Norwich City Under-18s ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign with a dramatic late victory at Cobham.
Kenneth Aboh was the match-winner for City, converting from a late counter-attack to secure a 1-0 away victory.
The home side started the game brightly, but Canaries goalkeeper Caleb Ansen was alert to save well following a run and shot from Ato Ampah.
Moments later Ansen once again reacted well to tip Ampah’s deflected free kick over the crossbar, as the home created a string of early opportunities.
Chelsea forward Donnell McNielly was then on the end of a slick passing move but saw a low effort repelled by the busy Ansen.
But just prior to half time Norwich created their best opening of the half, as Aboh saw a shot flash wide of the post.
After half time Aboh continued to look dangerous, flashing a shot into the side netting, as the game became a lot more open.
The best chance of the game for the hosts came midway through the second half, with a loose ball bouncing around in the Norwich six-yard box but Ansen intervened at the crucial moment.
In the final 15 minutes both sides created chances, but it was Norwich who converted late on to seal all three points.
Following a clever quick clearance from Ansen, Pedro Amadou threaded a neat pass in behind the Chelsea rearguard, with Aboh keeping his composure to finish from close range.
It was a smash and grab result for the Canaries, but one which sees them jump up to fourth in the Premier League South, level on points with Chelsea.
Chelsea: Merrick, Hay (Acheampong 80), Akomeah, Murray-Campbell, Boniface, Dyer (Golding 46), Runham (George 62), Rak-Sakyi (Russell-Denny 62), McNielly (Chibueze 80), McMahon, Ampah
Booked: Russell-Denny
Norwich City: Ansen, McCabe, Campbell, Renecke (Doy 38), Williams (Pinyoun 70), Duedse, Welch, Eze (Amadou 61), Thompson (Reindorf 61), Aboh, Foyo
Unused sub: Giller
Goal: Aboh 87
Booked: Renecke 22, Doy 40
Photo: Mark Sandom