Fulham U21 2-2 Manchester City U21

Fulham Under-21s put in a spirited performance to draw 2-2 with league leaders Manchester City on Friday night.

Luke Harris and Sonny Hilton gave us an early two-goal advantage, before the visitors pulled a couple back on either side of the break.

With Steve Wigley’s squad slightly light due to injuries, our Head Coach was boosted by the availability of Idris Odutayo who made his first Under-21 appearance since August. The powerful defender has made nine appearances on loan at Maidenhead United this season.

George Wickens replaced Alex Borto in goal and Callum McFarlane was the preferred option for this one over Terry Ablade.

The young Whites started well and created a decent opening almost immediately. Devan Tanton swung in a simply stunning cross from the right, which was headed across goal by Harris and blasted over by McFarlane.

Our positive start was rewarded on six minutes. McFarlane did well to find Harris, who took one touch before firing home. The power generated from his strike was enough to beat goalkeeper Mikki Van Sas.

Odutayo made his impact soon after, lunging to his right to keep out Will Dickson’s effort after a rapid counter-attack.

Things got even better for us on the 15-minute mark, when Hilton pounced on a goalkeeping error before slotting home from a tight angle. A dream start for Wigley’s side.

Two so nearly became three, as our 21s continued to test the city defence. Luciano D’Auria-Henry won the ball back before charging down the right and delivering a great cross. The ball fell to McFarlane, whose effort skimmed the post on its way wide.

Our two-goal cushion was reduced with just over five minutes of the first half remaining. Kane Taylor squeezed in a strike after Fulham had a few opportunities to clear the danger.

A highly entertaining 45 minutes was brought to an end with the young Whites 2-1 up.

The visitors grabbed an equaliser soon after the interval, when Dickson tapped home after Wickens did well to save an initial effort.

Wickens came to our rescue on the hour-mark to ensure that things remained level. Our stopper came charging off his line to block Adedire Mebude’s effort from close-range after a neat one-two.

The majority of thr second half saw very few chances, but most of the play was taking place in the Fulham half as the away side pushed for the all-important third.

Our lads defended excellently to take a point against tough opposition.