Left-footed Nigeria-eligible striker stars with brace as Chelsea U18s beat Derby County 

Chelsea's run in the U18 Premier League Cup came to an end on Saturday afternoon despite a 3-1 win over Derby County at Moor Farm.

Talented midfielder Bayo Fapetu went the distance for the Rams and was cautioned in the 76th minute, while Chelsea U18s boss handed starts to left-footed striker Tudor Mendel-Idowu, Louis Flower and first year scholar Somto Boniface. 

The Rams went in front through Johnson Osong in the second minute but it was level at the interval as Mendel-Idowu equalised just before halftime. 

There were no goals to report until the latter stages of the second half when McNeilly put Chelsea ahead after he was assisted by Flower in the 87th minute.

Mendel-Idowu extended the Blues lead with a minute of normal time remaining but the goal was not enough to see Chelsea through to the knockout rounds of the competition as other clubs had a better goal difference. 

The 17-year-old has registered his name on the scoresheet three times in his last two matches for Chelsea U18s.

Igho Kingsley 

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