Big game for the U21s tomorrow night at the Cottage against Norwich (kick off 7pm). We’re sitting 3pts behind them, Leicester and Sunderland and a win is seriously needed to stave off relegation. If you can, get along and support the lads - as an incentive Emerson Hyndman should be making his comeback!
Fulham 2 Norwich 1 (U21s) A decent and well needed win by the lads. Marred only by Emerson Hyndman being sent off in the last minute for a second bookable offence - kicking the ball away after Norwich had been awarded a free kick, and having received his first yellow only 15 minutes earlier for remonstrating with the ref after a similar Norwich free kick had been given. To be honest the ref wasn’t very good but these were plain silly on Emmerson’s part. Anyway, back to the football. The team was: Rodak; Sheckleford, Buatu, Baba, Evans; Hyndman; Williams, Mesca; Sambou; Plumain, O'Halloran Subs: Barnes, Casasola, De La Torre, Redford, Della Verde They were set up very much like the first team’s “Diamond” and the thing that surprised me most was how far forward Solomon Sambou was played. At times almost as a centre forward and not only did this not suit his strengths but it (I thought) constricted the team’s style. That said we dominated the first half. And took a deserve lead on 20mins. when Mesca threaded a delightful pass through the Norwich defense for Freddy Plumain to run behind them and cooly slot the ball home. Ten minutes later Dean Halloran combined well with Sambou on the edge of the Norwich box and although the ball then went loose, Freddy again pounced. He twisted and shot in one movement, to score a really well taken goal in the far corner of the net. Either side of the goals we had the odd slick passing moves but by and large seemed content to hold the ball and constrain any initiative from Norwich. Norwich changed tactics from the start of the second half and began swinging balls diagonally across the pitch. We struggled to get a hold on the game and had to rely on counter breaks. There didn’t seem to be any real threat though, with our back four pretty much in command. However 10 minutes from the end Norwich pulled one back from a close range shot by their No. 4. And we held out. To be honest it wasn’t a brilliant game. Ryan Williams huffed and puffed, although he some decent forward runs. Hyndman had a good first half with the ball seemingly always played through him - as per the first team with Parker. [Indeed an awful lot of the play reminded me of the first team - ’nuff said‘!] The stars were our back four. Two scouts (one from Norwich and one from Millwall) sitting in front of us were particularly impressed by right back Rhyeem Sheckleford. Myself, I thought the Norwich left back was about as good as anyone on the pitch, but then I’m not a scout.
Surely it can't be long before Plumain gets near the first team? Seems to be banging them in consistently for the U21s.
He can look the bees knees FI. Reads the game well, he's fast and I can't properly express how well he took his goals tonight. Trouble is, he's injury prone. He took an awkward fall in the first half and a couple of knocks in the second, which left him struggling before he was subbed about 10 mins from the end.
Cottager (or anyone else), do you know whether Hyndman's sending off will mean a ban from that applies to the first team? My suspicion is that it does, in the same way that red cards in pre-season friendliest apply to league games, but it would be good if someone had a definitive answer.
He’ll get an automatic 1 game ban Captain - from all possible games that he could play in for us. However, he's now heading off to play in USA Under-20 friendlies and I don't know if there's a contiguous FIFA ruling which would effectively nullify the ban for us.
Thanks Cottager. I'd guess that if he misses competitive games for us while he's on international duty , that would count towards the ban. Let's hope so, anyway!
