were all over them throughout the match, they never looked half our strength or talent, which is probably why the reverted to cheating. Heimann, Aziz, Billy Clifford, Kaby, Daniel P (C), Pirez, Danny Mills, Sala, Marco, Kenny and Gokhan started the match, and all played some brilliant stuff. You know there could have been a ton of injuries, the heat was a killer and Monterrey were kicking out at folks (as they generally do in that country) and it is a miracle we left without an injury. Danny Mills almost was a victim, but got a yellow card instead (outrageous), luckily he is a tough lad and brushed it off in no time. At one point I heard one of the players scream “I have never seen a guy like this!” After the half Lalkovic came on for Kenny and they shuffled positions around, then Ince on for Daniel and Ben Sampayo on for Aziz, and they played just as tough and heroically. Their frustration was palpable, but they did the club proud, never lost their cool, and kept fighting on, a number of near chances, but always with the wind just a bit one side or the other. They had much to be proud of.

The boys were very down, but through all their frustration and anger, they never showed it on the pitch, they were consummate professionals, just trying to play and win, they did us proud!!

We had a good night out after and we are sending them back from America, confident and sharp and uninjured. They are definitely up for the FA Youth Cup Final, and have every desire to succeed.

As the marquee visitor to the competition in the Super Group, Chelsea were chosen for prime billing as the competition kicked off on Sunday at Pizza Hut Park, the lavish 22,000 capacity stadium of MLS side FC Dallas. It was the host’s Under-18 side that provided the opposition, and put up a stern test against a team which mixed youth and reserve team players, with Dermot Drummy intent on sharing around playing time for the week.

On what was a rather windy afternoon in South Texas, the action got underway at a slower pace than we’re accustomed to seeing from the young Blues, but they made the better of the early going and took the lead through Daniel Mills Pappoe, who converted a chance from a corner. Daniel has often posed a threat in overseas tournaments whilst representing Chelsea – famously winning the top goalscorer award at one in Holland – and continued that form with a close range finish past the replacement goalkeeper Zach Downes, who had replaced the injured Jaime Ibarra.

The giant centre-back was needed at the other end to clear off the line as the hosts regrouped and looked threatening, particularly through the highly-rated Ruben Luna, but there were no further goals before the break. In the second half, Luna continued to cause problems, but it was Chelsea who scored the second, with Uruguayan forward Jhon Pirez, on as a sub, showing nice close control before finishing from outside the area. Pirez joined Chelsea in the summer of 2008 but due to FIFA regulations concerning the international movement of Under-18s, he won’t be able to come to England before March 2011. For now, he is free to play in friendly action, and wasted no time in impressing.

A third goal arrived from Daniel Philliskirk, but the late stages were made nervous when Jonathan Top and then Luna both scored in quick succession. As Dallas pushed for an equaliser against a tired and jetlagged opponent, they were caught out late and Jacopo Sala sealed the points late on.

Team: Heimann, Ahamed (Saville), Mills Pappoe, Strickland (Ince), Deen-Conteh, Kaby (Kane), Philliskirk (c) (Rodgers), B.Clifford (Lalkovic), Gokhan Tore, Sala, Mitrovic (Pirez)

On Monday, Drummy rotated the personnel around and gave starts to Sam Walker, Ben Sampayo, Anton Rodgers, Milan Lalkovic, Bobby Devyne and Pirez, but the changes didn’t have a great effect, as the boys were upset and lost 0-1 to LD Alajuelense. A scrappy first half was woken by a more direct and keen Chelsea after the restart, and the introduction of Rohan Ince and Gokhan Tore helped set a better tone, but both wasted chances before seeing a long free kick curl past everyone and bounce in at Walker’s far post. The Costa Ricans had already hit the post and in the intense heat, probably deserved their victory.

