U23s draw 1 - 1 with Chelsea in Southport

Familiar Chelsea names - Kurt Zouma & Marco Van Ginkel.

We appeared to play a 4-3-3 with Davies playing the holding midfield role, Charsley was so busy it was difficult to determine if he was holding or attacking mid, he was everywhere.

We mixed the style of play regularly though enjoyed more success with the tiki taka stuff than the more direct approach. Chelsea's defence generally easily dealt our attempts to play more direct, generally because they were physically stronger than Dowell, Calvert-Lewin and Henen.

First time that I've seen Calvert-Lewin. He's a fine specimen, though needs to be a lot more industrious. Unsie urged him to work harder on several occasions.

Dowell had a poor match. Lost possession countless times, no energy, contributed little.

Robinson impressed at left-back, strong, good pace, carried the ball well, hard in the tackle.

I'm a big fan of Liam Walsh who always impresses me with his vision, movement and energy. However there were a couple of occasions where he was forced off the ball too easily and / or Chelsea's mid sped past him / away from him... almost Osman~esque. I wondered if he was 100% fit / carrying a knock. Sad to see him go off, hope he's well and see him back soon.

MotM for me was Charsley. He was immense first half, everywhere and fully deserved his goal. He tired later in the game (when Walsh went off) but after his earlier exertions understandable.

Duffus and Dyson, though big strapping lads offered little when they came on. Dyson not looking particularly mobile.

Generally enjoyable game to watch and the draw was a fair result.

Chelsea players that impressed me – Dujon Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah (spellings as per the teamsheet).

Hope it's not too bad, as Walsh is a real talent.

Walsh and Charsley were tussling with a Chelsea player and seemed to get tangled up with one another, Walsh stayed down and after receiving treatment on the pitch was helped off. Left leg / foot.