U18 Report: Chelsea 2-2 Saints

The Blues had lost only once this season as they bid to retain their title, but found themselves 2-0 down inside the final ten minutes after goals from Christian Norton and Will Ferry.

But back came Chelsea, who halved the deficit eight minutes from time through Ben Greenwood, before Pierre Ekwah Elimby struck an unstoppable free-kick in the fourth minute of stoppage time to shatter Paul Hardyman’s young side.

Saints were good value for their half-time lead, as Kornelius Hansen, Dan Bartlett and Ferry all had opportunities to break the deadlock, before Norton’s volley was off target from a Kameron Ledwidge cross.

But the striker would soon make amends. After Caleb Watts won the ball in midfield and cleverly combined with Ferry, Norton headed the ensuing cross past Chelsea keeper Jake Askew just before the interval.

Saints continued to control the game deep into the second period. Hansen was denied by a crucial Askew save, while substitute Roland Idowu volleyed over five minutes before Ferry made it two.

The winger finished off a flowing team move with a confident finish past Askew in the 79th minute, by which time Chelsea looked a beaten side.

But the game took a dramatic shift in momentum when Jack Bycroft’s brilliant stop to thwart George Nunn went unrewarded, as Greenwood turned in the rebound.

Suddenly Saints were holding on, as Bycroft made another save four minutes from time, but was powerless to prevent Pierre Ekwah Elimby curling home a free-kick with virtually the last touch of the game.