The Whites started 2008 in disappointing fashion as they were comfortably beaten by South London rivals Crystal Palace at Motspur Park. Despite the disappointment of the result, it provided the Whites the opportunity to blood a couple of players from the Under-16 side, something that will become a more common occurrence in the coming months.
After almost a three-week break from action it was Palace that started off the fresher of the sides. The game began at a frenetic pace and although an equal amount of possession was enjoyed by both sides, it was the visitors that made theirs count. First-half strikes from Ashley-Paul Robinson, just after the half-hour mark, and Joe Sweeny prior to half-time ensured that Fulham had a mountain to climb in the second period.
The Whites kept fighting and although a goal from Lewis Smith kept them in contention, a third Palace strike, a second for Robinson, ensured that the visitors attained all three points and put a dent in Fulham’s aspirations to regain top spot.
Speaking after the game, Head of Youth John Murtough expressed his disappointment, but also highlighted the period of transition that the Under-18s will go through from now until the end of the season. “It wasn’t a great result and we sat down with the boys after the game and went through the areas that we were disappointed with,” said Murtough. “I think one thing we try and emphasise to the lads is that even if you’re having a bad game, you should still play with the same level of commitment, desire and work ethic.”
“However, football clubs at youth development level go through a period of transition in January and February. We have been able to move a number of the senior Academy players up into the Development Squad and, as a consequence, we’re then able to give some game time in the Under-18s to players from Steve Head’s Under 16 side.
“We’re giving players who have been on the fringe of pushing up an opportunity to play, as well as introducing new players to a new age group. The purpose is to lay foundations for next season and build the squad in preparation for that. We want to keep challenging and developing these players and we feel by moving players up an age group it gives them this challenge.”
Fulham: Etheridge; Cameron, Holland, Brown, Laribi (Marsh-Brown); Noble, Jackson (Bichard), Saunders, Goncalves (Wilson); Smith, Uwezu.
Subs Not Used: Foderingham (GK), Moscatiello