U18 Report: Saints 0-2 Fulham

It was the visitors who started the game in confident fashion and had the first efforts on goal after five minutes.

A low cross from the left found Oliver Sanderson just inside the area, but Saints did well to block his effort and the follow up from strike partner Mika Biereth.

Olly Wright was then forced to make his first save shortly after when Luke Harris fired a low shot from range, but the strike lacked the power to trouble the Saints goalkeeper.

As the patterns of the game became clear, an intense contest started to be played out with both sides searching for the best opportunities to press the opposing defence high in a bid to win back possession.

Saints were having to hold firm in defence as Fulham went in search of the opening goal though – Wright made another comfortable save from Ibane Bowat’s header before Adrion Pajaziti bent a free-kick just wide.

The hosts looked to build on their strong defensive display and enjoyed some promising attacks in the lead up to half-time, whilst another attempt from Mika Biereth went wide to ensure the score stayed at 0-0 at the break.

Into the second-half, Saints carved out some opportunities of their own and twice went close in quick succession.

Substitute Luke Pearce’s pressure caused a mistake at the back from Fulham and allowed him to go through on goal with just goalkeeper Alexander Borto to beat.

The striker looked to go round Borto to finish but a good save denied him, and then Saints captain Will Tizzard saw his header from the resulting corner loop over.

Despite the positive beginning to the second period, Fulham’s next attack saw them break the deadlock when Luke Harris struck home a cutback towards the penalty spot.

This setback did not stop Saints continuing to push for a goal of their own though. Marco Rus twice went close to an equaliser but could not find the finishing touch to clever moves from the hosts.

At the other end, Olly Wright kept his side in the game with 10 minutes remaining. First, he produced an excellent tip over to deny Harris a second and then stayed alert to turn a low drive from range round the post.

Strong defending from Lewis Payne and another smothering save from Wright then denied visiting striker Biereth a breakaway goal as the match reached its latter stages.

A lively finish to a hard-fought game still saw time for Paul Hardyman’s side to force some good defending from Fulham as goalkeeper Borto rushed out to clear twice, but the visitors confirmed their victory late on when Biereth finished from close range.

Saints Under-18s are in action again next Saturday when they travel to face Aston Villa, with kick-off at Bodymoor Heath Training Ground at 1pm.