Southampton 1 Fulham 1 (U18s) The team was: Norman, Donnelly, Adebayo, Burgess, Evans, Baba, Smile, Sambou, Roberts, Williams, O'Halloran "A late George Williams penalty earned Fulham Under-18s a richly deserved point at Staplewood as the Whites were held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton on Wednesday. The Fulham winger had the first real opportunity of the match with 20 minutes on the clock when he fired wide from Dean O’Halloran’s pass, before Sam Gallagher missed the target at the other end. Gallagher’s lob at the end of the first half just lacked the accuracy needed to break the deadlock, with Patrick Roberts squandering a chance to open the scoring four minutes after the restart when his 20-yard effort flew just wide. Mekhi Leacock-McLeod then saw his strike deflect behind, before Williams, Josh Smile and Liam Donnelly all tried their luck as Fulham turned the screw. But it was the home side who drew first blood as the imposing Gallagher rose highest to head in the opener in the 81st minute – although their lead was short-lived when Williams was upended in the area by goalkeeper Harry Isted. Williams planted his spot-kick into the top corner to ensure the Whites didn’t leave Hampshire empty handed as his side ended 2013 on a three-game unbeaten run. They are next in action at home to Arsenal on Saturday 4th January. “It wasn’t our best performance but in the second half we got on top,” Academy Director Huw Jennings told fulhamfc.com. “We conceded against the run of play, but certainly justifiably got a draw with the penalty about five minutes before the end. “It’s another solid result away from home and keeps our consistent run going in terms of results. It’s nice for the lads to have a breather now as they’ve been working hard since July so I think it’s very important for them to have a break.”
A more detailed account from the other side: “The match at Staplewood – the U18s’ last of the calendar year – provided an intense battle throughout as sturdy defences ensured that there was little goalmouth action for either side. Amidst a relatively even start, the visitors were the only side to threaten to break the deadlock in the opening 20 minutes. Jordan Evans whipped in a dangerous cross that drew no contact from any of his Fulham teammates, before the Cottagers gave the home side more of a scare three minutes later. Fulham stole possession deep into Saints’ half, allowing Dean O’Halloran to lay the ball across to Williams who appeared to rush his effort as the retreating Tom Leggett closed in, which saw the forward side-effort narrowly wide from just inside the area. Saints soon began to utilise their home advantage as they pushed forward and carved out several speculative chances. The energetic Leggett surged into the box to meet Jake Hesketh’s drilled cross but the captain could only flick a tame effort straight into the hands of Magnus Norman. A Jake Flannigan free-kick that failed to worry the visitors as it was swept into the wall soon followed before Gallagher looked to salvage something out of an overhit Hesketh pass into the area. The forward reached the ball before it rolled out of play and hit a first-time effort from an acute that unfortunately flew behind the net. A much more inviting opportunity was presented to Gallagher on the stroke of half-time but his aiming didn’t match the high standard that the Scotland Under-19 international has set for himself recently. The striker made use of his imposing figure as he outmuscled Cameron Burgess before lobbing the onrushing Norman, only to see his chip bounce marginally wide. HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U18s 0-0 FULHAM U18s Despite the possession being shared evenly between the sides in the second half, it was Fulham who created more opportunities in the second 45 minutes. Ten minutes after the break, Cottagers substitute Mekhi Leacock-McLeod hit a 25-yard drive that deflected off Isaac Nehemie, sending the ball fizzing inches wide. Evans’ frustration down the left flank continued as the full-back charged forward and slammed a cross through the six-yard box that proved to be too powerful for his fellow Fulham players who failed to reach it. The most infuriating moments for the visitors were still yet to come and arrived just after the 70-minute mark as Williams and Liam Donnelly failed to capitalise on the glorious positions they found themselves in. Patrick Roberts’ cross was cleared only as far as Williams in the area, who chested the ball down before slicing a tame effort off-target. Donnelly rose to meet a corner that he won with ease but failed to garner the right result as his header bounced up into Isted’s grasp. Josh Sims attempted to re-create his recent stunning goal against Aston Villa that soared into the top corner when he cut in from the left flank; sadly on this occasion, the winger didn’t match the aiming as he whipped the ball just beyond the far post. With nine minutes of normal time left, a well-worked free-kick resulted in Gallagher rising to nod in the opener. The forward won the aerial battle with Fulham’s backline with ease as he met the cross from the left flank with a header directed in at the near post. Unfortunately, Fulham were gifted a penalty a few minutes later when Isted tripped Williams as he stretched for the ball. The forward dusted himself down to assume the spot-kick duties and slammed the ball into the top corner to ensure Saints had to settle for what was arguably a fair point. FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U18s 1-1 FULHAM U18s
