It was not a game Chelsea were necessarily expected to win when West Ham arrived at Cobham for the Under-18s Premier League clash. The Hammers entered the game with a unblemished record, eight wins from eight and nine points clear of second place Tottenham. The Blues sat fifth in the table on 13 points.
Ultimately, the visitors were able to extend their record with a 4-2 win but Chelsea set out a challenge the league leaders had to meet. Ed Brand's side started the game with an electric pace and found themselves two goals to the good after just 14 minutes thanks to a composed strike from Donnell McNeilly and penalty from Leo Castledine.
The Blues dominated the early stages, as first team coaches Bruno Saltor and Billy Reid watched on, but were forced deeper as the half progressed and West Ham built pressure as the first period ended with the same scoreline. The Irons came out an efficient and strong side in the second 45 minutes and went about turning the game in their favour.
