Fulham U18 1-1 Crystal Palace U18

A late Crystal Palace goal meant our Under-18s were held to a 1-1 draw at Motspur Park on Saturday.

Olly Sanderson put us ahead with 20 minutes to go before Victor Akinwale got the visitors level late on.

The main story ahead of the London derby was the return of Xavier Benjamin, who was in the starting eleven for the first time this season after being sidelined with a long-term injury.

The young Whites came out quickly, and Olly Sanderson had a shot roll wide after fighting to win the ball back high up the pitch.

Palace looked to threaten on the 10-minute mark, with Maliq Cadogan’s pacey cross just a little too far forward for Victor Akinwale to reach.

It had the feel of a London derby, with plenty of fierce challenges going in during the opening 15 minutes. The young Eagles looked dangerous going forward and came close when Joe Sheridan’s header was well gathered by goalkeeper Alfie McNally.

Up the other end, Sanderson found Imani Lanquedoc, whose hard hit was well caught by Owen Goodman. The ball bounced in an awkward place for the Palace ‘keeper.

McNally was called in to action again on 25 minutes, sprinting off his line to get down and steal the ball off Kalani Barton, who had made a good run down the left.

Our 'keeper then made the best save of the game six minutes before the break, pouncing to his left to keep out Cadogan’s effort after the attacker cut in from the left.

Palace stopper Goodman needed to be on his toes too, just before half-time. Michael Olakigbe flew down the right before squaring the ball to Sanderson, whose shot was heading in at the near post before being well parried.

Both sides created a chance or two, but it was a fairly uneventful opening half at Motspur Park.

The second half started in a similar way, with the two sides tussling for a foothold. Palace’s Jadan Raymond tried his luck from the edge of the box, but his effort was blocked before McNally came out to claim.

The visitors were enjoying a good spell, and on the 57-minute mark Akinwale headed just over after rising highest to flick on a powerful Barton delivery from the right.

The young Whites had a strong penalty shout a few minutes later, when Olakigbe cut inside and appeared to be tripped by a Palace man. The referee, however, was quick to wave play on.

It was our lads who took the lead on 70 minutes and it came after a nicely worked move. Luc De Fougerolles played in a brilliant cross from the left and Sanderson volleyed in. Great composure shown from our forward.

After a solid second half, it was late heatbreak for our 18s with the away side getting themselves level on 90 minutes. McNally did well to save the initial header, but could do nothing to stop Akinwale from rifling home on the follow-up.

The late drama meant the points were shared.