Team: Walker, Ahamed, Mills Pappoe, Strickland, Sampayo, Kaby, Philliskirk (c), Rodgers, Devyne, Lalkovic, Pirez
Subs Used: Ince, Gokhan Tore, Sala, Kane, Mitrovic, Deen-Conteh

It means that Wednesday’s game against Mexican side CF Monterrey is a must-win, and they will also hope that FC Dallas are able to help them out later tonight by getting a result against the same opposition. How seriously Chelsea are taking the competition will determine team news for that one, with Danny Stenning and Archange Nkumu yet to see action. Giving the two schoolboys a start would be great for their development, but might also be a tougher ask against undoubtedly talented opposition.

We shall see, as CFCnet continues its coverage of the 31st Dallas Cup throughout the week. You can also keep up to date with news on Twitter by following @chelseayouth and @dallascup.

(Photography provided by Craig Marcho).
(Report updated as per wonderful feedback from Beth in comments section)

Perhaps surprisingly, goalkeeper Sam Walker played in both fixtures. With Jan Sebek travelling with the first team squad for the Portsmouth match tomorrow due to Rhys Taylor’s injury, and Niclas Heimann looking for a new club for next season, the decision was taken to give the impressive youth team stopper his debut in Steve Holland’s reserve side. Also playing for the second consecutive night was Milan Lalkovic, who played an hour of the Youth Cup Semi Final. With this being the club’s third game in as many days across all levels, numbers were thin, and were made even thinner by the first team’s injury crisis.

This amounted to Nikki Ahamed playing in an unfamiliar left-back role, and rare opportunities for Nana Ofori-Twumasi and Daniel Philliskirk to start. Alongside Kenny Strickland at centre-back was captain Sam Hutchinson, playing for the first time in five months after the latest in a series of knee problems. The rest of the team saw usual stalwarts Bridcutt, Mellis, Kakuta and Borini take to the field, although the subs bench left experience to be desired, with four first year scholars alongside backup goalkeeper Aldi Haxhia.

Fulham, as is standard at this level, came in with a mix of youth and experience, giving playing time to internationals Erik Nevland, Kagiso Dikgacoi and Frederik Stoor, but also to young defenders Matthew Briggs and Cheikh Toure and impressive Dutch forward Danny Hoesen, who would be the peripheral figure he tends to be against the Blues. In front of a surprisingly busy crowd at a Motspur Park pitch shrouded in darkness and rain, the action got underway with the Cottagers pressing high up the pitch, forcing early errors from a nervous visiting back four.

Indeed, they were to have the first goalmouth action, as Robert Milsom’s well-struck drive from the edge of the area drew a sharp stop away to Walker’s left, before a rebound effort skidded wide. As the rain picked up speed and Chelsea toiled with poor control of a wet ball, Fulham grew in stature and ensured that the young Chelsea goalkeeper’s first night at this level would be a busy one. He was again impressive in keeping out a good shot from Hoesen, but from the resulting corner he was powerless to prevent the striker turning the ball home from close range. It was his fourth goal against the visitors at youth and reserve level, and put his side ahead after just sixteen minutes.

Billy McKinlay’s side pressed with a high tempo and continued to force mistakes, particularly from Ahamed, who was finding the going tough out of position. Former Blues schoolboy Neil Etheridge was having a quiet night in the home goal, it taking until midway through the first half for Chelsea to really threaten, but Jacob Mellis’ shot was high and didn’t worry the Filipino international. Whilst they toiled, Fulham looked clinical, and doubled their lead before the half hour. Hoesen was once more an integral figure, coming inside and firing a powerful shot across the face of goal. Walker looked set to deal with it but Nevland arrived unmarked to blast home from point blank range.

Chelsea were simply second best in every area of the pitch, and were lacking a commitment and enthusiasm which somewhat mirrored the first team’s approach at Blackburn on Sunday. Heads had dropped and blue shirts were hiding behind white when options were needed in possession. Borini was working a lone furrow up front and not getting much joy out of either centre-back, both of whom had the physical edge, and instead had to resort to shooting from distance. The results weren’t pretty, sailing over the crossbar and into the car park on one occasion. At the other end, Dikgacoi chanced his arm from the halfway line, and whilst Walker had it covered, it wasn’t too far away from being a worry.

