National Football Youth League Premier - ELITE TEAM

Norwich City FC 1 v 3 Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite

PoM: Mia D

Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Norwich in the South Premier Division of the National Football Youth League, a result that keeps them firmly in the race for top spot. The squad of 14 players and two staff made the long journey north with an overnight stay at the Sprowston Manor Hotel, where excellent hospitality ensured ideal preparation ahead of a crucial fixture. Confidence was high, but the players knew this would be no straightforward task.

From the opening whistle, Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite looked sharp and purposeful, dominating possession and showing their physical presence in individual duels. Norwich, however, set up with discipline — compact in defence and ready to break quickly when given the chance. Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite’s strategy was clear; move the ball with pace, stretch the opposition, and exploit the wide areas. That approach paid dividends shortly before half-time. A superbly constructed move involving Amber W and Mia D carved open the Norwich defence on 40 minutes, allowing Alice B to drive through on goal and fire emphatically into the roof of the net.

The goal was a perfect reflection of the patterns rehearsed on the training pitch, slick,

coordinated, and clinical, 1-0. The second half began at a frenetic tempo, with both sides struggling to find rhythm amid constant transitions. Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite continued to probe, but Norwich remained resilient and well-organised. On the hour mark and against the run of play, Norwich found an equaliser through direct play, getting in behind the Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite defence before delivering into the box. Goalkeeper Emilie E managed to get fingertips to the cross, but the loose ball fell kindly to a Norwich forward who finished from close range. Stung by the setback, Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite responded with renewed urgency. They upped the tempo, dictated possession, and patiently searched for a breakthrough against a deep Norwich block.

The pressure finally told with the game now entering stoppage time. Emily H-F showed

outstanding composure at the back post, guiding home after Katie D’G’s initial effort was saved. With Norwich pushing forward, Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite struck again to cement the win in the 8th minute of time added on. Katie D’G capped off a tireless performance, driving at the defence and coolly slotting beyond the goalkeeper to seal all three points.

It was a fitting end to a determined performance — one that demonstrated both the team’s

technical quality and their growing maturity in managing difficult moments.

Coaches Voice - Harry Baker

“Delighted with the character showcased to fight back and win the game, we knew it wouldn’t be easy

but the group found a way to win which was very pleasing. The Chelsea FC Blenheim Elite remain

unbeaten in 2025-26.

”