Stoke U23 0-1 Fulham U23

A late Sonny Hilton beauty sealed what was a hard-fought 1-0 win over Stoke City on Monday evening. 

The home side had the better of the first half, but our lads grew into the game after the break.

After coming off from the bench a couple of weeks ago, defender Ibane Bowat was given his first Under-23s start of the season.

Jonathon Page was another who came into the starting line-up, along with Welsh international Luke Harris.

The hosts would have been pleased with the start they made, enjoying a large chunk of the ball in the opening stages. Bowat needed to made a good lunging interception to stop a Stoke man in his tracks.

The first big chance of the game went to the young Potters just before the half-hour mark. William Goodwin neatly wiggled between two defenders before watching as his low strike was heroically cleared off the line by Hilton. Warning signs for Wigley’s lads.

Stoke’s Adam Porter should’ve put his side ahead on 32 minutes but was denied courtesy of some excellent goalkeeping from Luca Ashby-Hammond. Our stopper came rushing off his line and made himself big to block the powerful strike.

Our 23s were finding some success on the break towards the end of the first half. Hilton tried his luck from range after receiving the ball from Adrion Pajaziti, but the effort ballooned over.

Stoke Head Coach Kevin Russell would’ve been disappointed his side didn’t go in ahead, but it remained goalless at the break.

The young Whites came out a lot better and forced the first chance of the half on 50 minutes. Hilton pounced on a loose pass before a crunching challenge left him on the deck. The referee waved play on and Harris picked up the ball before firing straight at Blondy Nna Noukeu.

Idris Odutayo needed to be alert up the other end, blocking Goodwin’s effort from a tight angle.

Wigley’s side were having a lot more of the ball in the second half, but were struggling to find a way through the stubborn Stoke back line. Hilton swung in a number of corners and free-kicks but they came to nothing.

Substitute Kieron Bowie nearly found a way through on 77 minutes after some Stoke sloppiness. A good last-ditch tackle was enough to clear the danger.

Bowie got that big chance he was looking for with 10 minutes to play. Ollie O’Neill squared the ball to the Scot from the left, but his low strike was blocked before rolling just wide.

Having controlled much of the second half, the young Whites went ahead in the 83^rd minute after a moment of Hilton brilliance. The attacker rifled a shot into the top corner from range.

Our lads saw the game out well and returned to winning ways.