Manchester United U21 2-2 Fulham U21

Fulham Under-21s were held to a point against Manchester United on Friday, after conceding a late goal courtesy of an Omari Forson long-range strike.

Adrion Pajaziti and Terry Ablade twice put us ahead, but two goals from Forson meant the points were shared.

Steve Wigley gave defender Harvey Araujo a start for the 21s, with the youngster beginning the game at left-back in place of Idris Odutayo.

The only other change was up front, where Callum McFarlane made way for pacey forward Ablade.

We started brightly and came close just two minutes in. Ablade was played through but his low, right-footed effort was deflected just wide of the far post.

Araujo came even closer for us a few minutes later, when his looping header was somehow clawed away from goal by ‘keeper Radek Vitek. The young Whites looked dangerous every time they attacked.

We took a deserved lead on 16 minutes, and it came from a brilliant Adrion Pajaziti strike. O’Neill’s cross was cleared out to the Kosovan, who smashed a powerful shot into the top right corner.

The hosts created their first decent chance on 25 minutes. Captain Dan Gore latched onto an excellent Charlie Wellens long ball, but his low effort rolled just wide.

Despite the positive opening half-hour, Mark Dempsey’s side equalised on 35 minutes. Omari Forson found himself with time and space and fired a first-time strike into the top left corner.

An entertaining opening half was brought to a close with the two sides level.

We made a dream start to the second period, going back in front just a minute after the restart. O’Neill’s curling cross from the left was expertly stabbed home by our number nine.

O’Neill nearly added a third soon after, but his left-footed strike was well saved by Vitek in goal. A good spell for Steve Wigley’s boys.

Somehow, United didn’t find another equaliser on 57 minutes and it was a huge let off for the young Whites. Gore found himself clean through but rolled his low shot wide.

The home side were causing us problems. George Wickens came to our rescue a couple of minutes later, making himself nice and big to block Oliver Bray’s goal bound attempt.

Just as the win looked secure, with seconds remaining, Forson unleashed an incredible strike which flew into the top corner. Wickens could do nothing but watch.

That last-gasp United goal meant we were limited to a point in Manchester.