WHAT HAPPENED
Our under-18s returned from the international break with a 0-0 draw against Fulham in the U-18 Premier League South on Saturday.
Joel Ideho made his first appearance at this level after joining us from Ajax in the summer, while Ovie Ejeheri replaced Hubert Graczyk in goal.
Early on, Ideho’s pace and trickery won a free-kick for Charlie Patino to deliver to the far post, but Zane Monlouis failed to hit the target from close range.
Patino then delivered another cross for Luke Plange to head wide of the far post, before Asrion Pajaziti came close for the visitors, forcing Ejeheri into a fine save.
Following the restart, we remained patient with our build-up play but our best chance of the afternoon came from a sudden surging run from Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who came on as a substitute for our under-23s less than 24 hours earlier.
The 16-year-old received the ball by the corner flag and held off one marker, before dribbling past another and winning a free kick in a dangerous position.
Patino’s inch-perfect delivery bypassed Fulham’s defence and bounced inside the six-yard area, but it ricocheted back off the post before anyone could provide the finishing touch.
The visitors had a late chance to seal all three points against the run of play, only for Luke Harris to blaze his first-time effort over the bar.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT’S NEXT
Up next, we will face Rotherham United in the FA Youth Cup on Saturday, December 12.
The game is set to be played at AESSEL New York Stadium with kick-off at 7pm (UK time).
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