SOUTHEND United's under 18 side ran Chelsea close before suffering a 2-1 defeat.
Adetayo Adedoja put Blues in front on the half hour mark before the hosts scored twice in the final five minutes to triumph.
And Shrimpers coach Danny Heath was quick to praise his side's performance.
"It's positive that the lads performed well and that we're disappointed to have not won the game against Champions League opposition," said Heath.
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