Chelsea continued their positive pre-season form at Under-21 level on Saturday afternoon with a 3-0 win away to St Albans City of the Southern League Premier Division.
Early strikes from Patrick Bamford and Adam Coombes put the Blues firmly in control and after substitute goalkeeper Sam Walker kept out a second-half penalty from former Watford man Micah Hyde, John Swift capped a fine day’s work for Dermot Drummy’s side.
Jamal Blackman started in goal having returned from the first team’s pre-season tour of the United States, whilst Conor Clifford was absent playing for Portsmouth on trial, meaning there was also a start for 16 year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield.
New signing Thorgan Hazard was amongst seven second-half substitutes which also included Lamisha Musonda and Under-16 defender Ola Aina.
The win follows an impressive 2-0 victory away to Northampton Town last weekend and keeps up momentum ahead of next weekend’s visit to Kingstonian.
Following their trip to the Cherry Red Records Fans’ Stadium, the Under-21s head for Ireland to take on Dundalk just three days before beginning their Professional Development League campaign in earnest against Manchester City at Griffin Park on Friday 17th August.
Chelsea: Blackman (Walker), Kane (c) (Nkumu), Davey, Ake, Deen-Conteh, Loftus-Cheek (L.Musonda), Baker, Saville (Aina), Bamford (Affane), B.Clifford (Swift), A.Coombes (Hazard)