Fulham Under-18s began their title defence with a 3-1 win away at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Goals from Mika Biereth, Jaylan Wildbore and Michael Olakigbe secured the points for Steve Wigley's side.
The opening chance of the game fell to the Seagulls seven minutes in. A neat through-ball found Markus Ifill whose effort from a tight angle was well blocked by Damian Las.
The hosts were made to rue their earlier missed effort as Biereth slotted home Fulham's first goal of the season 10 minutes in from a low cross.
Brighton responded well and very nearly found an equaliser in the 20th minute. Andrew Moran whipped in a teasing ball from a free-kick on the left-hand side but, somehow, nobody was able to get a touch on it as it skimmed across the six-yard box.
Brighton were reduced to 10 men close to the half hour mark. After stealing the ball in midfield, Ollie O'Neill found himself charging towards goal before Ben Jackson stuck out a leg and brought him down.
Despite the red card, the South Coast side found a leveller minutes before the half-time whistle. Moran swung in from a corner and after the ball floated over Las, Ed Turns was in position to nod in at the back post.
On 53 minutes, Kayden Harrack fed O'Neill the ball just outside the Brighton box, but his right-footed effort was parried out for a corner.
Wigley's side retook the lead on 75 minutes and in the simplest of fashions. Adrion Pajaziti curled the ball in from a corner and it was substitute Wildbore who rose highest to head the ball into the far corner, leaving the 'keeper with no chance.
Fellow sub Olakigbe guarateed the three points in the dying embers with a composed finish. Biereth played it across to the winger who poked the ball to the left of the onrushing goalkeeper and into the side netting.
It was an ideal start for the young Whites, who will face West Ham on Saturday.