Chelsea’s Reserve team this afternoon took on a Leeds United team featuring many first team squad players and impressed despite eventually losing 2-1.
With no competitive league fixture on the schedule, Dermot Drummy took his charges north to take on Simon Grayson’s outfit, with the hosts keen to give opportunities to some of the more senior players who have been unable to earn playing time this season.
The Blues therefore conceded much by way of experience as Drummy’s regular squad took to the pitch at Leeds’ Thorp Arch training ground, with the likes of Rhys Taylor and Billy Clifford joined by Lucas Piazon and some younger faces as Milan Lalkovic, Conor Clifford and a clutch of others are away on international duty.
Portuguese midfielder Kaby scored a sensational goal to continue his fine personal season but a penalty from Luciano Becchio and a free kick by Ramon Nunez – a pair who scored some 30 combined goals in the Championship last season – secured a win for the Whites.
Certainly, holding such a strong team to two goals from dead ball situations is a positive for a team which has had its share of defensive frailties this season and the performance will please Drummy as the reserves continue to bounce back after four consecutive defeats.
They are next in action next Monday afternoon against Swansea City.