Chelsea's youth team were beaten finalists in Newark after a brave effort against the Mexican international Under 17 team.

Needing a draw against host side St. Benedict's Prep in the final group game to reach the final, the boys recorded a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from substitute Billy Knott.

Coach Paul Clement reported that it was a difficult game for the boys against a side set out to protect a 0-0 score line, defending deep and tight in two rows of four making creating chances problematic.

Frustrated at half-time, Chelsea made three changes, including the introduction of Knott. He was quickly involved, and after a series of challenges involving the schoolboy, Frank Nouble put in a late tackle that saw him sent off and the Blues reduced to 10 men.

It wasn't long before we took the lead though, as Jacopo Sala crossed and Knott beat his marker, got in front of the goalkeeper and finished coolly, ensuring a final berth was reached the following day.

Chelsea team v St. Benedict's Prep (3-4-3): Sam Walker; Tom Hayden, Vincenzo Camilleri, Ben Gordon; Daniel Philliskirk (sub Conor Clifford h-t), Nikki Ahamed, Jordan Tabor, Josh McEachran (sub Billy Knott h-t); Jacopo Sala (sub Billy-Joe King 70), Marco Mitrovic (sub Frank Nouble h-t), Aliu Djalo.

The youngsters had already lost 3-1 in a fiery encounter against the Mexicans, and were looking forward to a rematch in the Final, with a score to settle.

Things started well too, as despite Mexico creating the first opportunity, the Blues quickly took control of the game and created a number of openings.

On eight minutes Jacopo Sala cut inside but fired just wide, and then before the break the Italian had another opportunity after the Mexican goalkeeper had parried a shot.

In the second half though, the Mexicans found their cutting edge and went ahead after a clearance was misjudged in the Chelsea defence, allowing a winger in to shoot. Goalkeeper Jan Sebek did well to parry but the forward was on hand to make it 1-0 against the run of play.

The best chance to equalise came from an indirect free-kick after the Mexico goalkeeper was adjudged by the referee to have handled a backpass.

Four yards from the line, the international side lined up on the goal line, the ball striking one of them square in the chest on the way to goal, and they were able to clear.

A second killer blow arrived around the 75-minute mark when Mexico took advantage of a long ball to double the lead.

Chelsea then had to chase the game, and defender Jack Saville, on as a substitute managed to scramble the ball home on 90 minutes, but it was too little, too late and we could not find an equaliser in time.

So the championship was not won, but as Clement explains, it was a superb experience for the boys.

'Over the two games against Mexico we played the better football and created better chances but they had the cutting edge with their finishing,' he conceded. 'Silly mistakes cost us, but we are pleased with the competition.

'And, it gave the boys experience playing against a South American team with a differing culture and style, which is beneficial. All in all we had a good time, on and off the field.'

Chelsea team v Mexico(4-3-3): Jan Sebek; Nikki Ahamed, Rohan Ince, Billy-Joe King, Ben Gordon; Conor Clifford, Daniel Philliskirk, Josh McEachran; Jacopo Sala, Marco Mitrovic (sub Jordan Tabor h-t), Billy Knott.

You will be able to hear more from the Academy trip in the next instalment of The Young Generation.