Chelsea youngsters beat Derby at the Bridge

Chelsea’s development side opened their Premier League 2 campaign with a 2-0 win against Derby County at Stamford Bridge.

The goals, scored by Reece James and Luke McCormick, both came in the second half, while Jordan Houghton returned to action after a knee injury when he came on as a substitute.

James opened the scoring by netting at the far post from McCormick’s corner.

McCormick prevented an equaliser by clearing off the line and Derby’s Calum MacDonald was sent off for a second bookable offence before Chelsea got their second goal.

It came when the outstanding McCormick finished coolly after collecting Miro Muheim’s pass.

Houghton, who suffered cruciate damage while on loan at Doncaster last season, came on just after the hour mark.

He is expected to return to Doncaster on loan before the transfer window closes.