The Elite Development Squad kicked off their Barclays U21 Premier League campaign with a hard-earned 0-0 draw away to Chelsea. With the seniors kicking off their title defence on Sunday against Southampton, the EDS were charged with the soft opening of 2012/13 on a balmy night at Brentford FC’s Griffin Park. Atillio Lombardo admitted his side were a little late in their preparations for the season after experimenting with a number of trialists over the summer but they will take real heart from getting something out of one of their toughest away assignments.