Taye Ashby-Hammond saluted a superb performance after Fulham’s under 23s stormed past Southampton at Motspur Park last night to cement their place at the top of the early league table.
Steve Wigley’s young Whites cruised to a comfortable 3-0 over the Saints thanks to Kieron Bowie’s strike just before half time and a quickfire second half trouble from Jay Stansfield. The Fulham goalkeeper told FFCTV that he felt the home side were good value for their victory:
“I thought from back to front, everyone was really good. Controlled the game from the very start, we kept the ball and took our chances – three great finishes I think – and just carrying on our strong performances so far this season.
Ashby-Hammond was pretty modest about his own display, but the goalkeeper pulled off a number of fine saves before the break to ensure that Fulham went in ahead at half time:
“It was okay. Pretty standard, I think. I think the second one just before half time was perhaps a bit more crucial. I just try to do my job to help the team out.
“We’re looking really strong. Even though we had five lads from the first team I think today, even without those guys we’ve so strong and I think all the lads are playing their best football at the moment and really consistent so I think we just have to have to stick to what we’re doing today and we should have no trouble this season.
The 22 year-old custodian believes his taste of first team football at Maidenhead last season has played a crucial part in his own development.
I think it absolutely has. It’s very challenging football there in that league. For a goalkeeper specifically, the challenges that you face there you don’t face so much in under 23s football so it’s really great to go through that. Once I find I another place to play elsewhere from the 23s I should feel right at home.
Ashby-Hammond admitted that seeing so many young players get their chance under Marco Silva has served to motivated the under 23 squad even further and also raised the prospect of impressing visiting scouts.
“Absolutely. You never know who’s watching. You just have to go out there every time you play, put in your best performance and hope the right person is watching at the right time.”