Norwich 3 Fulham 1 (U21s) A surprise return for the ‘missing’ Larnel Cole in this disappointing defeat; which keeps us rooted in second bottom place. Also in the line-up was Shaun Hutchinson - bit confused about that one. The team was: Norman; Sheckleford, Buatu, Hutchinson, Evans; Smile; Cole, Edun; Sambou; O'Halloran, Plumain Subs: Barnes, Casasola, de la Torre, Redford, Walters Quite a number of changes from the team that beat Norwich just over a week ago at the Cottage. Emerson Hyndman was presumably out having been sent off in that one, which is the main reason why I don’t understand Hutchinson’s inclusion - thought he was a 2 match ban!? Also makes you wonder when/if ‘wonder kid’ Tiago Casasola will ever get a game. Other changes were presumably enforced because of the International commitments and makes it doubly strange why the Club agreed to re-arrange the fixture from the original May date. More important though was the shape of the team - the ‘Diamond’ - with some again being played out of position (especially Solomon Sambou). And how young the team was. Anyway, here’s the Club report: ”The hosts took control of the opening exchanges and began threating in wide areas, but the Whites defence did a good job of standing firm. It took until the 17th minute for the Canaries to register their first effort on goal, when Reece Hall-Johnson fired wide from just outside the penalty area. Starting in his first match for over 12 months, Larnell Cole was eager to impress and, on 19 minutes, the 22-year-old did well to find space in the box but skewed his shot into the side-netting. As the match entered the second quarter, the Whites stepped up their game and forced a series of corners, and by the 29th minute, the visitors were a goal to the good. Following some good footwork by Tayo Edun, the midfielder freed Jordan Evans out wide and the left-back sent over a crisp delivery for Freddy Plumain to head in off the underside of the crossbar. The Whites were starting to gain some control, when Norwich hit back. Conor McGrandles wriggled free and his deep cross was headed in at the far post by Norman to level the scores on 43 minutes. Despite the set-back, Fulham rallied before the interval and, after Ryheem Sheckleford whipped a dangerous ball across goal, Cole rifled another effort the wrong side of Declan Rudd’s post. Edun came close to converting Evans’ cross a minute after the break, before his own delivery was scrambled away as the Canaries dug in to dispel the Whites’ bright start to the half. Cole made way for Jordache Walters on 54 minutes and he almost made an instant impact but could not get a shot away after Sheckleford’s excellent pass allowed Plumain to centre. But Norwich made the Whites pay on the hour mark, when Morris was allowed too much space to chest the ball down and power the ball past Magnus Norman from close range. Aaron Redford was introduced for Josh Smile on 65 minutes as Edun’s dangerous cross was cleared to safety by Canaries skipper Kyle McFadden, before Norwich began to up the tempo. McGrandles stabbed a shot wide on 70 minutes, and the Whites offered a response when Evans tested the hosts’ backline with another out-swinging cross, before Luca de la Torre replaced Edun. As the Whites piled forward, Norman made a fine save from Morris’ effort, before Plumain fired wide and Sheckleford surged into the box, only to be sent tumbling under pressure. After the referee awarded the 90th minute penalty, Plumain stepped up, looking to double his tally, but Rudd was equal to his spot-kick and denied the Whites striker an equaliser. And Kelly had the last word on the counter-attack, finishing Morris' through ball to wrap up the victory and send the Whites home empty-handed.”
The Club say it's only 2 FI - the Brentford and Charlton games. They confirmed what you say about maintaining match fitness though, given that the International break could have meant him missing three weeks. Kit was at last night's match and said that "he put in a good performance and showed a great attitude".
