Bohemians
trialist Eric Molloy struck a last-gasp equaliser to ensure Frank Lampard's
first game in charge of Chelsea ended in a 1-1 draw.
Michy Batshuayi scored the first goal of Lampard's reign in the first half
as the Blues looked to get off to a winning start under the former Chelsea
midfielder.
But Molloy produced an excellent finish in the 89th minute to leave Lampard
waiting for his first win since being appointed head coach at Stamford
Bridge.
Before kick-off all eyes were on Lampard's first team sheet and the new
Blues head coach opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Chelsea's first-half team
Caballero, Sterling, Azpilicueta, Guehi, Kenedy, Drinkwater, Ampadu, Pedro,
Gallagher, Palmer, Batshuayi.
His first starting line-up included Cesar Azpilicueta at centre-back, while
Danny Drinkwater partnered Ethan Ampadu and Kasey Palmer in midfield as
Lampard opted for a blend of youth and experience.
It was Batshuayi, included as a lone striker, who impressed during the
opening 45 minutes.
The Belgium international looked extremely sharp and he was rewarded with
the first goal of the Lampard era, firing home from close range in the
eighth minute after Kenedy's shot was deflected into his path.
Lampard rung the changes at the break, swapping out all 11 players to give
his whole squad a run out at Dalymount Park.
Chelsea's second-half team
Cumming, Zappacosta, Chalobah, Zouma, Maatsen, Baker, Bakayoko, Brown,
Gilmour, Piazon, Ugbo.
Tiemoue Bakayoko and Kurt Zouma, who both spent last season away from
Stamford Bridge, were given a run out alongside youngsters Lewis Baker, Izzy
Brown and Billy Gilmour.
Bakayoko and Gilmour went close to doubling Chelsea's advantage, but
goalkeeper James Talbot produced two excellent saves before the hosts
grabbed a dramatic 89th-minute equaliser.
Chelsea gifted possession to Keith Ward, who slid the ball through for
Molloy and he took full advantage to level the scores.
The visitors had one final chance to secure victory but Ike Ugbo failed to
turn home Brown's cross from close range as Bohemians held on for a draw.
What's next?
Chelsea's remaining pre-season fixtures...
July 13: St Patrick's Athletic - Richmond Park, Ireland
July 19: Kawasaki Frontale - International Stadium, Japan
July 23: Barcelona - Saitama Stadium, Japan
July 28: Reading - Madejski Stadium
July 31: RB Salzburg - Red Bull Arena, Salzburg
August 3: Borussia Monchengladbach - Borussia Park, Germany
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