Huw Jennings explains the Gottingen Tournament on the Club site: Our Under-18s are currently out in Germany where they take part in the Sparkasse and VGH Cup in Göttingen. Itâs an indoor five-a-side tournament, and a competition that has really become a fixture in the boysâ winter programme hasnât it? It has, and it works for us. Itâs a unique competition, with 3,000 odd spectators around the indoor pitch - so you get a fantastic atmosphere. Players are put under pressure and we like that. Itâs a different situation for them and itâs a chance for us to see how they react. The games are fast and furious, and itâs a great way to restart the campaign after the Christmas break. We have six matches in the first group stage from Thursday to Saturday, then a minimum of two second group stage games before the knockout phase on the Sunday. Theyâll be training on top of that, too, so it can be intense. The tournament itself is now in its 25th year. This will be Fulhamâs fifth year of participation - the standards are extremely high arenât they? The competition always features top German and European clubs as well as some very talented young players. This is an excellent tournament, and one thatâs very highly regarded. We got to the Semi-Final two years ago, so this time we want to go further and hopefully bring home the trophy. Itâs a strong level of opponent; we have Hannover 96 and FC Schalke in our group, while the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Hamburger SV, VfL Wolfsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach are also involved. Celtic and PSV Eindhoven are two of the European participants, while weâll also go up against some very good regional German clubs. These teams are used to playing this type of football, while we have to adapt very quickly once a year - but thatâs all part of the challenge. Indoor football is also very tactical, every player has to be switched on at all times - because very quickly you can get punished. Itâs sharp for the body and for the brain. This kind of football and competition is very popular in Europe; itâs a big part of their young playersâ development. We know that the Academy has a real focus on technique, a positive use of the ball and player movement - this certainly helps with that doesnât it? Itâs always been levied at English teams that we donât have individuals with real technical quality. For me, thatâs a load of rubbish. This country has lots of talented young players coming through, ones that are as a good as any throughout Europe. They can compete, make no mistake about that. Fulham have demonstrated that in the past, underlined by our triumph in Dallas Cup. Itâs a different style of football, but weâre hoping that our players pick it up very quickly. If we can do that, weâll be a match for anyone in Göttingen.
Fulham U18s cruised to easy 9-0 Victory in their first match in Gottingen against JSG Hardegsen Scorers were: Roberts x 2, Smile x 2, Leacock-McLeod, Elworthy, Williams, Hyndman and Sheckelford. They then won their second match 4-1 against SV Gr.Elershausen/Hetj. Scorers: Roberts, Hyndman, Evans and Leacock-McLeod
In their third game, today, the U18s beat SC 1911 Heiligenstadt 3-0 Scorers: Roberts x 2 and Sheckelford They then went on to make it four wins out of four with a 6-0. victory over JSG Radelshausen Scorers: Roberts x 2, Evans, O'Halloran, Baba and Redford
In their first game today the U18s lost 4-3 to Shalke. Scorers: Roberts x 2 and Evans. They then suffered another defeat, this time 5-2 to Hannover. Scorers: Sambou and O’Halloran. However the good news is that they finished 3rd in their Group and now go into the second round in Group B, along with Mainz and Austria Vienna. The five Group winners and the best three runners up will go forward to the quarter finals.
In their first game in Group B, the U18s beat Mainz 2-0. Scorers: Evans and Burgess In the second game they lost 5-3 to Austria Vienna , after being down 4-0. Scorers: Williams, Evans and Donnelly However thanks to goals scored the team went through to the quarter finals. In that match they drew 3-3 with Borussia Munchengladbach. Scorers: Leacock-McLeod, Hyndman and Evans And went through to the semi-final beating the German team on penalties (6-5). Unfortunately we lost that one 2-0 to the eventual tournament winners, Austria Vienna. And ended up in fourth place losing the third place play-off 5-3 to Shalke. Scorers: Evans and Hyndman x 2 Well done the lads though - done the Club proud.
