Fulham U21 2-1 Athletic Bilbao U21

Fulham Under-21s returned to Premier League International Cup action on Wednesday evening and picked up a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Terrell Works opened the scoring with an effortless header, before Idris Odutayo soon added a second.

Alegassimo Quicala Bari secured a penalty for the Spanish side and found the back of the net himself minutes before the break.  

Hayden Mullins was able to welcome right-back Devan Tanton back into the fold for our cup clash, with the 19-year-old having recently returned from his first spell with Colombia's senior side.

Josh King and Luke Harris started in the middle, just in front of Chris Donnell who was also given the nod. The front three remained the same a week after our 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, with Kristian Šekularac up front and Terrell Works and Imani Lanquedoc on each wing.

It was a tight first 15 minutes, with both teams having balanced possession resulting in the two sides struggling to find a breakthrough.  

Bilbao’s Quicala Bari caused trouble when he utlised his outstanding pace down the wing and dribbled into the area where Devon Tanton made a tackle which swiftly moved the ball away from danger. 

The Young Whites found the opener 23 minutes in, when Imani Lanquedoc delivered a looping ball at the edge of the box towards Works who comfortably headed it straight into the back of the net.

Near the half hour mark, Josh King tried his luck when he received the ball 25-yards out and hammered it towards goal, however the strike was excellently saved.

But it was Odutayo who doubled the lead, when a high cross came into the area from Lanquedoc and he managed to get his head on it, sending the ball into the bottom corner. 

Bilbao attempted to counter-attack when Inigo Lopez received the ball outside the box. He fired the ball straight down the middle of the goal and Alex Borto did well to make a strong save.

Quicala Bari became a threat for the Whites’ defence, when he stormed into the area with ten minutes to spare of the first half. As he enetered the box, Jon Esenga made heavy contact and brought him straight down. Bari converted coolly from the resulting penalty.

Moments before the break, King had another go when Luke Harris squared a short ball towards the striker but his effort was blocked by Gatesi, which resulted in the score being 2-1 at the break.

The game resumed with high intesity and Bilbao had the first chance when Peio Canales received the ball at the edge of the box and hammered it towards goal. Odutayo made an impressive block, deflecting the ball away from danger. 

An effort followed from Carlos Matteus, who attempted a low strike at goal from close-range. However, Harvey Araujo swivelled into a position where he could block.

Bilbao seemed to be on the front foot at 65 minutes, and Borto was in position to catch Javier Sola's strike straight down the middle of the goal.

Fulham reacted well, with both Luke Harris and Aaron Loupalo-Bi having shots at goal in quick succession. Goalkeeper Gastesi stood firm and made two very decent saves.

Bilbao struck again with ten minutes to go when substitute Urko Iruretagoyena looped in a high effort which was heading towards the back of the net. However, Borto did well once again to punch the ball out of the area. 

A solid performance from Hayden Mullins' side, as they now take a break for the Christmas period.