Fulham Under-23s added another point to their tally on Friday evening, drawing 0-0 with Middlesbrough.
The home side enjoyed the better of chances, but a brilliant Alex Borto performance ensured that we kept a clean sheet away from home.
It was a particularly youthful Under-23s side that made the long trip up to the home of Bishop Auckland FC.
Most notably, former trialist Martial Godo made his first start since agreeing terms at the club. Matt Dibley-Dias featured in the middle of the park after getting some minutes under his belt on Wednesday evening for our Under-18s. Olly Sanderson featured up top, with Sonny Hilton and Ollie O’Neill on either side of him.
Boro started on the front foot and tested Borto almost immediately. Captain Joe Gibson rifled a low left-footed effort across goal, but our stopper got down quickly to make the block.
O’Neill found himself in a promising position soon after, sprinting down the left after being nicely played in via a Sanderson flick-on header. Unfortunately, his touch was a little heavy and the danger was cleared by a Boro man.
The hosts were finding success in the early stages. Daniel Dodds tried his luck from outside the area but dragged his attempt wide.
On 40 minutes, Borto was called into action again, this time tipping over a decent Stephen Walker effort.
The biggest chance of the game fell to Boro just before half-time. Sonny Finch found himself through on goal, but once again, Borto sprung to the rescue for his side with a great save.
We went in at the break level after a difficult opening half.
Borto was having some game, and saved his side again after the break, making himself big to deny substitute Jack Stott who took aim from close range.
O’Neill broke away down the left on the 57-minute mark after some good work from substitute Imani Lanquedoc, but the Irishman’s low delivery slid behind multiple Fulham runners.
Boro’s Walker had a golden opportunity on 74 minutes after being slotted through. He wrong-footed Borto but, after hesitating twice, he was intercepted before being able to pull the trigger.
Lanquedoc did well again a few minutes later, cutting onto his right before curling an effort just over. The ball appeared to take a small touch off the top of the crossbar.
Both teams pushed for a winner but in the end neither side could be split.
Fulham U23: Borto, Larkeche, Dibley Dias, Robinson (Bowat 66'), D'Auria-Henry, Pajaziti, Odutayo, Godo, Hilton (Lanquedoc 45'), O'Neill, Sanderson (Tanton 83')
Subs: Tanton, Adams, Lanquedoc, Bowat
