A late goal from Kayden Harrick helped the Fulham Under-18s come from behind to beat West Ham United 2-1.
Damian Las was called into action a few minutes in as he punched a powerful long shot clear. The Hammers started the stronger and pushed for an early lead.
On 17 minutes, a cross was swung in and flicked on by Mika Biereth. Ibane Bowat rose highest at the back post but his free header flew just over. Big chance for the young Whites.
Just seconds later, Ollie O’Neill fed in Biereth but he couldn’t quite reach the ball, which rolled harmlessly towards the goalkeeper.
Kai Corbett opened the scoring for West Ham on 20 minutes. His free-kick floated towards Damian Las but slid under his grasp.
Our side showed excellent fight to level the scoring just a couple of minutes later. The ball was fired across the box and Luke Harris emerged at the back-post to smash the ball in.
Biereth was denied a goal again in the 33rd minute after a fine double save from the goalkeeper, both from very close range.
Fulham had the better of the first half, but missed chances meant the score stayed at 1-1 going into the break.
West Ham’s Michael Forbes was presented with the opening chance in the second half. He managed to get on the end of a corner, but his header was well blocked by the onrushing Bowat.
In the 60th minute, Kamarai Swyer made a strong solo run towards goal but his effort was well collected by Las.
Christian Veliky came close to giving the hosts the lead on 68 minutes. A clever through-ball found the number nine whose left-footed shot slid just wide of the right post.
The young Whites were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute after Bowat was bundled over in the penalty box. Biereth stepped up but his powerful strike down the middle was blocked by the ‘keeper.
Fulham took the lead in the 80th minute. Harris fired a clever volley towards goal but it was Harrick who got the final touch and sent the ball in.
We held on to take a deserved victory.
Lineup:
D Las, K Harrack, S Parkes, I Bowat, H Araujo, G Okkas, A Pajaziti, O O'Neill, L Harris, K Bowie, M Biereth
Subs:
A Borto, I Lanquedoc, M Olakigbe, J Wildbore, M Dibley-Dias