Chelsea Under-18s advanced into the knockout stage of the Premier League Cup after Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Donnell McNeilly, and an own goal helped us to a 3-1 win over Blackburn Rovers at Cobham.

Hassan Suleiman's side went ahead after just two minutes; Morgan capitalised on sloppy Blackburn play to produce an instinctive finish. A second goal arrived on the stroke of half time as a dangerous cross from Somto Boniface was turned in by Brandon Powell.

It was an advantage that never came under genuine threat – and one that was added to with ten minutes remaining by Tyrique George. Blackburn's consolation came in stoppage time from Tom Atcheson.

A fast start

The game was the Under-18s' first in almost a month, yet there was no sluggishness shown as the deadlock was broken after just 76 seconds.

Blackburn attempted to build possession from inside their penalty area, only for a loose pass from Atcheson to fall at the feet of Morgan. The striker was left with the simple task of finding the net.

It was almost a short-lived lead, however, as Chelsea goalkeeper Luke Campbell gifted the ball to Jackson Shorrocks. Fortunately, Campbell reacted well and produced a smart stop from close range.

From that point, Chelsea took control of the opening period and Morgan thought he'd grabbed a second when he found the top corner with a curled effort. The assistant referee raised the flag for offside, though.

George was presented with an opportunity soon after but was unable to release his shot and Blackburn scrambled the ball clear.

Our second goal did arrive before the interval. Boniface was given space to deliver a fine loss cross toward the onrushing McNeilly, but he was beaten to the ball by defender Brandon Powell, who could only turn it into his own net.

Chelsea continued to fashion chances in the second half. George did excellently to create an opportunity for McNeilly as he rode two challenges before teeing up the striker. Nicholas Michalski in the Blackburn goal saved well.

At the other end, Campbell was forced into action to deny Joe Boggan. It was an excellent save from the young Blues goalkeeper.

Our victory was sealed soon after. Right-back Genesis Antwi did well to feed George in the box and the winger turned well and smashed an effort into the top corner of Michalski's net.

The only moment of disappointment on an otherwise positive afternoon came in stoppage time as Atcheson found himself on the edge of the box and swept into the bottom corner.

Nevertheless, Suleiman's side maintained their 100% record in the Premier League Cup this season and secured their place in the knockout stage as comfortable group winners.

What next?

It's back to Under-18 Premier League action next weekend as the young Blues make the short journey up the M4 motorway to face Reading.

The teams

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Luke Campbell; Genesis Antwi, Travis Akomeah (c), Kaiden Wilson, Somto Boniface; Ollie Harrison, Harrison McMahon (Kiano Dyer 68); Tyrique George (Chinonso Chibueze 81), Donnell McNeilly, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Shumaira Mheuka (Frankie Runham 69).

Unused subs: Kai Crampton, Saheed Olagunju.

Scorers: Jimmy-Jay Morgan 2; Tyrique George 80.

Own goal: Brandon Powell 45+1.

Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1): Nicholas Michalski; Paul Murphy-Worrell, Brandon Powell, Max Davies (Nathan Dlamini 83), Tom Atcheson, Rhys Doherty, Jackson Shorrocks (Ben Thirkill 82), James Edmonson (c), Yvan Junior Nsangou (Matthew Litherland 82), Zack Stritch, Lorenze Mullarky-Matthews (Joseph Boggan 69).

Unused subs: Adam Khan.

Scorers: Tom Atcheson 90+5.