Fulham’s reserves suffered their first defeat in seven months as they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa at Bodymoor Heath this afternoon. Villa’s victory meant they claimed the Premier Reserve League championship for the third straight year.
Billy McKinlay’s men were perhaps slightly unfortunate to lose having gone ahead through Michael Uwezu’s well-taken thirteenth minute strike. Fulham continued to come forward with intent but the game turned in two mad minutes just after the half hour. Barry Bannan’s deflected shot gave Neil Etheridge little chance in the Fulham goal and the hosts were in front shortly afterwards when Ciaran Clark outjumped the visiting defence to head home.
Villa could have extended their lead in the second period but both Bannan and Collins saw efforts come back off the post, whilst Matthew Briggs saw a header splendidly saved and substitute Marcello Trotta went close towards the end. John Pantsil continued his rehabilitation from a knee injury, completing 90 minutes for the first time since December.
Fulham’s second string are back in action on Thursday at Motspur Park against Portsmouth at 7pm.
FULHAM RESERVES (4-4-2): Etheridge; Pantsil, Smith, Briggs, Toure; Andranik (Harris 90), Milsom, Marsh-Brown, Buchtmann; Payne (Trotta 52), Uwezu. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Pierre, Marquez-Sanchez.
GOAL: Uwezu (13).
