Spurs Stunned By Rampant Fulham

The Main Action:

Fulham Under-18s started their Premier League campaign in style by blowing away a Spurs team that only lost twice last season. 

Sylvester Jasper’s double, Jay Stansfield and Ollie O’Neill put the gloss on an outstanding team performance which Spurs couldn’t cope with for large parts.

Fulham started with a high press in an aggressive fashion which Spurs struggled to deal with. Fabio Carvalho and Stansfield robbed Josh Oluwayemi in the Spurs goal to see the former’s shot cleared off the line. O’Neill then ended a slick move to drive a shot wide.

Stansfield was in the mood as he clattered the post, presenting another golden chance that went begging. Fulham’s start was rewarded when the tricky Jasper was brought down in the box. He stepped up himself to convert the spot kick in emphatic style.

Carvalho tested Oluwayemi again moments later with an excellent low save as the visitors were shell-shocked.

The pressure continued to tell and again the Young Whites found another way through. A deep free kick found Luca Murphy and O’Neill tapped in from close range. Luca Ashby-Hammond was quiet and hadn’t had to make a save at the interval.

The second half continued with a Fulham side bouncing with energy, marshalled by the animated Steve Wigley. Stansfield found his deserved goal after Carvalho beat the offside trap to square the pass.

Spurs finally grew into the game as Dane Scarlett forced Ashby-Hammond into a tame save following a glancing header. As the game grew older, Fulham found another gear. Carvalho burst through from a knock-down and his shot was saved smartly but Jasper was on hand to finish from the tightest of angles.

The visitors ended on a whimper as they left Motspur Park feeling dejected.

What That Means:

A Spurs side that only lost twice last season, finishing runners up, were blown away by an energetic and youthful Fulham side that looked hungry to every ball. The win puts Fulham at the summit of the league for the time being on goal difference following an excellent season opener. 

Notable Talking Points:

• Ollie O’Neill lined up for his first competitive game since a long-term injury at the start of last season and marked it with a goal.

   

• The starting line-up featured five new scholars including Luciano D’Auria-Henry, Idris Odutayo, Adrion Pajaziti, O’Neill and Stansfield.

   

• Under-16 Stefan Parkes continued to play beyond his years as he took the left back spot against a formidable Spurs team.