An equaliser in the final minute of extra time denied Frank Lampard a first victory as Chelsea manager.
Lampard named two completely different starting XI’s in each half and despite taking an early lead through Michy Batshuayi’s powerful strike, Chelsea’s lack of match fitness showed as they rarely stepped out of second gear. Few players excelled in Dublin, as a turgid apathy began to consume the Blues’ play.
They were then rightly punished for their complacent attitude when Bohemians trialist Eric Molley smashed in the equalising goal from inside the 18-yard box.
Chelsea had a few bright spells early on in each half, with both Billy Gilmour and Tiemoue Bakayoko drawing good saves from Bohemians keeper’ James Talbot, but their play was generally slow and ponderous with players seemingly lacking the confidence to make runs off the ball.
The game will serve as a welcome reminder to Lampard and his staff of the challenge they have ahead of them, but with more senior figures returning to the fold they will be hopeful of a positive result in their next game against St Patrick’s on Saturday.
