A first-half brace, including a spectacular solo goal from Ato Ampah, powered Chelsea Under-21s to a 2-1 victory over Derby County at Kingsmeadow on Friday, sealing their place in the Premier League Cup knockout stages.
Chelsea started strongly, knowing a win was crucial to advancing in the tournament. The breakthrough came when Ampah’s high press forced a defensive error, allowing Donnell McNeilly to fire a low shot past the Derby goalkeeper.
Just before halftime, Ampah produced a moment of brilliance, weaving past multiple defenders before placing a precise finish into the bottom corner to give the Blues a 2-0 lead.
Derby responded in the second half, pulling one back through Adisa Osayande’s header from a corner. However, Chelsea’s defense remained resolute, securing the victory and ensuring their progression to the next round of the competition.
