U21s: United 0 Chelsea 2

Goals from Shumaira Mheuka and Leo Cardoso proved decisive, with both of those strikes coming in the first 45 minutes.

Victor Musa and Tyler Fletcher both had individual efforts that went close, but it was the visitors who emerged victorious in Leigh.

FIRST HALF

The game took a strange turn in the very first passage, with Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick cracking the ball into the face of Chido Obi, who spent a lengthy period on the floor.

Obi was eventually replaced by Victor Musa, as per concussion protocols, with United's early preparation in attack having to be altered.

A cross from Malachi Sharpe was set well by Jayce Fitzgerald before Tyler Fletcher saw his shot sail just wide of the mark just after.

Another stoppage in play soon followed as Merrick took one to the face, after he had denied a close-range effort from Musa moments before.

Jesse Derry saw his free-kick beaten over the bar by Will Murdock, before the being booked for simulation after taking a dive inside the area following pressure from Louis Jackson.

As we hit the half-hour mark, Chelsea took the lead, with Genesis Antwi's low cross into the area dispatched well by forward Mheuka.

Another nasty clash of heads between Sonny Aljofree and Justin Osagie meant Adam Lawrence then lost his skipper, replaced by Yuel Helafu.

And just before the interval, the Blues made it two. Reggie Walsh crossing for Cardoso to head home from close range, in the eighth minute of 14 added.

SECOND HALF

With referee Stuart Morland also suffering an injury, it was fast becoming one of those nights at the Progress With Unity Stadium.

On the hour mark, Lawrence opted to shuffle his pack, as Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato were both introduced as the Reds tried to bring fresh impetus.

A break away from Chelsea quickly followed, as Mheuka ran free on goal, but his tame effort was rather easily gathered by Murdock.

Mantato shuffled inside his marker on the right flank and allowed space for Fitzgerald to shoot, but his effort was charged down.

Sharpe was then clattered by Ollie Harrison with Merrick having given possession away as United tried again to gather some momentum.

The defender was awarded just a yellow for his troubles, but at this point it looked like the game was getting away from us.

Mantato's late effort brought the final effort of the game, as Chelsea climbed top of the Premier League 2 table in the process.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Murdock; Jackson, Aljofree (Helafu 45+1), Kukonki, Leon; McAllister, Fletcher (Thwaites 60); Sharpe, Fitzgerald, Moorhouse (Mantato 60), Obi (Musa 7).

Subs not used: Honor.

Booked: McAllister.

Chelsea: Merrick; Antwi, Murray-Campbell, Osagie (Wilson 82), Emenalo; Walsh (McMahon 73), Harrison; Cardoso (Barbour 87), Dyer, Derry (Kavuma-McQueen 87); Mheuka.

Subs not used: Bernal.

Goals: Mheuka 31, Cardoso 45+8.

Booked: Derry, Osagie.