Fulham Under-18s suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on their opening day of the season.
A first half strike and a penalty after the break proved to be the difference in the end.
Our starting line-up featured four of our First Year Scholars, with Ollie Gofford, Aaron Loupalo-Bi and Lemar Gordon all in the attacking line and Luc De Fougerolles at right-back.
Under-16s defenders Eddie Nsasi and Jon Esenga starred at centre-back and left-back respectively. Fellow Under-16s player Bradley Slade made it onto the bench for Ali Melloul’s side.
The hosts started stronger and enjoyed the ball early. Remeiro Moulton played a neat one-two on the edge of our box before curling a left-footed effort over on the 10-minute mark.
The young Seagulls went and took the lead a couple of minutes later, and it was an unfortunate one for our goalkeeper Michael Allen. Jack Hinshelwood's impressive effort from range deflected off the crossbar before hitting Allen's back and bouncing over the line. The opener therefore went down as an own goal.
Striker Loupalo-Bi very nearly got us level, pouncing on some sloppiness at the back before firing just wide of the post. Good anticipation from the youngster.

The levels increased as our boys searched for an equaliser. Esenga whipped in a sublime free-kick from the left, which was poked narrowly wide by fellow defender Harvey Araujo.
After the drinks break, Loupalo-Bi turned sharply on the ball before attempting a low strike into the bottom far corner. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get a clean connection on it and his attempt trickled well wide.
The young Whites got better and better as the half progressed, but went in at the break behind.

Arguably our biggest chance of the game came on 50 minutes. Araujo powered through midfield before finding Works, who was through on goal. The pacey winger whipped his attempt over the bar, much to the relief of the Brighon defence, who were opened up.
The home side still threatened when going forward. Ruairi McConville’s free header from a corner flew wide.
Brighton doubled their lead from the penalty spot on the hour-mark. The move that resulted in the penalty was a simple one. Striker Joshua Duffus latched onto a goal kick before being taken out by Allen as he tried to take the ball around him. Duffus then slotted his spot kick into the bottom left corner.
We applied some late pressure but couldn't quite break down a resolute Brighton defence. The lads now prepare to host Arsenal next weekend.
Fulham U18: Allen, Nsasi, Esenga (Slade 75'), de Fougerolles, Araujo, Gofford (Osmand 68'), McCoy-Splatt (Avenall 48'), Gordon, Parker, Works, Loupalo-Bi (de Jesus 68')
Subs: Nwoko, Slade, Osmand, Avenall, de Jesus