Everton Reserves 0-2 Fulham Reserves
Fulham’s Reserve Team recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Everton Reserves at Finch Farm on Monday afternoon.
Two second half goals in the space of five minutes, courtesy of Alex Brister (50 min) and Courtney Harris (55 min), secured all three Premier Reserve League points for Billy McKinlay’s youthful Reserve Team.
Monday’s victory was all the more impressive considering the home side’s line-up featured experienced internationals and Premier League stars.
In contrast Fulham's Reserve Team was a blend of current Academy scholars and former graduates, but McKinlay's youngsters were evidently not phased by the strength of opposition.
“It was a hard working and determined performance and I’m pleased with the result," McKinlay told fulhamfc.com.
“There wasn’t much to in it during the first half and it was an even contest but the two goals early in the second half set us on our way.
“The players put in a really good shift and we could have scored more towards the end of the game. We were not overawed by the opposition that was full of experience Premier League players like Yobo and Yukubu. There were a lot of first year scholars in our team but at the end of the day it’s eleven versus eleven.”
Fulham’s Reserve Team return to action next Tuesday against Bolton Wanderers at Motspur Park (7pm) and McKinlay spoke of the benefits the Barclays Premier Reserve League will offer his side this term.
“We’re back in the Barclays Premier Reserve League this season,” McKinlay explained. “Last year we were short on numbers so we managed our games but this season the group is stronger in terms of numbers.
“The League provides a good competitive edge to the matches and this season we’ve got 22 games against good opposition. We’ve got Bolton next Tuesday so the games are coming thick and fast now.”
“We were better organised as a Team on Monday and we’ll take confidence from the result and move on but there is plenty of work to be done.”
Teams:
Fulham Reserves XI: Bettinelli (GK), Passley, Smith, Arthurworrey (Dean 73), Burn, Pritchard, Brister, Harris, Donegan (Minkwitz 64), Frei, Kacaniklic
Everton Reserves XI: Davies (GK), Browning (Mustafi 56), Garbutt, Duffy, Yobo, Orenuga, Baxter, Wallace, Forshaw, Yakubu, Vellios
Fulham Reserves v Bolton Wanderers Reserves
Tuesday 30th August 2011 (KO 7pm) / Motspur Park
Ticket Prices: Adults £3, Under 16s & Over 65s £1, Free for Season Ticket Holders who produce a valid Season Ticket Card.
