Fulham Under-23s battled to a brilliant Premier League Cup win on Friday, beating West Ham United 1-0 to book themselves a place in the Semi-Final.
Steve Wigley was boosted by the availability of George Wickens in goal, who is enjoying an impressive season at National League side Wealdstone. Ibane Bowat came in at centre-back with regular starter Idris Odutayo absent.
Jay Stansfield led the line after scoring a wonderful solo goal in the previous round against Newcastle United.
The young Whites showed intent right from the off, playing a series of passes around the Hammers’ penalty area.
We created the first opportunity on 14 minutes, with Stansfield heading just wide after latching onto an excellent Ziyad Larkeche delivery.
Stansfield was looking lively and almost put us ahead again on the half hour mark. He reacted quickest to a knock-down but fired his low drive inches wide.
The young Hammers created their first threat a few minutes later. Keenan Appiah-Forson broke away and looked to be through on goal, but his legs got tangled up and he fell to the ground. Luciano D’Auria-Henry did well to catch him and apply some pressure.
Bowat made a great block on 38 minutes to deny Armstrong Okoflex from close range.
The two sides went in level but our boys certainly edged proceedings.
The deadlock was broken on 53 minutes courtesy of Sonny Hilton, who stroked the ball home after Luke Harris’ initial effort was directed onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Krisztian Hegyi.
Hilton could’ve grabbed himself a second 68 minutes in, pouncing on a sloppy pass before drilling a powerful effort wide of the far post.
Wickens was called into his first piece of meaningful action with just over 10 minutes remaining. Sonny Perkins cut onto his left on the edge of the box before having his curling strike parried to the Wickens’ right.
Perkins came close again soon after, failing to divert after Kamarai Swyer’s initial shot was skewed. Any significant touch would’ve resulted in a goal but he couldn’t quite reach it.
Wickens came to the rescue for his side in the dying moments, getting down low to deny a powerful hit from close range.
Our lads defended well and the final whistle was soon blown.
