Huddlestone, Castillo feature as Chelsea U21 defeat Man Utd

Player-coach Tom Huddlestone played 89 minutes as Manchester United U21s were beaten 3-1 by Chelsea yesterday.

The Blues scored twice inside the final ten minutes to ensure victory for the visitors.

Mason Burstow handed the visitors the lead shortly after the half-hour mark, after a swift counterattack. A ball into the box fell kindly to the feet of the Chelsea no.9, before he prodded an effort past United goalkeeper Radek Vitek via a slight deflection.

Then, with just over an hour played, the Reds drew level, with Joe Hugill reacting the quickly to restore parity in the game. Zidane Iqbal's initial shot at goal was seized upon by Hugill, who poked the ball past Gabriel Slonina to even up the scores

Chelsea sprung forward with 82 minutes played and netted their second of the game in a harsh hammer blow, as Harvey Vale cut inside onto his favoured left foot, forcing Vitek into a smart stop. The ball fell kindly to Leo Castledine, who tapped home into an empty net to make it 2-1.

Minutes later, Malik Mothersille found himself in the right place at the right time, tapping home into an empty net, after Vitek had made a strong save once more.

Featuring for Chelsea on the night was senior Dutch wing-back Juan Castillo.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Vitek; Jurado, Hardley, Aljofree, B.Williams; Huddlestone (E.Williams, 89), Iqbal; Mejia, Mainoo, Gore; Hugill.

Unused substitutes: Kambwala, Mee, Berry, Murray.

Goals: Hugill 59 | Burstow 32, Casteldine 82, Mothersille 90+4.