Match report: Swindon Town 0-4 Chelsea U21

Chelsea Under-21’s dominated proceedings at the Country Ground beating Swindon Town four goals to nil and going top of Group C in the 2018 Checkatrade trophy’s opening game. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his match report following the action.

Charlie Brown scored the first goal of the competition as the Chelsea striker tapped in a low cross from Juan Castillo in the 15th minute. The visitors doubled their lead as Charly Musonda Jnr converted from the penalty spot on the 29th minute after Swindon’s Dion Conroy brought down Taria Lamptey in the box. 

Play resumed and Chelsea got their third goal in the 58th minute as Brown brought down a long ball over the top with his right foot, before shooting down the right-hand side, scoring his brace. Ike Ugbo wrapped up proceedings in the 88th minute with his header sailing past McCormick to make it four-nil, scoring the games final goal. 

A slow start to the opening game of the 2018 Checkatrade Trophy saw both sides struggle to retain possession as a match that failed to create a buzz began by living up to its expectation. An unlikely Joe Romanski, playing at left-back, provided the game’s first shot on target in the twelfth minute as he forced Chelsea’s Jamie Cumming into a save at his near post. 

However, just three minutes later Chelsea took the lead as Charlie Brown tapped in a low cross from Juan Castillo to give the visitors the lead.  The goal gave Chelsea the confidence to push on and the London side started to display the talent as Taria Lamptey and George McEachran turned on the pressure. 

Chelsea increased the tempo and as Swindon started to flag, Dion Conroy, Captain for the evening, brought down Lamptey in the box in the 29th minute, with Charly Musonda-Jnr sending McCormick the wrong way to give Chelsea their second goal of the game. 

Swindon looked a side lacking ideas and as the halfway whistle blew Phil Brown’s squad was lucky to not be further behind with the visitors deservedly in front. 

Chelsea started the second half as they finished the first, and a goal-line clearance from Jak McCourt in the 46th minute denied Charlie Brown of his second goal. Swindon unable to get a foothold in the game were bullied off the ball by their opposition with Toumani Diagouraga failing to impress, regularly giving away possession. 

Scott Twine’s free-kick on the edge of the box in the 54th minute gave Swindon their best opportunity of the game so far, but the 19-year-old could only blast his shot over the bar. 

Chelsea’s direct running caused Town problems and their new-look defence was caught sleeping in the 58th minute as Charlie Brown latched on to a long ball over the top to shoot under McCormick giving the Blues a three-goal lead before being substituted five minutes later. 

More of the same would follow and despite Swindon being poor, Chelsea’s under-21 side was excellent. Their pace in attack caused Swindon problems all game, whilst their high pressing in defence left Town short of ideas. 

Scott Twine was the only player wanting to run at the visitors and he was nearly rewarded with a goal in the 72nd minute after shooting straight at the goalkeeper following Iandolo’s through ball. 

The victory was certain for Chelsea but their complacency nearly resulted in gifting Swindon a consolation goal as Diagouraga had his half-powered shot cleared off the line. His best moment of the game. 

Chelsea kept on pushing and having conceded defeat, Ike Ugbo scored an easy header in the 88th minute as McCormick’s save went straight to the centre back who made it four goals for the visitors. 

An easy game for Chelsea and Phil Brown will be determined to get his team ready for Saturday’s away trip to Lincoln City.