Fulham U21 1-1 FC Nordsjælland U21

Fulham Under-21s finished the Premier League International Cup group stage undefeated following a 1-1 draw against FC Nordsjælland at Motspur Park.

Hayden Mullins’ side have qualified for the knockout stages of the competition as group runners-up after Chris Donnell scored a goal on his 21^st birthday to cancel out Daniel Ingi Jóhannesson’s first-half strike.

A bright start from our youngsters saw a chance fall at the feet of Aaron Loupalo-Bi, who saw his effort take a wild deflection and sail wide.

Our opponents were comfortable in possession and began to put some passing sequences together, as Alex Borto got down low to keep out Villum Dalsgaard’s shot following a smart Markus Seim-Monsen cutback.

It was Seim-Monsen who stung the palms of Borto midway through the first period, as the goalkeeper sprung to his right to parry the winger’s powerful strike.

But there was nothing Borto could do when Ingi Jóhannesson put the visitors into the lead, rolling the ball into the back of the net from 12 yards out.

Chances were at a premium against a side so controlled on the ball, but Osmand had the opportunity to equalise on the stroke of half-time, capitalising on a rare error at the back and forcing a save from Duran Ferree.

There was a blow at the beginning of the second-half as Borto was forced off with an injury and had to be replaced by Marco Underwood.

But a tactical change saw us gain more control in the game – and the equalising goal came 10 minutes into the second period as Donnell headed home an inviting Imani Lanquedoc cross.

Donnell was left all alone in the box in the 65th minute, but he couldn't get enough contact on Tom Olyott's whipped delivery. 

Underwood was called into action with five minutes to play, making himself big at the front post to deny Villads Rutkjaer from a corner.

The substitute goalkeeper kept his best save for stoppage-time, performing a fantastic fingertips save to keep out Malte Heyde's dipping volley.

Our U21s will continue their International Cup journey in February, but it's Aston Villa next up in PL2, 7pm kick-off at Bodymoor Heath on Monday 27th January.