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Season 2017 / 2018 (H) Chelsea U21 EFL Trophy |
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A dominant Pompey were
knocked out of the Checkatrade Trophy following a dramatic conclusion at
Fratton Park. They created a host of excellent chances in the first half and it was somewhat of a surprise that the sides went in level at the break. But Belgian starlet Charly Musonda netted following a counter-attack for the Londoners and that looked to be it. Substitute Brett Pitman levelled in stoppage-time, however, and the third round tie looked to be heading for penalties. But there were still time for Musonda to curl home a fine free-kick and ensure it was the visitors who progressed to the quarter-finals. Kenny Jackett made one change from the side that were beaten at Bristol Rovers on New Year’s Day. Connor Ronan was handed a debut in place of Pitman, while fellow Wolves loanee Sylvain Deslandes was named among the substitutes. Pompey were on top throughout the first half and the only negative from a confident performance was that they failed to break the deadlock. An early effort from Ben Close set the tone for what was to come, with the ball hitting Trevoh Chalobah and ricocheting wide. The hosts were passing the ball around nicely and one move ended with a snap-shot from the lively Ronan, forcing Marcin Bulka to get down to his right and make the save. Chelsea’s only threat arrived following a quick break on 17 minutes, but Callum Hudson-Odoi could not beat Luke McGee at the keeper’s near post. A series of corners led to problems at the other end, with decent deliveries from Matty Kennedy and Dion Donohue causing some nervy moments in the Londoners’ defence. The fans in the North Stand Lower were being entertained and the Blues had three excellent opportunities to forge ahead in the space of a few seconds. Bulka twice came to Chelsea’s rescue by keeping out a header and shot from Oliver Hawkins with smart saves. Sandwiched between them was a sharp volley from Jamal Lowe that had to be cleared from the line by a well-placed Kyle Scott. Still the chances kept coming and when Close tapped a free-kick to Ronan, the diminutive midfielder fired narrowly over the bar.
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Updated - 24/04/2025 |