Fulham 2 Milton Keynes Dons 1 (Friendly) The team was: Etheridge, Passley (Brister 62), Arthurworrey (O’Reilly 62), Grimmer (Buatu 62), Richards, Na Bangna, Minkwitz, Della Verde (Sambou 62), Plumain, Tankovic, Dembele (Islamovic 62) "A late goal from Buomesca Tue Na Bangna saw Fulham Under-21s defeat MK Dons 2-1 at Motspur Park in a behind-closed-doors friendly match on Tuesday afternoon. It took less than four minutes for Fulham to go ahead at a bitterly cold Training Ground, with Passley instrumental in the build-up. The athletic full-back motored round the outside of his marker before drilling over a cross that Moussa Dembele bundled home at the near post. Four minutes later, Daniel Powell had the ball in the net for the visitors after latching onto a clever pass, but the flag was raised as the powerful forward had strayed just offside, before Bamidele Alli bent one over the angle of post and crossbar on the quarter-hour mark. Fulham were seeing more of the ball but Dons were creating a greater number of chances, with Alli trying his luck once again in the 27th minute and seeing his drilled effort come back off the crossbar. And shortly after, the bar was left shaking at the other end following an excellent piece of technique by Lyle Della Verde. Muamer Tankovic cut a free-kick back to the midfielder who kept his body over the ball to bend a left-footed effort towards goal from 20 yards out, only to see it smash back off the bar before being cleared to safety. Dembele then thought he’d made it two a minute later when he closed down Ian McLoughlin’s kick, but the referee deemed that the keeper’s clearance had hit the Fulham youngster’s hand before it crossed the line. A perfectly weighted ball over the top in the 36th minute just evaded Jack Grimmer and allowed McLeod a shot on goal, but his effort was too close to Neil Etheridge who held his powerful strike. McLeod was played through again three minutes later, though, and this time he was more clinical as he took one touch before angling a low left-footed shot across Etheridge and into the far corner. Stephen Gleeson then fired wide after being teed up by Dean Lewington – son of Fulham favourite Ray – as the half drew to a close, before Dembele saw an effort deflect marginally wide at the other end. Good play by Na Bangna shortly after the restart saw him win the ball on the right wing before playing it infield to Della Verde who found Ange-Freddy Plumain down the left. The Frenchman showed neat footwork to find a yard of space and fire in a shot that the keeper tipped over for a corner. Dembele was next to hit the frame of the goal when his powerful effort on 55 minutes came back off the crossbar after Dons had given away possession in a dangerous area. The ball wasn’t properly cleared afterwards, either, with Tankovic eventually putting the loose ball in the back of the net after Plumain had drawn a save, but the Sweden youth international was adjudged to have fouled his man in the build up. The subsequent 20 minutes saw very few chances created by either team, with a surging run and shot by Tankovic the closest anyone went, and even that flew some way over the bar. As the match timer ticked into the final 15 minutes, McLeod saw a swerving effort land on the top of the net. The journeyman forward had been the visitors’ biggest threat throughout the contest, but the young Whites backline dealt with him well. Plumain was offering something different down Fulham’s left and he drew a good save from McLoughlin after he’d jinked inside and left his marker for dead, before Jason Banton was presented with a glorious opportunity to score in the 82nd minute after he intercepted a loose pass from Alex Brister, but dragged his effort wide after advancing into the box. The tie was settled following a quick counter-attack with three minutes remaining when Na Bangna netted the winner following good play by Plumain and Solomon Sambou. It looked as though nobody would be able to get a clean strike on the ball as it bobbled dangerously around the area but Sambou managed to work it across to Mesca for the winger to poke an effort inside the far post."
