Fulham's Reserve Team were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Manchester United (Barclays Premier Reserve League) at Altringham FC on Monday evening and despite his evident disappointment in defeat, Manager Billy McKinlay commended the effort and commitment of his players against a strong United side.
“The first goal we conceded was a poor one to give away, right before half time, and that was a real blow," McKinlay told fulhamfc.com. “We battled away in the second half and after United had scored a second seven minutes from time, Kerim Frei pulled one back for us in the 90th minute.
“It was set for a grandstand finish with three or four minute’s injury time, and despite putting United under real pressure at the end, we couldn’t produce an equaliser to earn a point.
"On the night United probably deserved the win but our lads worked their socks off and I was delighted with the commitment and effort shown against a strong United team.
"Our passing at times was really good but we lacked a cutting edge in front of goal but as I said, the players gave everything tonight. Overall though, I’m disappointed with the result."
Due to a shortfall of defensive players ahead of Monday night's game, former Fulham defender Ian Pearce travelled with the team to the North West and played a full 90 minutes in central defence for Fulham.
Fulham's Reserve Team return to League action on Tuesday 4th October when they will take on Norwich City at Motspur Park. Supporters are welcome to attend the fixture with match and ticket details to be confirmed on fulhamfc.com in due course.
Fulham: Bettinelli; Trialist, Smith, Trialist, Burn; Pritchard (Minkwitz 65), Harris, Donegan (Brister 83), Kacaniklic (Trialist); Frei, Trotta
