Chelsea win first leg of Youth Cup semi-final

Holders Chelsea won 1-0 at Blackburn in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final.

Fikayo Tomori scored the only goal at Ewood Park and later denied Rovers with a goal-line clearance.

Canadian defender Tomori, who has played for his country at Under-20 level, got away from his marker to head home Isaac Christie-Davies’ left-wing free-kick.

And Tammy Abraham (pictured) almost doubled the lead in the second half when his superbly-struck free-kick hit the bar.

The home side struggled to create chances before Lewis Mansell was put through with 13 minutes remaining.

But Tomori cleared his shot off the line and Tre Pemberton’s follow-up was saved by keeper Nathan Baxter.

It ensured Chelsea will have a significant advantage going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on 8 April, although there is no away goals rule in the Youth Cup.

The other semi-final is between Arsenal and Manchester City, who won the first leg 2-1 at their Academy Stadium.