Fulham U21 2-1 Middlesbrough U21

Fulham Under-21s edged past Middlesbrough with a 2-1 win on Tuesday to progress to the Quarter-Finals of the Premier League Cup.

Lemar Gordon put us ahead soon after the break, before Adrion Pajaziti fired in from the spot to guarantee progression.

After his impressive brace against Norwich the week before, youngster Callum Osmand held his place up front alongside fellow Under-18 attacker Lemar Gordon and Terrell Works. Further back, Alex Borto replaced Alfie McNally in goal.

The first attempt went the way of the visitors, with Law McCabe cutting onto his right and firing just wide of the near post.

Boro were creating opportunities in the opening stages. Daniel Nkrumah found himself in a promising position, but his effort was easily dealt with by Borto.

Our first attempt came on the nine-minute mark and it followed a lovely flowing move. Devan Tanton and Josh King combined neatly before the latter rifled a strike straight at goalkeeper Shea Connor from a tight angle.

Hayden Mullins’ side started to create more chances, with Matt Dibley-Dias missing the target from range, before Luc De Fougerolles headed over from an inviting Adrion Pajaziti corner.

The young Whites were now in control. Terrell Works forced an excellent save with a decent half-volley at the back-post, before Osmand was played through and had his attempt blocked.

Our lads grew into the half and created some great chances, but it remained goalless as we entered the break.

We made a perfect start just minutes into the second half, with Gordon giving us the lead. It was a brilliant finish from the youngster, who shimmied onto his right before rifling past the goalkeeper at his near post.

Pajaziti came close for us soon after, delicately curling a neat strike just wide of the far post after latching onto a loose ball.

Borto came to our rescue on 69 minutes, making an acrobatic diving save to tip substitute Pharrell Willis’ stinging strike over the crossbar.

We lost our lead three minutes later, with substitute Sonny Finch firing in from the penalty spot after Tanton tripped his man in the area.

Nevertheless, we soon responded to regain the lead. After a handball in the area, Pajaziti sent Connor the wrong way with a calm spot-kick.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi almost made an impact from off the bench for us a minute later, taking the ball past a couple of Boro men before producing a powerful strike which kissed the top of the crossbar before heading over.

We saw the game out professionally to secure ourselves a place in the Premier League Cup Quarter-finals.