Reading 1 Fulham 2 (U18s) The team was: Rodák, Baba, Donnelly, Adebayo, Evans, Sambou (Sheckleford 80), Hyndman (Redford 70), Leacock-McLeod (Smile 55), Williams, Roberts, O’Halloran. "Considering it was their first 11-a-side game of 2014, Fulham understandably struggled to get into their rhythm early on. But the Barclays U18s Premier League leaders eventually found their feet and went close to taking the lead when Pat Roberts shot over after good work from George Williams. Evans then had a long-range effort tipped over the crossbar as Fulham took the game to their hosts, while Williams saw a couple of chances go begging. But against the run of play, the Royals went in front three minutes before the break with their first real attack of the game. A shot was parried by Marek Rodák and a Royals player was first to loose ball to tap in the rebound. Fulham continued to press after the break and drew level on 65 minutes when a great cross from Noe Baba was met by Dean O’Halloran who got in between the two Reading centre-backs to power home a header. With the game heading for a draw, the Whites snatched the win in the 88th minute when a Jordan Evans’ 20-yard strike clipped the heel of his own teammate Elijah Adebayo and flew into the back of the net."
The goals - [video=youtube;ptxjcQGKfNM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ptxjcQGKfNM[/video]
Spurs 2 Fulham 3 (U18) (FA Youth Cup) Roberts Dumps Spurs in Cup Thriller Liam Donelly captained the lads tonight as hat trick hero Pat Roberts and keeper Marek Rodak steal the show. The team was: Rodak; Donnelly, Burgess, Adebayo, Evans; Smile, Sambou, Hyndman; Williams; Roberts; O'Halloran. Subs: Norman, Sheckleford, Leacock-McLeod, Baba and Walker Bad Note; Josh Smile and Spur’s player, Oonah, sent off five minutes from the end for fighting. Details Later Foot Note: Away to Man City in next round
"The game, played at Dagenham & Redbridge’s Victoria Road ground, started 10 minutes later than scheduled due to an accident on the A2. When play did begin, the Whites couldn’t have got off to a worse start as Spurs went in front in the third minute. Nathan Oduwa spun away from Liam Donnelly near the halfway line and burst down the left. His pace was too much for Fulham to deal with and his cross from the byline was met at the far post by Joshua Onomah who slotted into an open goal from seven yards out. Fulham hit back, constructing their first attack in the eighth minute when Emerson Hyndman won the ball in midfield before sending Dean O’Halloran clear. The striker’s touch was heavy, however, allowing Spurs keeper Luke McGee to race out of his goal and save at the Fulham youngster’s feet. George Williams went close for Fulham with a curling effort from the edge of the box in the 22nd minute. But, the Whites drew level from the resulting goal-kick after a horrendous error from Tottenham’s Cameron Carter-Vickers. Receiving a short pass from McGee, Carter-Vickers tried to find centre-back partner Filip Lesniak but only resulted in giving the ball straight to Pat Roberts who smashed home. Spurs went straight down the other end and an angled effort from Shayon Harrison forced Marek Rodà k into a parry, before the same Tottenham player shot wide at the near post after meeting a low cross from Emmanuel Sonupe. Just before the half-hour mark Conor Ogilvie sent a free-kick from 30 yards inches wide of Rodà k’s left-hand post, but it was 2-1 to Fulham in the 33rd minute. Josh Smile cut in from the right before unleashing a left-footed shot from distance that McGee could only parry. Pat Roberts was quickest to the rebound and slotted home to double his and Fulham’s tally for the night. Shortly afterwards Williams jinked into the box and saw a left-footed shot deflected just over by Carter-Vickers, before Steve Wigley made a substitution, Ryheem Sheckleford replacing Elijah Adebayo in the 38th minute. Oduwa went close to drawing Tottenham level shortly after the break when his shot was blocked near the line after a great run by Onomah. But Spurs were level in the 52nd minute, Oduwa cutting inside and skipping past a couple of Fulham challenges before seeing his shot squirm under Rodà k and over the line. Fulham should have been back in front in the 58th minute. Williams showed superb skill to turn and speed past Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker-Peters