Chelsea`s development squad (the Under 21`s) managed by Joe Edwards, have made it through to the semi-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy this evening. They beat the League One outfit Oxford United 3-0 following an outstanding performance.
FULL TIME: #CFCDev 3-0 Oxford United in the Checkatrade Trophy. Goals from St Clair, Redan and Castillo send our development squad into the semi-finals on a terrific night at the Bridge! pic.twitter.com/WPn1ldN7Yf
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 23, 2018
For those that don`t know, the Checkatrade Trophy, also known as the the EFL Trophy (English Football League Trophy) is a competition for the League One (tier 3) and Two teams (tier 4). It`s the third most prestigious cup tournament in England after the FA Cup and EFL (Carabao Cup). Since the start of last season 16 Under 21 teams from the Premier League and Championship have been allowed to participate. This is Chelsea`s second season competing.
Tonight`s win came about with goals from Harvey St-Clair, Daishawn Redan and Juan Castillo. Chelsea took an early lead and were 2-0 up within 20 minutes. After that it was a matter of weathering some Oxford pressure before making the game safe midway through the second half.
Tonight`s game also featured Ethan Ampadu, Dujon Sterling, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kyle Scott, all players that have been a part of the first team on different occasions this season.
Previous rounds have seen Charly Musonda and Michy Batshuayi play a part. Both of those two will be part of tomorrow`s Carabao Cup squad as the first XI prepare to face Arsenal for a place in the final of that competition.
The draw for the semi-finals of the Checkatrade take place on Thursday. Going in the draw along with Chelsea are Shrewsbury Town, Lincoln City and one of Fleetwood or Yeovil, who are yet to play.
Typically Chelsea make history once again by becoming the first Academy side to make the semi-finals.
At Vital Chelsea we`d obviously like to with the lads all the best as they look to go one stage further by getting to the final, which will be held at Wembley Stadium in April.