Fulham U21 3-0 Brighton U21

Fulham Under-21s returned from their break in style, beating an in-form Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 on Friday evening.

Imani Lanquedoc and Luke Harris both struck in the first half to put us two goals ahead, before Jay Williams converted from a corner to add a third.

Hayden Mullins welcomed midfielder Josh King back into the fold, after the youngster scored on his Under-21 debut a few weeks ago. Idris Odutayo stepped in at centre-back alongside Jay Williams, with George Wickens given the nod in goal.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi was chosen again to lead the line, with Lanquedoc, Harris and captain Ollie O’Neill for company in attack.

The young Whites started with intent, but Williams needed to be alert for us and was to block a pass which would’ve released Jamie Mullins through on goal.

Harris could’ve got us ahead up the other end, when his stinging effort from a tight angle was excellently saved by Tom McGill.

Our impressive start was rewarded 15 minutes in, with Lanquedoc charging through and slotting home following a wonderful flowing move which started at the back with Williams.

Our lead was doubled on the 26-minute mark courtesy of Harris. After latching onto a beautiful chipped through-ball from O’Neill, the Welshman fired a left-footed effort into the far corner. Some brilliant football being played by Hayden Mullins’ side.

Jon Esenga was inches away from scoring an incredible free-kick from miles out as we entered the final 15 minutes of the first half. His effort had power and curl but rattled off the crossbar. A superb attempt from the youngster.

Wickens did well to keep us two goals ahead, making himself big to deny Louis Flower from close range, after the forward played a clever give-and-go.

We went into the break with a two-goal leads thanks to those strikes from Lanquedoc and Harris.

Wickens was the first of the two goalkeepers called into action after the break, rushing out to intercept substitute Brody Peart before he could take the ball around him.

O’Neill found himself in some space down the right-hand side after some brilliant centre-forward hold-up play from Loupalo-Bi. The Irishman’s effort was brilliantly blocked by defender Noel Atom, who was at full stretch.

Mullins made a trio of changes midway through the second half with Lemar Gordon, Kristian Šekularac and Chris Donnell coming on to play a part for the final 25 minutes.

We created a massive chance on 73 minutes but were unable to extend our lead. After winning the ball in a dangerous area, O'Neill slotted George Okkas through on goal but the Cypriot chose to unselfishly look for Šekularac with a pass which was intercepted.

The game was put to bed a few minutes later thanks to Williams, who had enjoyed a great game. The centre-back climbed highest to finish from a Jon Esenga corner.

A strong performance from our lads to put an end to Brighton's four game winning streak. The young Whites will now turn their attention to a massive game at Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy Round of 32.