As noted by FI in the other thread - Liverpool 1 Fulham 2 (U21s) What a boost! And three very welcomed points. The team was: Rodak; Sheckleford, Buatu, Davies, Evans; Smile, Edun (O'Halloran 80'); Cole, Sambou, Plumain; Dembélé Unused subs: Barnes, Williams, De La Torre, Redford ”The hosts started the brighter of the two sides in the glorious sunshine but it was the visitors who fired the first warning. Dembélé, returning to the side, hit a powerful shot from range that went high and wide of the target. The Reds responded after six minutes, a dangerous free-kick into the box was met by Dan Cleary but his header was straight at Marek Rodak, who gathered at the second attempt. Aron Davies' mistake then allowed the Reds another chance but his defensive partner Jonathan Buatu rescued his team-mate, producing a superb block to deny Sergi Canos a shot on goal. Liverpool's Ryan McLaughlin was causing problems down the Fulham left hand side but Rodak was on hand to collect a succession of dangerous crosses into the box. Fulham were then gifted a chance when Jose Enrique's misplaced pass found Ange-Freddy Plumain who did well to set up Dembele but his shot was straight at goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. The home side then broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark after good work from Enrique on the left-hand side. He produced a pass over the top of the Fulham defence and found O'Hanlon who fired the ball into the far corner. Their lead did not last long though, just three minutes later Solomon Sambou broke up play in his own half before driving forward and playing in Moussa Dembélé who slotted home past Vigouroux. The Whites then took the lead four minutes later from another counter attack. Josh Smile played the ball over the top and found Dembélé on the right, who used his strength to hold off surrounding defenders and found Tayo Edun who produced an excellent finish into the far corner. Dembélé full of confidence then created another opening by himself, brushing off defenders and unleashing a powerful shot that fizzed wide. The opening to the second-half was quiet and it wasn't until the just before the hour mark that Liverpool tested Rodak. O'Hanlon looked to catch the 18-year-old out from a free-kick at his near post but the Whites keeper got down well to parry the ball clear. That chance gave Liverpool some momentum and substitute Ryan Kent fired a dangerous cross across the box but no one could get on the end of it. Rodak was called into action again on 67 minutes, as the ball broke to Samed Yesil but the Slovakian blocked his shot and the follow up couldn't be turned in by Cameron Brannagan. There was more chaos in the Fulham area when Rodak spilled a routine shot but the Whites managed to scramble the ball clear. Fulham then found a new lease of life and Larnell Cole hit a shot from range that was straight at Vigouroux. With 10 minutes to go it was so nearly 3-1 to the visitors. First, Plumain twisted and turned in the area before firing a shot that was well saved by Vigouroux and soon after Smile picked up the ball from long range and smashed a stunning effort that crashed against the bar. Into stoppage time, the Whites nearly sealed the win as excellent footwork by Cole in the box created space for the shot but it was easy for Vigouroux. Rodak was needed once more deep into stoppage time, as the ball broke for Sinclair in the box but the keeper spread himself well to deny the striker and seal the win for Peter Grant's side.”
A huge game for the U21s tomorrow afternoon against fellow strugglers Sunderland. I know Leagues are not the bee-all and end-all at this level but retaining our Elite status is really, really important for the future. The game is at the Cottage, kick off 1pm. Hopefully we’ll put out a strong team and reverse the 4-0 drubbing they gave us at their place. Another game coming up for the lads, and one that has kind of slipped under the radar, is next Wednesday (22nd April) against FC Porto in the Semi-Finals of the Premier League International Cup. Porto progressed after defeating Fulham’s Group Stage opponents Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in their Quarter-Final, having come second in a group that featured Norwich City, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Chelsea – who of course we beat in thrilling fashion in our Quarter-Final. The other Semi-Finalists are yet to be decided, but Fulham or Porto will meet one of Celtic, Manchester City, Everton or Leicester City in the Final. This one is at Motspur Park kick off 7pm. Not at all sure why it couldn’t have been at the Cottage as well, but there you are. Anyway it’s free for ST holders, £3 for adults and £1 for kids and golden oldies, so if possible get along and cheer the youngsters.
