The Chelsea Under-21s made back-to-back draws in the Premier League 2 as Fulham grabbed a late equaliser to scupper any thoughts of a win.

Leo Castledine put us ahead twice, but on both occasions the Cottagers found levellers to peg us back. Ronnie Stutter combined with Castledine to give us the lead, allowing the latter to roll the ball into an empty net.

Fulham’s Callum Osmand drew his side level with their first chance of the game, but Castledine scored his second just before the half-time whistle. Luke Harris scored late on though, to give the visitors a point in a game our young Blues edged.

Quick start

We started the better of the two teams and that reflected itself in the scoreline early on. A mix-up at the back from Fulham gave us the lead, as good pressure allowed Stutter to pounce and play an easy pass to Castledine, who slotted into the empty net.

Following the goal there was not much attacking action on display, as both sides enjoyed periods of possession without threatening too much.

As we approached the midway point in the half, Sam Rak-Sakyi went close to doubling our lead as the ball broke his way in the box, but his shot was blocked.

Out of nothing the Cottagers equalised. Captain Ollie O’Neill provided the cross for Osmand to pounce and finish without hesitation to draw the game level.

Back ahead

On the stroke of half-time we restored our lead in the game, as a fine team move saw Dylan Williams make a great run and, after receiving the ball, he cut it back into a dangerous area. That presented the onrushing Castledine with the opportunity to sweep home for his second goal of the game.

Stutter had the first attempt of the second half, firing just wide after a Brodi Hughes pass. We should have put the game to bed as two big opportunities came our way.

Jimmy-Jay Morgan found himself through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but George Wickens saved well. The loose ball fell to Stutter, and he smashed an effort goalwards, but it was blocked by the away side's defenders.

In similar circumstances to their first goal of the game, Fulham equalised once again, as the ball fell kindly to Harris, whose shot found the bottom corner of the net.

We would have to share the spoils with our neighbours in Kingston as we recorded another draw in the PL2 following last week Friday’s 1-1 with Leicester City.

What next?

Chelsea Under-21s turn their attention to the EFL Trophy tie against Oxford United on Tuesday 7 November, knowing only a win at the Kassam Stadium will be enough to see us through to the next round. Our next game in the PL2 will be on Sunday 12 November, when we take on Leeds United away from home.

Chelsea (3-4-1-2): Max Merrick; Josh Brooking, Brodi Hughes, Alfie Gilchrist (c); Dylan Williams, Sam Rak-Sakyi (Jimi Taurianen 74), Alex Matos, Somto Boniface; Leo Castledine; Jimmy-Jay Morgan (Donnell McNeilly 68), Ronnie Stutter (Tyrique George 78)
Unused subs: Luke Campbell, Billy Gee
Scorer: Castledine 5, 45+4
Booked: Williams 45+6, Matos 57, Castledine 59, McNeilly 90+3

Fulham (4-2-3-1): George Wickens, Devan Tanton, Harvey Araujo, Idris Odutayo (Jay Williams 72), Bradley Slade, Tyreece Francois, Adrian Pajaziti (Chris Donnell 59), Luke Harris, Kristian Sekularac (Imani Lanquedoc 59), Callum Osmand (Aaron Loupalo-Bi 67), Ollie O'Neill
Unused sub: Alfie McNally
Scorers: Osmand 36, Harris 90+1
Booked: Odutayo 1, Slade 32, Tanton 45+6, Harris 63, O’Neill 90+4