Rushden & Diamonds Youth Team narrowly lost out to Chelsea Youth Team on Friday night, putting in an excellent account of themselves against Premier League opposition.

After a fairly even start, Lewis Hallford crossed down the left, inch perfect for Aynsley McDonald to loop his header over Chelsea's giant of a goalkeeper.

At Half Time, Chelsea changed their team around, into almost an entirely new side, whilst the Diamonds stuck with the same line-up, to get vital minutes under their belts. The second half saw an equaliser from Bobby Devyn around the hour mark, and then winner from Chelsea, when Billy Clifford nodded over the line.

Paul Driver added "It was an excellent all round performance against a top quality side. I felt McDonald and Shariff did particularly well. Chelsea were impressed with our facilities and performance on the pitch and have invited us up to their place. It was a good turn out from the supporters on the night too - thanks a lot for that."

Rushden & Diamonds: Broadbent, Evans, Kirby, Cox, McDonald, Artemi, Hallford, Hayes, Sharpe, Shariff, Easlea
Subs: Gillingwater, Phillips, Read, Wilson, Shields, Dent, Earls, Rawcliffe, Swailes

Chelsea (first half): Walker, Ahamed (c), Deen-Conteh, Trialist, Strickland, Aston, Kaby, Rodgers, McEachran, Prosenik, Mitrovic.

Chelsea (second half): Haxhia, Ahamed (c), Sampayo, Trialist, Hayden, Saville, B Clifford, McEachran (Kaby 75), Lalkovic, Devyne, Mitrovic (Prosenik 70).

More photos from the game can be found here http://www.snapimages.co.uk/gallery_259033.html