Goals from Jonny Leddy (pictured), Caolan Lavery and Jack Simmons saw Town’s U18s to a 3-3 draw at Chelsea this morning. But it might have been even better for the young Blues who led 3-1 at one stage.
Republic of Ireland U17 international Leddy superbly headed the game’s opening goal midway through the first half before the home side equalised via Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Lavery, who is hoping to win a professional contract with his academy terms up next month, put Town back in front on the half hour, the Northern Ireland U21 international rebounding from close in after Chelsea keeper Mitchell Beeney had parried an effort from distance.
The Blues went further in front when Wales U17 international Jack Simmons netted soon after coming on as a half-time sub, rounding Beeney before slotting home.
But Russell Osman’s boys couldn’t hang on and Chelsea pulled one back via an Archange Nkumu penalty after Alistair Gordon had been fouled. Nathan Ake completed the scoring when he stabbed home from a corner.
Skipper Callum Bennett and Icelandic U17 international midfielder Gunnar Thorsteinsson were amongst the Blues' stand-out performers.
U18s: O’Donnell, Jones, October, Bennett, Maduako, Acott, Leddy (Winter 60), Thorsteinsson, Lavery, Tiofack (Simmons 46), Lawrence (Timlin 60).