It was a celebration in orange juice rather than champagne as a proud Ronny Minkwitz lifted the Cup this afternoon at Craven Cottage. Yes, the Academy team are the League Champions. Second half goals by Cauley Woodrow and Ryan Williams saw the team deservedly beat Blackburn 2-0. In fairness, although Fulham had a bright opening 10 minutes, Blackburn were the better team in the first half and squandered 3 or 4 good chances. But after Woodrow scored in 56 mins. we were in control. MOTM Minkwitz (aka Danny Murphy) together with Lasse Christensen (aka Scotty Parker) ran the midfield. The back four were terrific throughout. Both wingers Mesca (could have made more of his final ball however) and the Spritely Williams gave a very physical Blackburn side loads of trouble. The whole team deserve credit, always trying to play football and delighted the crowd. of about 1500 They also, well occasionally, even got the first team squad - who were all there - excited. Here is the Club report - http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/AcademyMatchReport.aspx Well done Kit and all the Team.
I was following the live updates from the club's website and it seems that Ryan Williams had a very good game, as he has done most of the seasons for the Academy. Can you see him stepping up next season to maybe a bench role or can you see him loaned out to the Championship ala Kaka.
I tend to agree with your report Cottager,but if Blackburn could have put more on target and were in general not shot shy ,they possibly could have sewn it up in the 1st half. for me Cauley Woodrow looked a great prospect,wit I thought our best players were our wingers Ryan Williams, and Mesca,for me Ryan getting my M O T M. Very impressed with our new goalkeeper,Connor Roberts,who did not have a great deal to do but commanded his area well We almost filled the riverside stand,an amazing achievement. In the way of support,and was nice to see a selection of our 1st team squad there. Well done KIT and the lads.
Certainly had a good game Bandit. Blackburn were very much a hustle and harry team and frequently he had two or three players round him but he was strong and used the ball well; good in the air too. If he lacked anything it's a bit of compusure (he for instance fluffed a good chance in the first few minutes, getiing the ball stuck between his feet). That will come with experience though. So he's not yet ready to step up. Loaning out is always a difficult one I feel and a good run in the reserves would be best.
I personally would like to see both Mesca, Ryan, & our new goalkeeper loaned out from the season start to a championship, or good Div 1 side so our squad coaches can analyse their performances,say up till Christmas. Not so sure about what the future holds for Ronny Minkwitz,enthusiasm he has in abundance, but maybe a step up to a higher level, would then give all a clearer picture.
Thanks for the reports, fellers. As we've been saying for some time, it sounds as if there is a lot of young talent pushing through for the next few years. Good news.
I was sitting there against Sunderland, saying everytime a player slipped over, 'See that's what happens when you put the sprinklers on'
Here are the video highlights - http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/May/AcademyFinalHighlights.aspx
Rosc, can you help ? I'm confused - is this the same Connor Roberts that has just been released by Everton ? http://www.evertonfc.com/news/archive/2012/05/18/six-players-released I agree with everything you said about him - he looked good. So why have they released him ? How come he was able to play for us in the final ?
Yes Cottager he did previously play for Everton,and made an appearance against us last season. We have only had him a short time,and is rated so highly that Kit has made him our first choice keeper. Was told at MP, his mate who joined us earlier on had a big influence in his FFC move.
