A stunning strike from skipper Sonny Hilton saw Fulham’s under 23s return to winning ways at Stoke tonight.
The Scouse playmaker settled a tight contest with a brilliant individual finish six minutes from time. He illuminated a forgettable second half with a fierce drive into the top corner from distance, which ensured Steve Wigley’s side bounced back from their first defeat in eleven games at Southampton last week. Hilton led by example throughout, producing an inspired clearance off the line in the first half when Will Goodwin seemed destined to score after weaving his way past two Fulham defenders.
The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession in the early stages but Stoke looked the more likely to score. Ibane Bowat, making his first under 23 start of the season after injury, dived in to avert the danger when the hosts looked threatening. Luca Ashby-Hammond surged off his line to save well from Adam Porter, whilst Fulham’s only significant opportunity came when Adrion Pajaziti found Hilton, who blazed wildly off target from twenty yards out.
Fulham exerted greater control after the interval, but still struggled to break down a stubborn Stoke side. Luke Harris fired a low drive straight at Blondy Nna Noukeu after a promising move that had seen Hilton hacked down late and a succession of set plays were seen off by the home side. Substitute Kieron Bowie had a glimpse of goal with eight minutes remaining, but the Scottish forward was denied by a brilliant block as he attempted to turn home Ollie O’Neill’s cross.
Just as it seemed as though the young Whites would have to settle for a point, Hilton stepped up to score his seventh goal of the season in sublime style. The league leaders battled their way through eight minutes of added time to extend their lead over Norwich to fourteen points.
STOKE CITY UNDER 23s (3-4-3): Nna Noukeu; Macari, Okagbue, Forrester (Baker 67); Coates, Jones, Porter, Sparrow; Goodwin (Trialist 64), Oakley-Boothe, Norton (Tezgel 45). Subs (not used): Broome, Malone.
BOOKED: Jones, Forrester, Macari.
FULHAM UNDER 23s (4-2-3-1): L. Ashby-Hammond; Page, Odutayo, Bowat, C. Robinson; Pajaziti, Dibley-Dias (D’Auria-Henry 30); Hilton, O’Neill, Harris; Tiehi (Bowie 65). Subs (not used): Adams, Araujo, Lanquedoc.
BOOKED: Hilton, Pajaziti.
GOAL: Hilton (84).
REFEREE: Martin Woods.
