We began the game in control and registered four decent chances before finding the net. The best was from Bryan Fiabema who struck the post from distance. Eventually defender Bashir Humphryes provided the opening goal shortly before the half-hour mark.

However West Brom hit back nine minutes later with their first shot on goal following a corner-kick, meaning we were level at the break.

We continued to try to regain the lead after half-time but a combination of the post and off-target attempts would keep the scores level for longer than we would have liked. That was until Josh Brooking popped up to notch the winner 10 minutes from time. Although there is no change in position for the young Blues, the win does close the gap at the top of the Under-18 Premier League table.

Starting XI

From last weekend’s defeat against Tottenham, Ed Brand named four changes. In came Charlie Wiggett, Humphryes, Lewis Hall and Harvey Vale. While Ted Curd recovered from the injury that forced him off early last time out to start between the sticks.

Chelsea create

We got underway in similar conditions to the development squad last night who played in the wind and rain. At Cobham the Under-18s had blustery conditions to deal with and it was those winds which helped Joe Haigh’s attempt towards the net which Jamie Emery gathered. It was the morning’s first attempt.

Haigh has been in good form in recent weeks and the attacker registered Chelsea’s next try on goal as well. The move started on the left when Vale stole possession from the Baggies. Making the box, he squared for Fiabema who found Haigh in a better position, but his shot from close range missed the target much to his despair.

The dominance intensified and our play in the final third was creating chances every few minutes. Fiabema, who was unselfish in our last move, took things into his own hands this time and unleashed a powerful shot from distance. With the keeper beaten, he thought he had given us the lead until the ball bounced back off the post and away from danger.

West Brom tested our defence for the first time after 25 minutes. A free-kick from the left was floated into the centre where Aurio Teixeira met the ball. The header was clean but Curd was comfortable in making the save.

Humphreys thumps home

Although our play wasn’t as imposing as it was in the opening stages, we still looked threatening going forward and finally got our goal on the counter.

Dion Rankine was set free on the right and crossed to his opposite wing-back. At the first time of asking, Hall put the ball back into the danger area where Humphreys was waiting and slammed home from the centre of the net. The goal was the first for the defender who was operating in a midfield role this afternoon.

West Brom level up

We were good value for our lead and continued to look for ways to improve our advantage before the interval but a loose ball in the box ended up in our net against the run of play.

An away corner aimed towards the back post was headed into the centre where the players fought for control. The Baggies benefited from that scramble in the box when Aurio Teixeira prodded the ball over the line before anybody in Blue could clear their lines.

The equalising goal after 35 minutes left us a little deflated as the break neared and we went into the changing room level at half-time.

Denied by the post again

The second half started and play seemed more evenly spread than it was before the break. West Brom forced Curd in to a couple of saves but it was the Blues who went closest to taking the lead.

Fiabema had his back to goal inside the box while being tightly marked by an away defender. On the half turn, he managed to get his shot away and through the sea of defenders. Again he had the keeper beaten but let out a cry of frustration as his shot kissed the post on its way out of play.

Searching for the advantage

The chances for our youngsters kept coming with Fiabema central to most attacks. While the away goal was living a charmed life, Vale rose to connect with Haigh’s chipped cross but headed way off target from six yards.

Brooking for the winner

We got what we had been working towards 10 minutes from time when newly-introduced Brooking made sure to convert Alfie Gilchrist’s low cross at the back post.

The initial move started on the right with Silko Thomas, the 17-year-old passed to Gilchrist who made the overlapping run before picking out Brooking who had to muscle his way through his man to reach the ball. That goal was the first of the season for the defender, who was harshly dismissed in the earlier game against the Baggies this season.

Although we had got the much-needed goal, opportunities to further the score were still being created. Haigh ran the length of the half and rounded the keeper but couldn't apply the finishing touches, before Thomas thrashed a shot into the side netting later on. With a minute's injury time played, the final whistle sounded and the young Blues sealed a deserved win.

What’s next?

It’s a quick turnaround for Brand’s boys who visit Crystal Palace on Tuesday morning. Kick-off at their academy is 11am.

Chelsea 3-4-2-1 Ted Curd, Alfie Gilchrist, Charlie Wiggett, Brodi Hughes; Dion Rankine (Silko Thomas 78), Charlie Webster, Bashir Humphreys (c), Lewis Hall (Josh Brooking 78); Joe Haigh, Harvey Vale, Bryan Fiabema (Leo Castledine 72)Unused subs Josh Brooking, Prince Adegoke, Ronnie StutterBooked Haigh 22Scorers Humphreys 27; Brooking 80

West Brom Jamie Emery, Reece Hall, Lino Da Cruz Sousa, Aurio Teixeira, Caleb Taylor, Ryan Grant, Tom Fellows, Zac Ashworth, Mo Faal (Reyes Cleary 74), Rico Richards (Jacob Shepherd 73), Jovan MalcolmUnused subs Maks Boruc, Vinnie Dwyer, Leon MachisaBooked Taylor 39, Teixeria 54Scorer Teixeria 35