Arsenal U18 5-2 Fulham U18

A very young Fulham Under-18s side put in a valiant performance against Arsenal on Saturday, but ultimately fell to a 5-2 defeat.

With our actual Under-18 group still out in the United States, it was a mixture of Under-15s and 16s that faced the Gunners, matching their older opposition resolutely, and actually registering more efforts on goal.

The Young Whites began the game well and fashioned a few openings without finishing them off, which was punished by two quick goals, one of which came from the penalty spot.

The response was excellent, though, with MacAuley Zepa cutting in from the right and driving a low strike inside the near post on his left foot.

Another penalty allowed Arsenal to make it 3-1, but Anand Batra reduced the deficit again in stoppage time with some neat initiative, chesting the ball home after more good work from Zepa.

Fulham tried to take that momentum into the second period. Tarrell Cavell saw a shot saved and a penalty shout of our own came and went.

With those not going our way, Arsenal took full advantage by nabbing a couple of goals of their own – lending a harsher tone to the scoreline than was perhaps fair.

Nonetheless, the young side can hold their heads high, will be all the better for an excellent learning experience against some much older heads, and were a credit to Joe Antonelli (our Under-16s Head Coach) who stepped in as lead coach and prepared and led the team excellently.