In first half stoppage time a Kakuta free kick from just under 30 yards out went close enough to earn applause but not quite enough to fluster Etheridge, and it was a damning indictment on Chelsea’s performance that it was their moment of the half. Holland isn’t typically a man for stern words, so one imagines his team talk was more encouraging and confidence-building than teacup-throwing, but to his credit, the attitude changed in the second half, and was helped by more of a physical presence. Rohan Ince entered the fray for Hutchinson, who had come through his 45 scheduled minutes unscathed, and went straight into midfield, with Bridcutt taking the captaincy and going to centre-back.

Admittedly, it took a while for the Blues to assert themselves, and Walker was once more required to keep Hoesen at bay, but Ince’s added size and long stride in the middle of the pitch gave Chelsea a transition their game had lacked. With the wet surface not conducive to spreading the ball out to the wingers, a different approach was adopted, and began to reap reward. The ball still found its way to the flanks, but from further up the pitch and into feet rather than into space. It allowed Lalkovic to get down the right and test out young Alex Smith, who struggled against the Slovakian. Three or four times in a short spell, Lalkovic produced a threatening cross, but with only Borini to aim for in a sea of giants, they were wasted.

Unfortunately, Lalkovic was withdrawn after an hour, playing 120 minutes in the space of 24 hours, and was replaced by George Saville, who was making his reserve debut. Bobby Devyne was doing similar, coming on for Kakuta, and it meant a reshuffle in personnel. Mellis moved onto the right wing, with Devyne on the left, and Saville taking up a central midfield role, initially more advanced than Philliskirk, but the trio moved with fluidity and discipline. Saville’s left foot added balance to the centre of the pitch, and Chelsea seized the initiative. They lacked creativity in the final third, but had at last assrted themselves on proceedings.

Walker was still busier than Etheridge, making a low stop from sub Michael Uwezu, who had entered the fray along with Courtney Harris. Harris’ arrival was a strange one, with Fulham first team manager Roy Hodgson demanding McKinlay make the change from his vantage point in the stands. With time running out, the game was rolling towards a 2-0 final score, but Chelsea set up a grandstand finish with ten minutes left on the clock. Ahamed went to the byline and stood up a cross to the far post. Philliskirk arrived on the scene at the opportune moment and headed in from a yard out to reduce the deficit to one and offer a lifeline.

With the ball firmly in their court now, the visitors knew they would have at least one more chance to get a second goal, and when it came, it was a golden one. Mellis played a slide-rule ball down the channel and Borini beat the offside trap. With just Etheridge to beat, the Italian set himself but was unable to convert the gilt-edged opportunity, and in truth, there was never a feeling of confidence in him putting it away, such had been his evening. Ahamed and Ince had thrashed efforts sail over in desperation, and Fulham were able to come away with a 2-1 win which they probably deserved on the balance of play.

For Chelsea, it was a mixed bag for a mixed team. Walker was easily his side’s man of the match, whilst fellow youth teamers Lalkovic, Ince and Saville also turned in good performances. In contrast, reserve regulars Ofori-Twumasi, Phillskirk and Kakuta had disappointing evenings, whilst Mellis and Bridcutt had solid outings. There was some individual promise, once more from the younger side of the club, but it took the team too long to get going. As a result, they were never truly able to control the game, and paid for it.

Team: Walker, Ofori-Twumasi, Strickland, Hutchinson (c) (Ince 45), Ahamed, Bridcutt, Mellis, Phillskirk, Kakuta (Devyne 59), Lalkovic (Saville 61), Borini

Goal: Philliskirk ’78
Booked: Bridcutt

Fulham: Etheridge, Stoor, Smith, Briggs (c), Toure, Dikgacoi (Harris 70), Milsom, Marsh-Brown (Marques-Sanchez 90), Buchtmann, Nevland, Hoesen (Uwezu 65)