The Chelsea development squad put in a heroic effort but ultimately fell to Lincoln via penalties. Several of the youngsters impressed against the senior-level opponents.
The Checkatrade Trophy semifinals saw the last remaining youth team, Chelsea, face off against Lincoln City of League Two. On paper, it should not have been as close as it was. But the boys in blue put in a heroic effort against men and only fell when the match went to penalties.
Chelsea lined up in a familiar 3-4-3. The pressure was immediate as Lincoln dominated the first half. It was only through fantastic showings by defender Ethan Ampadu and keeper Marcin Bulka that the Blues held on.
Towards the end of the first half, Chelsea switched to a 4-3-3 formation to alleviate some of the pressure. They continued the switch into the second half. This allowed Chelsea to progress up the wings and get over the halfway line.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, fresh from his first team debut, struggled in the first half but came alive as the match wore on. He took Chelsea’s first shot of the match as the young team finally found space and time on the ball.
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At the other end, Bulka put in an amazing performance and looked sure to keep Lincoln off the score sheet. It was not to be, however, when Luke Waterfall came from deep to head home a cross.
Chelsea pressed on after going down. Eventually, one of Hudson-Odoi’s dribbles created a chance in the box which Daishawn Redan pounced on for the equalizer.
The match finished with Chelsea holding on through another Lincoln onslaught. The final score was 1-1 with penalties as the decider.
Though Bulka made good decisions between the sticks, he could not stop the Imps from pulling through from the spot. Chelsea fell before making it to Wembley.
It was a disappointing end to the cup run for the development team. But they should be pleased that they made it farther than any other youth team previously and nearly made the final.
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The standout performer was Ampadu. He made several last second tackles to keep his team in it. His passing and read of the game was also something to behold. It is clear that his time with the first team has not only rubbed off on him, but that he is ready for more appearances under Antonio Conte.
Bulka should also be happy with his performance. His reflexes were superb as he made save after save. At only 18, he could very well become Chelsea’s first-choice keeper one day.
Dujon Sterling and Hudson-Odoi both struggled against the more experienced opponent. Sterling was unable to impose himself and control his flank. He was the first substitute. Hudson-Odoi eventually found his feet towards the end but was a ghost for the first hour.
Though the team is out, there is a silver lining to the defeat. The players that have been training with the first team no longer have the pull of the Checkatrade Trophy. This could turn into more minutes and chances for the young players as they continue to train under elite coaches and with elite players.
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Chelsea’s academy continues to produce quality players and performances even in defeat. It is only a matter of time before the pipeline finds its way to the first team.