National Football Youth League Premier

Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite 4 Northampton Town FC 3

The elite team returned to league action with a home game against an always strong NorthamptonTown. The game started very competitively with both teams creating chances & defending aggressively. In the early stages Chelsea FC Blenheim goalkeeper Orla pulled off a spectacular save to keep the game level. As the first half progressed, Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite started to connect passes in quick succession and build collective confidence. After 25 minutes Mia’s forward pass into Zoe was cut out bythe Northampton full back but this fell short to Amy P who calmly received, created an angle to finish andto put Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite 1-0 up and continue her fine goal scoring form. Chelsea FC Blenheim grew with confidence after this and started to dominate proceedings and went very close with a corner straight after. The 2nd goal was very similar to the first, with Chelsea FC Blenheim regaining the ball high up the pitch, Bella stepped in and played a purposeful forward pass into Zoe who produced an inch perfect weight of pass into the forward running Dior, who calmly finished in the bottom corner for 2-0.

Northampton started the second half strongly worth an increase in their intensity which allowed the visitors to create some early chances. Northampton got a goal back through a long distance strike to make it 2-1. Northampton continued to apply pressure onto Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite and got the game level at 2-2 by getting down the byline and cutting a ball across the face of goal for the forward running Northampton wide player to finish calmly at the back post. Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite coaching staff looked to get back in the game by changing shape to a 4-2-4 and decided to play without a striker to attempt to dominate the midfield by adding an extra number 10 into that area of the pitch. In the closing moments of the game, 3 of the 2nd half substitutes combined to put Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite Blenheim ahead at 3-2! Amber with an accurate and perfectly weighted forward pass into Ali who drove down the line before calmly cutting back to Dani who struck into the roof of the net. 2 minutes later as the clock struck 90 minutes Orla’s goal kick into the opposition half was met by Dani who combined once again with Ali. 

Ali once again showcased brilliant composure to cut back in the box and find Dior for her 2nd! 4-2.Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite focused on managing the game however, in the closing minute Chelsea FCBlenheim Elite gave away a free kick to Northampton. The free kick was converted with what turned out to be the last kick off the game.

History was made as this was the football academy’s first win over Northampton since the start of the programme. Fantastic character and team spirit showcased by the whole squad!Desire, collective quality and mentality were key values showcased in this game by the home side. On to Barking Abbey next in the ESFA Super league quarter final.