OGC Nice 0-2 Fulham

Fulham commenced their tour of Portugal with a 2-0 win over OGC Nice in the Algarve Trophy.

A penalty in each half scored comfortably by Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson gave The Whites a fully-merited victory.

In front of a very audible selection of the Fulham faithful at the Estádio Algarve, Marco Silva’s men started on the front foot with the press in full flow.

A nasty-looking clash of heads forced the game into an early stoppage on 10 minutes, as Marlon Fossey put himself on the line to win back the ball high up on the right.

Badrerine Bouanani then missed a one-on-one down the other end, getting his feet in a muddle at the vital point under firm Marek Rodák pressure.

Harrison Reed, who captained the side, was proving to be a real thorn in The Eaglets’ side, and made a trademark tenacious run forward after 20 minutes. Getting all the way to the byline down the right, the midfield man cut his cross back across goal, requiring a Nice defender on full alert to put it behind.

On 36 minutes there was some defensive heroics from a Fulham man, in the form of Idris Odutayo. After initially looking like he’d been beaten by his man, the big defender got back onto the goalline to miraculously head a goalbound shot over the bar.  

A short while later and Fulham took their lead. After Luke Harris was fouled in the box following a quick breakaway with Sylvester Jasper, Kebano confidently strutted up to the spot and tucked his penalty away.

Rodák was on hand again just before the interval, saving at the last from Bouanani, who had been the main threat from the opposition.

Just before the hour mark, Jasper freed himself up again to jink past his man and deliver a cross. The ball didn’t quite find a Fulham man but, after some great recycling, it found its way back to Jasper, whose driven effort at goal had to be stopped and smothered.

As the clocked ticked down there was time for the Fulham fans to be treated to the two new signings entering the fray, as João Palhinha and Andreas Pereira got some minutes.

With seven minutes left to play, there was another penalty to Fulham. This time Jasper had his legs swiped from beneath him in the box, and substitute Wilson made no mistake from the spot.

There was a late chance for Nice, requiring further rock solid defending from a young backline that showed no signs of inexperience to keep it out.

Following the game there was a penalty shootout, played in-case of any ties on the conclusion of the competition. Wilson, Pereiera and Jean-Pierre Tiehi converted for Fulham as they won this 3-2, following a failed Panenka from Dante.

Fulham now get ready for their second game in as many days against Benfica on Sunday night.