Premier League Cup
Chelsea U21s 3 (Silcott-Duberry 14’, Morgan 45’, 60’)
Leeds United U21s 3 (Allen 23’, Wilson 53’, Thomas 79’)
Chelsea: Campbell (GK), Hughes, Gee (C) (Wilson 62’), Samuels-Smith, Sturge (Williams 65’), Rak-Sakyi, Olise (Dyer 49’), Tauriainen (Stutter 65’), Morgan, Castledine, Silcott-Duberry. Subs not used: Austin (GK).
Leeds: Ombang (GK), Sutcliffe (Cline 70’), Toulson, Crew (C), Moore (Monteiro 46’), Debayo, Allen (Wilson 46’ (Chadwick 61’)), Coleman, Perkins, McFadden, Thomas. Subs not used: Mahady (GK).
Referee: Aaron Farmer
Booked: Williams, Morgan (Chelsea) Moore, Wilson, Coleman, Perkins (Leeds)
Venue: Kingsmeadow Stadium, London
A strong performance on the road from Leeds United Under-21s saw Scott Gardner’s side battle to a 3-3 draw at Chelsea Under-21s in the Premier League Cup.
In a frenetic and end-to-end affair at Kingsmeadow, United came from behind on three occasions to earn a well-deserved point, continuing the side’s impressive form in the competition heading into the final matchday.
Both sides went into the tie having already booked a spot in the next round of the competition after successful group stage campaigns to date.
Hosts Chelsea sat top of Group D with five wins from five, whilst the Whites' three wins from four saw Leeds comfortably in second place ahead of Colchester United U21s and Luton Town U21s.
Looking to build on a positive second half display last time out in league action, Leeds started brightly. Harvey Sutcliffe’s long ball found Sonny Perkins whose intelligent flick on fell to Max McFadden on the edge of the area, but the bounce of the ball allowed the hosts to clear.
Moments later, the hosts launched a quick counter and picked out Leo Castledine on the edge of the area. His effort was struck well but a superb block from James Debayo denied the midfielder, with Jimi Tauriainen’s follow up also dealt with well by the Leeds defence.
Just before the 15-minute mark, Chelsea took the lead thanks to Zain Silcott-Duberry. The Blues won the ball back on the right flank and Castledine’s inviting low cross was swept home by Silcott-Duberry from 12-yards out.
Within 10 minutes, the Whites deservedly levelled thanks to a fine strike from Northern Irish forward Charlie Allen. Picked out on the edge of the area by Luca Thomas, Allen struck hard and low across Luke Campbell and inside the far post.
The hosts looked for a quick response with first Zak Sturge sliding a dangerous delivery across the face of goal just out of the reach of Silcott-Duberry, before Kris Moore was on hand to head away Jimmy-Jay Morgan's goalbound effort on the stroke of half time.
Morgan wasn’t to be denied a first half goal however, firing past Darryl Ombang to hand Chelsea the advantage at the break.
HALF TIME: Chelsea 2-1 Leeds United
Scott Gardner introduced forward Marley Wilson after the interval and the change appeared an inspired one within minutes, as the Leeds substitute lashed home a thunderous effort from outside the area.
Leeds had a corner and worked it to Wilson 20-yards from goal, with his first effort deflecting behind. Chelsea failed to learn from their first warning and Wilson’s stunning long-range strike brought the Whites level once more.
The end-to-end nature continued as Morgan grabbed his second on the hour mark for the hosts. The Blues enjoyed a spell of possession and came forward down the right, with Jimi Tauriainen's cross met by the striker at the back post to restore the hosts’ lead.
A clumsy challenge on the edge of the area from Dylan Williams sent Max McFadden tumbling as Leeds attacked once more. Luca Thomas stepped up to take the resulting free kick but saw his left-footed strike fly into the wall and Chelsea hacked clear.
Minutes later with United still on the front foot, Thomas did grab the goal he deserved, heading McFadden's inch-perfect delivery back across Campbell to spark wild celebrations from the visitors.
With both sides chasing a winner, the fourth official added nine minutes at the end of the 90.
Chelsea dominated possession but the Whites defended resolutely, limiting the hosts to a speculative long-range effort from defender Brodi Hughes that flew harmlessly over the bar.
FULL TIME: Chelsea 3-3 Leeds United