Fulham Under-23s ended their pre-season with a 1-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion at Motspur Park.
Sonny Hilton's smart strike was the difference between the two sides in a closely fought game.
Cyrus Christie was given some minutes as well as fellow senior squad players Luca Ashby-Hammond and Jay Stansfield.
The visitors created a decent opportunity within seconds of the start, as the rain came pouring down. Brighton’s number 10 received a wonderfully weighted, curling cross at the back post but couldn’t get a clean touch on the ball.
Down the other end, Idris Odutayo had a header well saved before Ziyad Larkeche’s driven effort was tipped over by the Brighton ‘keeper.
The two sides tussled for control in what were tricky conditions at Motspur Park. Adrion Pajaziti prodded an effort over from a Hilton cross before Luke Harris’ overhead kick was comfortably collected.
The biggest chance of the game presented itself in the 28th minute. Harris found space at the back-post, but his free header was excellently saved.
The miss didn’t matter too much though, with Hilton smashing an effort from outside the box into the bottom left corner to put us ahead.
Cyrus Christie almost doubled our lead on 34 minutes, when his towering header was denied by the goalkeeper, who was at full stretch.
Hilton nearly scored an absolute belter soon after, blasting a half-volley goal-bound from far out. His attempt was palmed out for a corner.
Ashby-Hammond was called into action with five minutes of the first half to play, making himself big to deny a powerful effort from the right-hand side of the penalty area.
Sonny’s strike was all that separated the sides as they went in at the break.
Hilton had yet another long range effort well saved, when his low shot was nudged just wide.
Ollie O’Neill was inches away from grabbing a goal on 68 minutes. After receiving the ball on the left-hand side, he cut onto his right and watched as his side-footed effort was cleared off the line.
Christie threatened from a header again minutes later. His looping attempt had the goalkeeper back-tracking, before diving backwards to tip it just over. Agonisingly close to a second.
Substitute Kieron Bowie struck the post with just minutes to play in what was the biggest chance the half had seen. Terry Ablade made a bursting run before rolling the ball across the six-yard box. Bowie connected with it but could only direct his shot against the woodwork.
The young Whites soaked up some late pressure before the full-time whistle drew the friendly to a close.
Team Lineup:
L.Ashby-Hammond, Fossey, Christie, Odutayo, Larkeche; Page (Bowie 69’), Harris, Pajaziti; Hilton, O’Neill, Stansfield (Ablade 45’)
Subs:
Las, D’Auria-Henry, Lanquedoc, Araujo, Ablade, Bowie
