Walton & Hersham 1-3 Fulham U18

Fulham Under-18s beat Walton and Hersham's senior side 3-1 on Tuesday night in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

Two goals right at the beginning of each half from Chibby Nwoko and Tom Olyott came either side of a Callum Osmand header to ensure an impressive win.

Head Coach Ali Melloul named a front three of Lemar Gordon and Olyott, who featured on the wings, and last season’s golden boot winner Aaron Loupalo-Bi.

Talented first-year scholar Josh King started the game in midfield alongside Nwoko and we named a substitutes bench featuring five more youngsters who recently signed scholarship deals.

The young Whites made a dream start, taking the lead just seconds in. Gordon bust a gut to intercept a sloppy pass at the back before teeing up Nwoko who did the rest.

Our goalkeeper and captain Michael Allen was forced into his first save 12 minutes in, diving to his right to punch clear a venomous delivery from the right-hand side. The hosts responded well after going behind.

We were defending resolutely as the first half progressed, limiting the Isthmian League side to wayward shots from distance.

We were denied by the crossbar soon after, when an inswinging corner was headed up and against the woodwork from a Walton and Hersham defender positioned on the goal-line.

We then scored our second of the evening on the 28-minute mark. King charged forward before playing a brilliant ball across the area to Loupalo-Bi. Although his attempt from close-range was well saved, Callum Osmand was perfectly placed to nod home from the rebound.

A positive opening half came to a close with our lads two goals to the good.

We made an equally fast start to the second half, again scoring within seconds of the whistle. This time, Olyott was positioned at the back post to tap in after a neat move which started from some decent play from Osmand down the right.

Osmand should’ve scored his second and Fulham’s fourth a few minutes later, but his shot on goal from close range was dragged inches wide.

The home side were pushing for a goal back but our lads were making it difficult whilst looking dangerous going forward.

The hosts grabbed one back late on, when a decent low strike from range found the bottom right corner.

A seriously impressive display from our youngsters, who now look ahead to their final pre-season game against Charlton Athletic on Saturday.