It was a day to forget for the Under-18s who started 2021 in disappointing fashion, falling to a 4-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. The result means Palace leapfrog Fulham into first place, though Aston Villa could go top if they win one of their two games in hand.
The result represents the young Whites’ first league defeat in eight games.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time via an own goal. Two quickfire strikes in the second half gave the young Eagles a 3-0 lead before Mika Biereth grabbed one back for Fulham. They pushed for a way back into the game, but all hopes were soon dashed when Jesuran Rak-Sakyi converted on 69 minutes.
The visitors enjoyed the majority of the ball in the opening half but struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities. Olly Sanderson nearly gave Fulham the lead after his effort on the end of an Adrion Pajaziti cross was just off target.
Towards the end of the half, the deadlock was eventually broken when centre-back Thorsteinn Antonsson misdirected the ball into his own goal. A cross was fired in from the right and his outstretched leg pushed the ball over the line.
Steve Wigley’s side continued to apply the pressure but were hit on the counter, with midfielder Tayo Adaramola cutting in and curling an effort into the far corner.
Things went from bad to worse just two minutes later. A corner was met by an almighty scramble which eventually fell nicely for Victor Akinwale, who smashed the ball in from inside the six-yard box.
Biereth gave the young Whites something to build from in the 61st minute, turning in the Palace box before firing a low effort underneath the goalkeeper.
The home team missed a penalty to keep the score at 3-1 but eventually would make it four. Rak-Sakyi fired home from a rebound after a pacey counter attack.
Our Under-18s will be looking to bounce back next Saturday as they host Brighton and Hove Albion.
Team Line-up:
Trialist; Tanton, Antonsson, Parkes, Araujo; Benjamin, Lanquedoc, Pajaziti, O'Neill; Biereth, Sanderson
Subs:
Trialist, Caton, Wildbore, Bowie, Olakigbe