Chelsea youngsters lose on penalties to Plymouth

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Chelsea fielded a starting line-up fully comprised of players under the age of 20 against League One Plymouth Argyle, who needed to come from 2-0 down before edging out the young Blues 5-4 on penalties in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Not only did Chelsea put out a team of teenagers, but it was the youngest player on the field – 16-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi – who scored the opening goal, just after the hour mark, making the most of a defensive error.

He doubled the Blues’ lead on 74 minutes with a super free-kick to seemingly set the visitors on their way to victory.

But Plymouth hit back with two goals in three minutes right at the end of the game, both from Alex Fletcher – himself only 18 – to send the group-stage game to penalties.

And it was the Pilgrims who took the bonus point when Gregg Wylde converted, after Jacob Maddox had hit the post.