Ten-man Chelsea youngsters hit back to see off Blackburn

Chelsea’s Under-18s had Tariq Lamptey sent-off but still came from 1-0 down to beat Blackburn on Saturday.

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Conor Gallagher both went close for Chelsea during a goalless first half, while both sides hit the bar.

Bradley Lynch put Rovers ahead early in the second half, guiding the ball over Blues keeper Marcin Bulka.

Chelsea levelled relatively quickly as Martell Taylor-Crossdale turned in Charlie Brown’s effort.

But they suffered a further setback when Lamptey – an Under-16 making his first start at this level – handled a shot on the line, although they were spared further punishment when Callum Wright’s penalty hit the post.

Chelsea soaked up some Blackburn pressure before hitting them on the break nine minutes from time.

Hudson-Odoi created the goal with a storming right down the right and his cross was turned into his own net by Rovers’ Ben Blackburn.

The result means wins from Chelsea’s final three games will guarantee them the title.