Fulham 0 Sunderland 2 (U21s) The team was: Rodak; Sheckleford, Buatu, Donnelly, Evans; Sambou (Baba 7'), Edun; Roberts, Cole (Mesca 41'), Plumain (O'Halloran 46'); Dembélé Unused subs: Norman, Smile Disappointing really. We looked good on paper but never got going against an organised Sunderland team who were sharper and stronger in the tackle. Also in goalie Jordan Pickford they almost had an extra outfielder so good was his kicking, especially in the first half. A lot of it was obviously pre-planned to players out wide but that shouldn’t take away anything from his accuracy. He made the first goal with a superb low kick that sliced our defence and set their right winger free to cross for Watmore to score. We weren’t helped by an injury to Solomon Sambou (back in his rightful position of ‘sweeper’ in front of the back four) immediately after that or by an injury (I think - although no idea what it was) to the returning Larnell Cole after 40 minutes. And we went to sleep on the stroke of half time letting Watmore poke in his second from close range. We had a few chances in that first half but to be fair they were all long range affairs. The second half didn’t start much better when Freddy Plumain went off (again not sure what was wrong) after only a minute or so. And from then on we huffed and puffed but creating nothing by way of a threat. The injuries definitely disrupted the shape of the team but we were comfortably contained by Sunderland who outmuscled us throughout. A little too strenuously at times and not least when a rather lenient referee allowed their No. 10 (George Honeyman) go completely unpunished after he connected with a punch on Dean O’Halloran. Too many of our players had average games though and for large spells seemed content with square or backwards passes. Moussa Dembele showed his strength and speed at times but frequently tried to do too much on his own. Pat Roberts - sprouting whiskers - was never really in the game and got caught on the ball an awful lot, although to be fair they did tend to ’gang-up’ on him. And, as I said, all very flat in the end. Leaving us in a pretty desperate League position.
Fulham 0 Porto 3 (U21s) (Semi-Final) (International Championship) Kit, beaming as bright as the evening sunshine at the start of the game, can be proud of the lads. This was a game up for grabs until spoiled by play-acting and the most awful ref you are likely to see. The team was: Rodák, Sheckleford, Buatu, Donnelly, Evans, Roberts, Smile, Edun, O’Halloran, Dembélé, Plumain Subs: Norman, Baba, de la Torre, Na Bangna, Redford An attacking line-up - albeit with a very young, small and inexperienced midfield. The best thing was our willingness to run with the ball and that, along with a Porto side very comfortable on the ball, made for a free-flowing game. Plenty of chances early on as well, mostly to Porto and thankfully young Rodak was in form. Then a terrible spell .. Should preface the explanation by saying that Porto for all their skills, had been a tad handy at unnecessarily falling over - well, okay “diving”. About the 40 minute mark the ref pulled-up Josh Smile for a foul (personally I thought it a perfectly good tackle but good ‘simulation’ from the Porto guy). Anyway the ref flashed a yellow card at Josh and was simultaneously hustled by the Porto lot (presumably trying to get Josh sent off). In the melee that followed Liam Donnelly was adjudged to have “hit” a Porto player and was given a red - never, never even touched him. Absolutely bollocks refereeing! They immediately then scored from a break down the right and Dean O’Halloran had to be sacrificed - Noe Baba coming on. So, we go in at the break down to 10 men and down 1-0. We went 4-3-2 in the second half with Pat Roberts dropping into midfield (he and Freddy Plumain had been playing forward with Dembele/O’Halloran in the first half). Not surprisingly Porto were able to press us - although by now their persistent “diving” and constant hassling the ref was getting to be more than irritating. And they went 2-0 up on the hour. To be fair it was a cracking goal - a 25 yard blaster from the same guy (Silva) that got their first. Nothing like his third (in injury time) though. Think Charlie Adams. Silva saw Rodak off his line and ’lobbed’ it from 60 yards into the net. 3-0. Absolute credit to the lads. They never gave up against such awful odds ie the ref. (There were many more examples and inconsistencies that I could mention). Josh Smile coming into the game for the injured Solomon Sambou had a great game and was our MOTM. The back four (five with Noe Baba for Liam Donnelly) did fine, with Raheem Sheckleford again tops. Tayo Edun struggled a bit with the formation where for most of the first half he and Smile were the midfield. Freddy Plumain was terrific but eventually ran out of steam. Pat Roberts .. ? Bit anonymous again I’m afraid. Worth remembering that this was the Porto ’B’ side, effectively their reserve team. But why, oh why did they have to resort to all the spoiling tactics!?
