The Chelsea team was made up of development squad players. The match provided vital minutes to some who needed playing time to fill the gap the cancellation the UEFA Youth League has left us with this season.

There were starts for Ethan Wady in goal, Pierre Ekwah-Elimby in defence and Dion Rankine at wing-back as the game got underway on the Match Pitch.

Brentford's first effort from Alex Gilbert was saved by Wady and the rebound fell to the same visiting man. His next shot was again well saved by Wady, who scrambled across his line to make the stop with his legs.

Rankine’s trickery earned him a route into the box to square for Bryan Fiabema. However before the forward’s shot could reach the target it was crowded out by Brentford bodies, making the save easy for the keeper.

Wady needed to make another stop after the break to keep out a Brentford attempt which grew dangerous after a poorly cleared corner-kick. However, our American keeper was helpless to stop Aaron Pressley’s towering header. Getting to the ball first the attacker's attempt nestled in the back of the net for the opening goal of the game.

In response Eric Ramsay in the dugout made a number of changes and it was one of those substitutes who scored the leveller. The goal itself was almost a carbon copy of Brentford’s. Sam McClelland got up highest to nod Marcel Lewis’ free-kick home and bring the young Blues back into the game.

The visitors would regain their lead towards the end though. Stealing possession from Wady in a costly position provided Brenford’s trialist with the easiest opportunity to score and that he did from a yard out to take the win for the away side.

Andy Myers’ side, currently sat fifth in Premier League 2, welcome Manchester City to Cobham this Sunday 21 March. Kick-off is at 10:30am live on the 5th Stand app, official website and YouTube channel.

Photo credit Mark D Fuller