National Football Youth League Cup - ACADEMY TEAM

QPR 2 v 4 Chelsea FC Blenheim Academy

PoM: Miley B

Chelsea FC Blenheim Academy advanced to the last 16 of the NFYL Cup after a dramatic extra- time victory over a resolute QPR side. Despite QPR playing in the division below, they proved difficult opponents, forcing Chelsea to dig deep and show their quality under pressure.

Chelsea dominated possession early, but QPR’s low block frustrated the visitors in the final third. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute as Ismey Mc pressed high, dispossessed a QPR defender, and curled a superb finish into the far corner to make it 1–0. Just six minutes later, Gracie V doubled the lead after determined wing play from Avery T, who delivered a clever cross that Gracie converted calmly. A direct ball to the right channel saw their wide player burst forward, get across the defender, and finish low past Jess M to bring it back to 2–1. With Chelsea looking to manage the lead, QPR stayed dangerous and eventually equalised with 15 minutes to play. A long clearance fell kindly for the QPR forward, who took her chance brilliantly from outside the box, 2–2 and momentum shifted. Chelsea regrouped impressively.

They played with more composure, bravery in possession, and urgency in transition. With 5

minutes left in extra time, a QPR clearance fell to Megan F, who controlled it and laid it off to

Margo B. A sharp piece of footwork opened space on her weaker right foot, and she coolly found the near corner. In the final moments, Avery T capped off a fantastic individual performance. She won the ball at halfway, drove powerfully through the QPR defence and slotted home 1v1 to make it 4–2; her 9th goal in 5 games!

A test of resilience, patience, and quality as Chelsea FC Blenheim Academy showed their growing maturity and depth to book their place in the NFYL Cup Last 16, joining the Elite team in the next round.

Coaches voice - Ted Westal

“So proud of the way the girls dug deep after QPR got back in the game. The hostile environment from people on the outside made it tricky for the girls, however, to bounce back and win the game shows real character and will only make them stronger as a team.

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