Mukhtar Ali scored twice as a 4-0 victory at Leicester City helped Chelsea close in on third-placed Liverpool in Division 1.
A day before the teams meet in the Premier League, Chelsea moved within a place and a point of Liverpool, who have two matches in hand.
Ali opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 36 minutes at St George’s Park after goalkeeper Max Bramley fouled Ike Ugbo.
Shortly after half-time, Chelsea doubled their advantage when Charlie Wakefield’s cross deflected in off Darnell Johnson for an own goal.
REPORT: #lcfcu23s suffer defeat to Chelsea on their return to Premier League 2 action at St George's Park - https://t.co/8e3k1DqwYo pic.twitter.com/Zb2B7zZMdl
— Leicester City (@LCFC) January 13, 2017
Wakefield was the creator of Chelsea’s third as Ali headed in his cross, before Dominic Solanke’s powerful finish wrapped up the victory.
Chelsea’s next PL2 match is against Arsenal at Colney Training Centre on Friday 27 January. Leicester, who are 10th, host Manchester City on Monday 30 January.
See: Leicester report | Chelsea report