Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by defending champions Chelsea in the first leg of the final of the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday night at the Academy Stadium in Manchester.

England youth internationals of Nigerian descent Ike Ugbo and Tariq Uwakwe started for the Blues, while ex-England U16 international Tom Dele-Bashiru was introduced in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.

Chelsea went into the break a goal up thanks to Ugbo's goal in the 44th minute. Hudson-Odoi reacted quickest when the ball came off the post and set up the striker, who fired home from close range.

Sixty two minutes gone and Manchester City were level against the run of play, Foden drove at the Chelsea defense and finished low.

Chelsea's goalscorer Ugbo was replaced with three minutes left and Tariq Uwakwe joined him on the bench in stoppage time.

The return leg will take place on Wednesday, April 26 at Stamford Bridge.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com