and find Hyndman, but the American could only send a side-footed effort over the bar from 10 yards out. Hyndman went into the book in the 68th minute for chopping down Walker-Peters just outside the box. Ogilvie took the free-kick and forced Rodà k to tip the ball away with a fierce left-footed drive. Oduwa was continuing to cause Fulham problems and he flashed a shot across the face of goal and just wide of the far post with 17 minutes remaining. With the game heading for extra-time, Fulham went back in front in the 82nd minute as Williams saw a shot beaten away by McGee and that boy Roberts was on hand to fire home at the near post to grab his third of the game. Just moments later both teams were reduced to 10 men. Onomah was fouled by Smile and reacted to it, with the Fulham winger retaliating. Something of a melee then ensued before calm was restored and referee Ashvin Degnarain dismissed both Onomah and Smile. Spurs threw players forward in the dying minutes in search of an equaliser and Roberts was withdrawn for Josh Walker in injury time as Fulham held on for the win."
He's a right little poacher, that Roberts. [video=youtube;71ctoWRcl2c]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71ctoWRcl2c&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Fulham 2 Leicester 1 (U18s) The team was: Norman, Sheckleford, Donnelly, Adebayo (Burgess 65), Evans, Sambou, Baba, Foday, Leacock-McLeod, Elworthy (Roberts 55), Redford (Williams 55) "The Whites started brightly, dominating the early play and bossing possession only to fall behind in the 10th minute after some sloppy defending allowed a Leicester player to sneak in at the far post and meet a cross before bundling the ball home. It was all Fulham for the remainder of the half, but the Whites couldnât break down a stubborn Leicester defence, with Aaron Redford missing a couple of good chances. Trailing at the break, the Whites made two changes on 55 minutes, with Patrick Roberts and George Williams entering the fray. And the Whites levelled five minutes later when Jordan Evansâ corner found Liam Donnelly at the back stick and the defender headed home. With the game heading for a draw, the Whites snatched victory when good build-up play eventually saw the ball worked to Roberts. His disguised pass found George Williams who made no mistake. It was the third game in a row that Fulham have won a match in the last 10 minutes."
What a good second goal.. [video=youtube;PS_fNlO8FEs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS_fNlO8FEs&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Fulham 2 Spurs 2 (U18s) The team was: Rodak; Sheckleford, Baba, Burgess, Evans; Smile, Nabay (Elworthy 60), Sambou, Leacock-McLeod (Redford 65); Roberts; O’Halloran "Fulham’s Under-18s were held to a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon, but Steve Wigley’s charges remain at the top of the Barclays U18 Premier League table. Fresh from signing his first professional contract in midweek, England youth international Patrick Roberts put the Whites in front when slotting in a coolly taken penalty after just four minutes following a foul on Dean O’Halloran. Spurs responded positively, and almost levelled when Daniel Akindayini stroked Joshua Onomah’s cross from the right onto the woodwork. Then came three goals in six minutes, as the first half drew to an exciting close, with Akindayini keeping his composure to fire home Anthony Georgiou’s blocked strike on 38 minutes. Akindayini added his and Tottenham’s second moments later when smashing in from close range after Marek Rodak could only parry Nathan Oduwa’s cross. Fulham were level on 44 minutes, though, following a wonderful exchange from Josh Smile and Roberts and when the latter lifted a pass into the path of Dean O’Halloran, the young striker applied a confident finish. After the end-to-end opening period, both teams continued to push for a winner, with Roberts and O’Halloran seeing half chances come and go. Aaron Redford did have the ball in the back of the net for the Whites, but his effort was judged offside. At the other end, Connor Ogilvie rattled the crossbar when striking a fine effort from a Harry Winks corner. Having seen off Spurs in the FA Youth Cup the previous week, there would be no late winner this time for the Whites as Wigley’s team had to settle for a share of the points."
