Post-Match Report

U18s report: Fulham 1-0 Arsenal

arsenal

Our 18s fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Mostpur Park on Saturday morning.

We began the game dictating possession, with much of the play unfolding in Fulhamā€™s half. Despite our dominance, clear-cut opportunities remained elusive.

However, it was the hosts who nearly broke the deadlock first, as Farhan Ali-Wahid took aim at our goal. Jack Porter, making his debut for the under-18s, pulled off an incredible save to deflect Ali-Wahid's effort onto the post.

Our first opportunity arose when Louie Copley found Ismeal Kabia with a delightful pass on the right-hand side. Kabia skillfully navigated past two defenders but was denied by a solid save.

Unfortunately, we conceded the opening goal on the half-hour mark, as Oliver Gofford placed his shot into the far left corner to give the hosts the lead.

In the second half, we began strongly, with Camā€™ron Ismail almost levelling the score as he cut inside onto his right foot. However, his strike was tipped over for a corner.

We then went close late on through Osman Kamara and Chido Obi-Martin but, despite our relentless efforts for the equaliser throughout the remainder of the match, luck wasnā€™t on our side in south-west London.

 

WHAT IT MEANS

The result sees us drop to fifth place in the Under-18s Premier League with 25 points after 15 games played.

 

WHATā€™S NEXT

Weā€™re in action next week against Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 16.

Kick-off at Sobha Realty Training Centre is at 11am (UK).

 

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal XI: Porter, Julienne, Kacurri (Ibrahim, 75), Sweet, Ismail, Rosiak, Copley (Casey, 64), Dudziak (c), Kabia (Benjamin, 46), Kamara, Obi-Martin

Subs not used: Ranson, Fisher, Akolbire