Dembele's late brace secures win at Villa. The future's bright, now let him get some match time in the Prem. COYW
Yeah!! Great stuff, although they had to work hard for the win. Here's a write up: Aston Villa 0 Fulham 3 (U21 ’Premier League’ Cup) Moussa Dembele up for the Cup Good to see Solomon Sambou given a promotion to the U21s for tonight’s first round game in the new Cup competition. The team was: Stockdale; Passley, Arthurworrey, Grimmer, Richards; Christensen, Minkwitz, Tankovic; Mesca, Dembele, Plumain Subs: Joronen, Della Verde, Buatu, Sambou, Islamovic A cagey opening 15 minutes by both sides with neither creating any chances. Then Freddy Plumain cut in from the left and forced a fine save from the Villa keeper. Vila however began to take most of the possession but created nothing to bother Stockdale. Fulham were happy to hit on the break and again down the left, it was Ronny Minkwitz that pulled out a good save from their goalie. A couple of minutes later though David Stockdale had to stand up and block a Villa forward just inside the box. Villa had one more chance before the break when Helenius just failed to reach a cross at the far post. Ended 0-0 at half time with Villa having the better of the play but Fulham relatively comfortable. Villa went straight into attack at the start of the second period and Stockdale was forced to make a sharp save inside the first minute. It was 10 minutes in before Fulham showed up front as Moussa Dembele blasted over from 30yds. The team then forced two quick corners but couldn’t capitalise on either. The game became a bit ragged, with Villa picking up a booking. Fulham brought on Della Verde for the very quiet Mesca 15 minutes from the end of normal time. Freddy Plumain fired in another stinger this time from 20yds only to see the keeper make another fine save. The deadlock was finally broken a minute later when Moussa Dembele ran on to a through ball and calmly tucked it away. The last few minutes were lively.Villa had a penalty shout turned down. Solomon Sambou came on for his debut in place of the Tank. Then, Moussa Dembele again got behind the Villa backs to fire home a low shot for his second of the night. And, right at the close Freddy Plumain got his deserved goal from close range to make it a fabulous 3-0 victory for Fulham.
Just a side note. That was a very strong team the lads were playing against: Six of Aston Villa's starting XI tonight started in the Villa team that won the NexGen tournament. Their side also included Denmark international Nicklas Helenius and first team experienced Chris Herd and Jordan Bowery.
Cottager Your comment about a strong Villa team, laced with first team squad players, we have a roll reversal our second team plays in the premiership
Video highlights of the goals - and all three really are highlights: [video=youtube;rj5KTf_YDyY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rj5KTf_YDyY[/video]
Long way off but a cracker in store.. "Following Fulham’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa in the Round of 32 in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Cup, the Whites will now face Arsenal at home in the next round. The fixture will take place at 7pm on Friday 3rd January 2014, with the venue to be confirmed. Further details will follow on fulhamfc.com in due course." Surely it will be at the Cottage.
Fulham 2 Everton 1 (U21s) Rene Sees a Late Winner Maintain Undefeated Record The new boss was among a decent sized crowd tonight. George Williams got his U21 debut and a number of other U18s were named on the bench. [No Moussa Dembele of course - being saved for Wednesday - although he was watching.] The team was: Joronen; Passley, Grimmer, Arthurworrey, Richards; Minkwitz, Christensen, Plumain, Della Verde; Tankovic, Williams. Subs: Rodak, Roberts, Buatu, David, Sambou Fulham looked a bit nervous for the first ten minutes then settled. Freddy Plumain curled one narrowly over the bar and George Williams had a fierce shot charged down. Another confident dribble was only stopped by thumping tackle and Lasse Christensen had a left foot shot deflected wide. Everton however were looking steady with a great passing game. And on the stroke of half time only an acrobatic save from Jesse Joronen stopped them going ahead. The resultant corner was scrambled clear and the teams went in 0-0 at the break. Chris David came on for Lyle Della Verde at the start of the second half, hoping to get more control in the midfield. The move almost worked straight away when only 3 minutes in a ball to the Tank saw the Everton keeper make a fine save with his feet from his shot. Then Everton failed to clear a corner and Stephen Arthurworrey saw his follow-up attempt strike a defender and fly over the bar. Ten minutes in Everton made a change and brought on a bigger guy up front. Five minutes later they broke the deadlock when, from a corner, they scored with a strong header. Fulham brought on the mercurial Pat Roberts for his debut and only another great save stopped him from getting the equaliser. The Tank then whipped a wicked free kick over the wall but this time it was saved comfortably by the keeper. Five minutes from the end the equaliser did come though. Captain Jack Grimmer getting his first of the season (first ever??) from close range. That pushed the lads to go for the winner and Ronny Minkwitz nearly pulled it off in extra time with a shot that went just wide. Then up stepped The Tank who stroked the ball home for a 2-1 victory. Arguably Everton were the better side over the whole game but it was Fulham who created all the chances and a deserved win.
My choice Jesse was in the thik of the action again. But 2 players who are growing in stature are the fullbacks Passley and Brister,both in positions we are desperate to fill, speedy and atacking, nice to see Jack Grimmer back with the lads.
Video highlights of the goals [video=youtube;joMVEL8TEd0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joMVEL8TEd0&feature=player_embedded[/video]
Fulham 5 Tottenham 3 (U21s) Didn’t make the game tonight. Wish I had ’cos that’s a great result. It means we stay undefeated and top of the League on 25 points after 11 games. Our scorers: The Tank x 3, Tom Richards and George Williams
Great result. Cottager I know you weren't at the game tonight but have you any idea if Dembele is still injured or will he be in the squad for tomorrow? He wasn't in the squad tonight.
