U18s 1-2 Crystal Palace

Fulham Under-18s slipped to a third straight defeat on Saturday – going down 2-1 against Crystal Palace at Motspur Park.

After a bright start, Steve Wigley’s side were rewarded on 20 minutes when striker Cauley Woodrow finished smartly following a clever move from deep.

Woodrow went close to a second shortly after, with Muamer Tankovic and Jordan Evans also creating chances and the visiting ‘keeper making two key saves.

Lyle Della Verde teased in an inviting delivery as Palace started the second half on the back foot, however, as the half wore on, it was the visitors who began to look the more threatening.

As a result they pulled level when Fulham failed to clear a corner from the right with 30 minutes remaining and then added a second 15 minutes from time.

Academy Director Huw Jennings said: “It was a disappointing game especially after what was a very positive first 45 minutes. We created opportunities and really should have added to the lead we had made for ourselves.

“But credit to Palace, they responded really well in the second half where we struggled to get to grips with their direct style. We won four, but have since lost our last three – but that’s the yo-yo of youth football I suppose.

“We need to bounce back, and I’m sure we will.”