National Football Youth League Premier 2 - ACADEMY TEAM

Chelsea FC Blenheim Academy 5 v 1 AFC Sudbury SC

PoM - Sophie P

Chelsea FC Blenheim Academy produced a dominant performance against AFC Sudbury this week, continuing their strong start to the season following the Elite squad’s earlier fixture against Sudbury’s first team.

The Academy side opened the scoring in just the 8th minute through Megan F. After some

determined play down the right flank by Millie H-F, her cross found Megan at the near post, who slotted home on her second attempt to give Chelsea an early lead. Chelsea maintained control throughout the first half, with midfielders Sophie P, Megan F, and

Hanna H combining fluently, while Avery T and Olivia D posed a constant threat out wide.

Shortly after the break, Chelsea doubled their advantage with a clinical counter-attack. Beth B launched the move with a quick distribution to Toni-A B, who released Millie H-F on the right. Her perfectly weighted ball over the top found Avery T, who beat the last defender and calmly finished past the keeper.

Sudbury hit back soon after, capitalising on a misplaced pass as Chelsea attempted to build

from the back. The Sudbury attacker pounced and slotted home to bring the visitors back into the contest at 2–1.

However, Chelsea responded with resilience and composure, quickly regaining control. Their third goal came courtesy of a sharp attacking move, as Sophie P found Millie H-F, who struck first time and beat the keeper at the near post. In the 82nd minute, Chelsea added a fourth. AFC Sudbury were caught trying to play out from the back, and Ismey Mc showed great anticipation to win the ball and set up Avery T for her second of the match—her low finish just beyond the reach of the keeper. Chelsea capped off their impressive display with a fifth goal. A first-time clearance from Kaycey C sent Beth E through on goal, and she made no mistake, slotting past the keeper into the far corner.

Coaches Corner - Ted Westal

"Very pleasing victory for the team. Best performance of the season and pleasing to see real

improvement from individuals and as a collective."