The team was: Joronen; Passley, Arthurworrey, Grimmer, Kavanagh (Williams 63); Vigen Christensen, Minkwitz, Della Verde; Plumain (Sambou 63), Tankovic, Richards And here's the Club report: "Muamer Tankovic fired in a hat-trick as Fulham Under-21s responded after letting a three-goal lead slip to continue their undefeated run this season. Kit Symonsâ Team were on their game from the opening whistle as Tankovic stroked in a well-worked set piece before doubling his tally with a composed finish. Tom Richardsâ 38th minute strike opened up an emphatic three-goal lead at the interval but Spurs responded in the best possible way, pulling two goals back within eight minutes of the restart. The visitors made their momentum count to level but a 73rd minute Tankovic penalty completed his treble and substitute George Williams struck in stoppage time to kill off Spursâ comeback attempt. Tankovic came to the fore straight from the off, but he soon turned from creator to predator when Lasse Vigen Christensen popped up at the far post to head Josh Passleyâs corner across goal and the Swedish striker turned the ball in on 12 minutes. Spurs were beginning to find a foothold in the game when a quick counter-attack punished them on 36 minutes, Lyle Della Verde and Richards combining for Tankovic to add another calm finish. The Whites went into the interval in a ruthless mood, extending the lead even further after Della Verde seized on a loose pass and Richards rifled past goalkeeper Jonathan Miles with a low driven shot. It was a different story after the break however and Spurs felt the comeback brewing when Dominic Ball stooped to head Aaron McEneffâs corner past Jesse Joronen after 49 minutes. The deficit was reduced further four minutes later when Kenneth McEvoy hit a firm strike into the top corner, and Shaquile Coulthirstâs 68th minute header brought Spurs right back into the game. Goalkeeper Miles had denied Ange-Freddy Plumain when the Frenchman was clean through on goal, but the Whites made no mistake when Giancarlo Gallifuoco brought down Ronny Minkwitz for a penalty. Tankovic sent Miles the wrong way from the spot with 16 minutes left on the clock and, with Tottenham pushing to level the scores again, Della Verde squared for sub Williams to tap in and clinch the victory."
This is a talented squad. Could any step into the first team without the need for a loan spell or are they too rough round the edges for that step just yet? It would be exciting to see just a few make that leap and really grab the chance.
All bodes well for many of our youngsters,as some of them have stepped up from the under 18 squad and carried their form on into the under 21s, but to throw to many in at the deep end of priemiership football may be a difficult call. But if we find ourselves in a comfertable league position by say mid march,my players of choice for a priemiership spot would be Dembele a must, Jack Grimmer, Jesse Joronen, and Mirimar Tankovic.. Many of the others would possibly benefit from a loan spell preferably to a championship side or a high flying div 1 team. I would not be surprised if the 2015/6 season, "if we retain their services " be our most important for home grown, as we could have the skilled maturity of GRIMMER, HANDYMAN, JERONEN, ROBERTS ,SAMBOU, BURN, TANKOVIC, WOODROW, BRISTER, and reports on matches refer us as the Fulham babes. We in that season go on to win the premiership or the FA cup AH one can only dream
That’s a difficult one Fulhaman. They’re good because they play as a team rather than individuals. However, Rene obviously has marked Lasse Vigen Christensen’s card naming him on the bench against Villa and Jack Grimmer is in there, having been in the squad for the Spurs and Villa games. The Tank is very assured and certainly gets the goals. As does Dembele of course (he didn’t play last night because of his hamstring). I think both are there or thereabouts. Of the others, my top tips would be Josh Passley and Ronny Minkwitz - but not this season - and I'm with rosc when he said: With the change in policy from Rene/Kit/Steve (Wigley) and the U18 players now beginning to leap frog through the U21s I think we'll soon be suggesting quite a few others to join Passley and Minkwitz. Players like Freddy Plumain, Solomon Sambou and George Williams (all only 18) who are now establishing themselves in the U21s. And, the even younger Pat Roberts won’t be far behind them. But not yet. One wee exception in your list, rosc - and you're going to hate me for this - like you I rate Jesse Jorenen and he will play at the top I'm sure. What I'm less sure about is whether it will be with Fulham. In theory, he’s currently got 4 in front of him before he challenges Stekelenburg.
Video highlights of all the goals: [video=youtube;Q0UatfcVozg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0UatfcVozg&feature=player_embedded[/video]
That Spurs game is it, so far as official games are concerned, for the U21s until the New Year. The first one in 2014 is a biggie though: "Fulham’s Barclays Under-21 Premier League Cup clash with Arsenal will now take place at Motspur Park on Thursday 9th January (kick off 7pm)."
