Chelsea's Fernando Torres (right) and Brentford's Harlee Dean (left) battle for the ball

Former pupil shines against stars

Upminster’s Hall Mead School had a special interest in Brentford’s FA Cup tie at the weekend – former pupil Harlee Dean was trying to knock out Premier League giants Chelsea.

The 21-year-old was seven minutes away from helping to produce a cup upset, before £50million striker Fernando Torres rescued the Blues with an equaliser to clinch a 2-2 draw.

Hall Mead’s former head of PE Jason Swan said: “Harlee was my captain for five years and really led by example.

“He had a hard decision to make in Year 11, about whether to stay on for A-levels or go into football. He was very bright, but also very talented with a very good attitude and a really good role model for his peers.

“He’s a top lad and I can’t say enough good things about him.”

Brentford, riding high in League One, took a deserved lead shortly before half-time through Marcello Trotta, but Chelsea got back on terms through Brazilian star Oscar.

Bees regained the lead with 17 minutes remaining when Tom Adeyemi was fouled by goalkeeper Ross Turnbull, who was booked, and Forrester fired home from the penalty spot. But Torres earned Chelsea a second chance in the 83rd minute and Dean had a let-off in injury time when he appeared to handle Juan Mata’s chip into the area, but referee Jon Moss ignored the penalty claims.

The two sides are due to meet again in a replay at Stamford Bridge on Sunday February 17, with the winner handed a trip to Middlesbrough in round five.

Swan added: “I’ve seen penalties given in those circumstances and hoped to have tickets for the replay, but we’re going away on a skiing trip with the school.”