- Chelsea teenager Michael Golding in awkward handshake with official
- The 17-year-old made his debut in the Blues' 4-0 FA Cup win over Preston
- It's about survival! FA Cup replays must continue for the good of English football It all starts
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Chelsea teenager Michael Golding couldn't hide his excitement as he made his Blues bow, sharing the moment with a humorous handshake with one of the match officials.
The 17-year-old midfielder made his first appearance for the club as a late substitute for Ezno Fernandez in the club's 4–0 FA Cup third round win over Preston.
His excitement was also there for all to see as he waited on the sidelines to join the game next to the match official, who held up the numbers.
Seeing that it was the young star's debut, the referee shook Golding's hand before holding out his hand again to signal the player to wait before going onto the pitch.
However, Golding appeared to mistake the gesture for another good-luck handshake and awkwardly grabbed the official's hand and shook it a second time.
Chelsea youngster Michael Golding is congratulated by the referee on his debut for the club
The teen then gives a second handshake after misunderstanding a gesture from the official
The referee shakes his hand for the second time before letting him onto the field for his debut
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Fortunately, the official takes the lead and confidently shakes the teenager's hand again.
He then extends his hand a third time – and a little further away from the player – but this time Golding is far too focused on what's going to happen in his career to try the same handshake again.
Mauricio Pochettino ultimately made little work of the Championship side, despite a frustrating first half that ended goalless at Stamford Bridge.
However, second-half goals from Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Fernandez helped Chelsea comfortably reach the fourth round.
Mauricio Pochettino's side comfortably defeated Preston 4-0 to progress to the next round
As well as a debut for Golding, Pochettino also handed a start to defender Alfie Gilchrist for only this third appearance in a Chelsea shirt.
Chelsea now look forward to another cup tie next week as they take on Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday.
Michael Carrick's team was also in action today in the FA Cup and narrowly lost to Premier League Aston Villa due to a late deflected goal from Matty Cash.