Two superb strikes from Luca de la Torre and Fabio Carvalho secured Fulham’s under 23s first win in seven games as the young Whites saw off Aston Villa at Motspur Park last night.

After drawing a blank in four of their last five games, teenage striker Jay Stansfield was handed his first PL2 start after scoring in his only appearance off the bench against West Ham in the 3-3 draw in early December. Stansfield, fresh from signing his senior deal last week, almost made the perfect start but his predatory finish was ruled out with Carvalho adjudged offside in the build up.

Fulham were playing adventurous football and deservedly went in front in the 34th minute thanks to an incredible solo goal from American midfielder de la Torre. The classy turn and finish straight into the top corner ended his barren run of 13 games without a goal in some style.

The hosts were well on top throughout and the talented teenager Carvalho settled the contest with six minutes to play. personally seen live on the 84th minute. Sylvester Jasper teed up the England youth international who found the top corner with a modicum of fuss.

There was a welcome return from injury for Sonny Hilton, who showed glimpses of class as he acclimatised to match action again. Striker Cameron Thompson was an unused substitute having been sidelined since sustaining a muscle injury in early August.

Scottish centre back Connor McAvoy slotted in seamlessly to the under 23 back four having played the majority of the season for Steve Wigley’s U18’s team. Cody Drameh was comfortably the classiest player on the pitch, with the young right back showing a great attacking threat with his frightening pace, reminding me of one Ryan Fredericks. Cody excels defensively in one on one situations and almost laid on another goal for Hilton.

Arguably the most impressive aspect of Fulham’s performance was the fact that Villa were restricted to very little in front of goal. Magnus Norman was a virtual spectator – facing not even one shot on target – with Fulham completely possession. Up next for the U23s is a must win trip to Plymouth Argyle as they attempt to reach the next round of the PL Cup.

My man of the match: Cody Drameh

FULHAM U23s (4-2-3-1): Norman (6); Drameh (9), Fossey (6), McAvoy (7), Jenz (6); De Havilland (6), Francois (6); Hilton (6), de La Torre (8), Carvalho (8); Stansfield (6). Subs (not used): Las, Asare, Davis, Thompson.

BOOKED: De Havilland.

GOALS: de la Torre (34), Carvalho (84).

ASTON VILLA U23s (4-3-3): Sinisalo; Kelser, Bridge, Birch, Revan; Philogene-Bidace (Hooper 78), Burton, Tait (Chukweumeka 58); Ramsey (Sea 71), Archer, Wright. Subs (not used): Lyndley, Searle.