Town’s U21s hit the top of Premier League 2 following a 4-2 away victory over previous leaders Chelsea at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.

John McGreal and Chris Casement’s side, who remain unbeaten following the academy’s elevation to category one, went in front via a debut goal from Luca Fletcher (pictured), who signed from Manchester City in January, on 13 before Chelsea levelled through Shumaira Mheuka.

Tudor Mendel restored the lead four minutes into injury time, then Ashley Boatswain made it 3-1 on 53, left-back Somto Boniface, who was on the first-team bench on a number of occasions last season and was playing his first U21s game of the campaign following injury.

The West Londoners pulled a goal back via Reggie Walsh on 73, but sub Rio Morgan sealed the win four minutes into injury time.

Elsewhere, the U18s lost 4-2 at Arsenal, Indiana Pedder and Archie Brown, the scorers of the Blues goals.

U21s: Williamson, Babb, Boniface, Mthunzi, Shabazz-Edwards, Onuchukwu, Mendel, Carr, Boatswain (Mauge 67), Fletcher (Morgan 72), Ayinde (Pitts 67). Unused: Barrett, Elliott.

U18s: Bentley (Fletcher 66), Adebayo, O'Sullivan, Brown, Adetiba (Berkeley-Agyepong 79), Longwe, Wood (c), Brouwers, Unadike (Burton-Yurevich 86), Pedder (Boakye-King 86), Eze (Enkotosia 79).

Photo: Instagram

Bert added 18:21 - Sep 20 Further proof of the backing that the owners have given to the club. Early days for the U21’s but an excellent start. Hopefully we will see progression into the first team squad in the coming years.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 19:04 - Sep 20 Great work!
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armchaircritic59 added 00:48 - Sep 21 I've been openly critical of the general malaise concerning the Academy in recent times. I'm not afraid to say well done to the U21's, though it's just 4 games in and lots can happen, keep it up lads! The younger age groups are the ones letting the side down at the moment, but with Cat1, hopefully they'll all come good in time, and we'll get back to the conveyor belt of young talent coming through that I remember so well from decades ago, and enjoyed watching! The big upside to it happening is of course it can save a lot of money in the transfer market, leaving the money we do have to spend on better and better players. Contrary to the mantra that is usually trotted out about no path ways for youngsters to get into the first team ( not just here ), I take the simple view that if they're good enough, they will!

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timmy2guns added 07:21 - Sep 21 Went to the game. At times Chelsea dominated the play with a side that has some very good players, but town played well in transition which created the opportunities and started to dominate for large portions of the game. Luca Fletcher looked lively, as did Leon. Tudor Mendel also has some talent and took his goal well - but needs to adapt to the men’s game - use his body better in possession to draw more fouls alongside getting stronger. If he can do this I think we will hear more of him. Som looked very comfortable and you can see why he’s been on the first team bench - a loan might do him good. We had an early 1 on 1 to make it 2-0 but decision making let us down as the gk stopped it. They hit the post when we were 2-1 up. An exciting match and a good day out!

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