Fulham’s Reserves took a two-goal lead over Chelsea on Monday evening at Griffin Park with goals from Seol Ki-Hyeon and Michael Timlin. However, the home side snatched a share of the points with a late equaliser.
Simon Elliott continued his rehabilitation, completing a scheduled 65 minutes of action before bring replaced by Matthew Briggs. Indeed it was the New Zealand international who could have given the Whites the lead early on when a fine piece of technique saw the midfielder connect sweetly with a volley which clattered off the angle of crossbar and post.
The first half was a fairly evenly match affair with both sides testing their opposition keepers – with Ian Pearce, Elliott and Eddie Johnson all registering effort on goal for Fulham.
The Whites took the lead midway through the first half when a Michael Timlin corner was flicked on and met by Seol from close range. An excellent save from Portugal Under-21 international goalkeeper Ricardo Batista, who had an impressive game, just before the interval ensured a half-time lead for the Whites.
Michael Timlin doubled Fulham’s advantage early in the second half with a trademark free kick which gave Rhys Taylor little chance. However, the home side hit back not long after the restart through Jimmy Smith. Then with only seconds of regular time remaining, Chelsea snatched the equalising goal when a weak shot from Di Santo trundled over the line.
Fulham: Batista; Omozusi, Pearce, Kallio, Ashton; Brown, Elliott (Briggs 65), Timlin, Ki-Hyeon; Johnson, Ehui