Chelsea Under-18s 3-2 West Ham United Under-18s
Goals by Freddie Sears and Josh Payne were not enough to give Tony Carr's side a share of the spoils in their first outing of 2008.
The London derby on 5 January was settled by a last-minute penalty, but the match showed little of the five-goal thriller it was to become in a first half of few chances. After the break, the home side took the lead when French Under-17 international midfielder Gael Kakuta scored from 25 yards out.
West Ham United were level on 68 minutes when striker Sears showed he was back to his best with a headed equaliser from a fine Bondz 'Gala cross. Parity did not last long, however, with Kakuta forcing Chelsea back in front before Payne replied with another quickfire goal - heading in a free-kick to level it at 2-2. With time ticking away, Chelsea won a penalty and Nana Ofori-Twumasi converted, much to the disappointment of the visitors.
West Ham United: Stech, O'Neill, Blackwell, 'Gala, Spence, Harvey, Edgar (Okus 80), Lee (Barrett 85), Sears, Payne, Fry
Sub not used: Ashman