We went into Friday evening's final league fixture top of the Premier League 2 table on goal difference, and that is exactly how we ended it as first place was confirmed, although we could not conclude this stage of the season with the victory we wanted.

This west London derby began at a high intensity, with both sides eager to assert themselves early on. It was Shumaira Mheuka who broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark, firing home a powerful effort to give Chelsea a deserved lead heading into the break.

However, Fulham emerged stronger in the second half. Alfie White headed the hosts level, before Jonah Kusi-Asare completed the turnaround eight minutes later, giving the Cottagers the advantage. We pushed until the final whistle in search of a late response, but it was Fulham who claimed victory.

Nevertheless, despite disappointment on the night, it is the Blues who finished top of the Premier League 2 table. With Manchester United - who began the day level on points with us - falling to defeat against Newcastle United, our superior goal difference ensured we could not be caught and are now officially crowned league winners.

We now await the outcome of the other remaining fixtures to learn our first opponents in the Premier League title play-offs.

Quick start

Chelsea tried to set the tone from the first whistle, applying relentless pressure on Fulham in our final regular Premier League 2 fixture of the season. Winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen was at the heart of it, using his pace and close control to drive into the penalty area and pin the hosts deep inside their own half.

However, Fulham quickly responded with a threat of their own. Jonathan Esenga whipped in a dangerous free-kick that forced Max Merrick into early action, our keeper reacting sharply to leap and punch clear under pressure.

The hosts continued to test our resolve. Farhaan Ali Wahid struck from close range, and although Merrick produced an excellent initial save, Daniel Casey pounced on the rebound - only to fire wide and spare us in a frantic opening spell.

We responded by settling into a rhythm, enjoying spells of controlled possession. Kavuma-McQueen remained a constant outlet and his trickery inside the box drew a foul, leaving the referee with no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mheuka stepped up, but his penalty was well saved by Alfie McNally, who guessed correctly and produced a strong stop to keep the scores level.

The contest remained open and fiercely competitive. Ali Wahid came close again, drilling a low effort from a tight angle, but Merrick reacted superbly, getting down quickly to make the save.

Breaking the deadlock

Our pressure finally told midway through the first half. Kavuma-McQueen surged forward once again, sparking a slick attacking move. Kiano Dyer linked play intelligently before finding Reggie Walsh, who threaded a precise pass into Mheuka inside the area. This time, he would not be denied.

The forward showed composure to guide his effort goalwards and, despite McNally getting a hand to it, the ball found the back of the net to give Chelsea a deserved 1-0 lead.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, we pushed for a second. Dyer came close with a curling strike from distance that looked destined for the corner, only for McNally to gather well and deny the midfielder.

Fulham pressed for a response before the interval, but Harry Hudson’s side stood firm. Organised and disciplined, we dealt with the pressure and protected our advantage, heading into the break with momentum and a narrow but deserved lead.

We got off to a bright start in the second period, looking to build on our first-half momentum. Kavuma-McQueen once again looked dangerous out wide, driving forward before unleashing a fierce effort that flashed just wide of the post. It was an encouraging opening for the Blues.

Frustration hits

However, despite our positive start to the second half, Fulham found a way back into the game. Esenga delivered a floated cross into the area, and White rose highest to direct a header into the net and bring the scores level.

With momentum now on their side, the hosts struck again. Kusi-Asare used his strength to drive forward before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner, beyond Merrick’s reach, turning the game around at 2-1.

Merrick was called into action once again, producing two important saves from dangerous Fulham set-pieces. Esenga delivered a pair of whipped corners that curled menacingly into the box, forcing our keeper to react sharply and beat the ball away on both occasions to keep the deficit at just one and prevent the game from slipping further away.

With seven minutes of added time, the Blues continued to push forward in search of a late equaliser. There was no shortage of effort as we pressed in the final third, but time ultimately ran out and the final whistle confirmed a narrow 2-1 defeat.

However, despite the result, there was still reason to celebrate. With Manchester United - who began the day level on points - falling to defeat against Newcastle, the Blues were confirmed as league phase winners in this season's Premier League 2. Our superior goal difference proved decisive, securing top spot and ensuring we head into the play-offs as the highest ranked team.

What it means

Following this result, our regular Premier League 2 campaign has now concluded, with the Blues finishing top of the table.

We will now move into the play-off stage of the competition - a knockout format featuring the top 16 teams. Our first round opponents will be the side that finishes 16th, which will be confirmed once all remaining fixtures have been completed.

The teams

Chelsea (4-3-3): Max Merrick; Genesis Antwi, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Kaiden Wilson, Landon Emenalo; Kiano Dyer, Ollie Harrison (Mathis Eboue 90), Reggie Walsh (Harrison McMahon 71); Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Shumaira Mheuka (c), Jesse Derry
Unused subs: Hudson Sands, Justin Osagie, Deivid Washington
Scorer: Mheuka 33
Booked: Walsh 40, Emenalo 85

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Alfie McNally, Bradley de Jesus, Jonathan Esenga (Joseph Walters 89), Eddy Nsasi, Samuel Amissah, Seth Chingwaro, Macaulay Zepa, Alfie White, Jonah Kusi-Asare (Tom Wingate 76), Daniel Casey (Nazim Benchaita 86), Farhaan Ali Wahid
Unused subs: Dino Kaiser, Tarrell Cavell
Scorers: White 60, Kusi-Asare 68
Booked: Wingate 90+1, McNally 90+5