The 2007/08 season did not get off to the best of starts for the Reserves as they lost the opening match of the campaign to Arsenal at Motspur Park.
The visitors opened the scoring through Jay Simpson within the first minute of the encounter. They then went on to double their lead midway through the first half courtesy of a Traore free kick.
Arsenal were forcing Fulham onto the back foot for much of the first half, however the Whites were given a way back into the game just before half-time when Wayne Brown was brought down in the box. The midfielder picked himself up to score from the spot.
The second half was a far more even affair than the first, unfortunately the Whites were unable to reverse the deficit.
Following on from his involvement with the First Team in Tuesday’s Carling Cup match, young defender Adam Watts resumed his duties in the heart of the Reserves’ defence and put in a typically assured display, demonstrating exactly why he is on the fringes of the First Team.
Speaking after the match, Reserve Team Manager, Billy McKinlay gave his reaction.
“It was a disappointing performance, particularly in the first half,” he said. “We’ve been waiting for this game for the past few weeks. The pre-season went well but there comes a point when you need a competitive game. They boys have been eager to get out of the traps and the first match couldn’t have come against a better team.
“To lose a goal in the first minute was criminal. It was always going to be a challenge against a side like Arsenal so to start like that was really poor.”
Fulham: Brooks-Meade; Cumber, Ashton, Leijer, Watts; Milsom (Noble 55), Goncalves (Smith 80), Brown, Timlin; Hudson-Odoi (Trialist 60), Ehui
