Hammersmith-born striker Richard Cadette scored the winner as Southend United came from behind to beat Fulham in this Freight Rover Trophy Group Three clash at Craven Cottage.
Fulham made ten changes for this tie – making clear that their priority remains winning promotion in the league. Kenny Achampong converted a penalty after half an hour to put Ray Lewington’s side ahead, but they wilted in the second half. The visitors equalised when Glen Thomas inadvertently turned a cross past Laurence Batty under pressure from Cadette and the former Wembley and Orient forward secured victory for Dave Webb’s men when he beat Shaun Gore to a through ball and slammed home a deserved winner.
Fulham will still progress to the knockout phase of the competition by virtue of their 4-0 win over Cambridge United back in December. They will discover their opponents in southern section first round courtesy of a televised draw in the next few days.
FULHAM: Batty; Gore, Hicks, Thomas, Elkins (Hoddy 75), Carr, Cottington, Harlow, Skinner, Achampong, Brathwaite.
GOAL: Achampong (pen).
SOUTHEND UNITED: Team unknown
GOALS: Thomas (o.g), Cadette.
ATTENDANCE: 1,456.
