Fulham U18s put five past Reading

Fulham’s under 18s made it three wins in a week as they thrashed Reading 5-0 at Motspur Park this morning.

Ali Melloul’s side had ended the contest by half time through strikes from Devan Tanton, Terrell Works, Michael Olakigbe and Matt Dibley-Dias. Delano McCoy-Splatt completed the rout in the second period.

The hosts, fielding Works as a false nine, dominated the early running but were perhaps a touch fortunate to take the lead in the tenth minute when a cross from American right back Tanton went all the way in with the slightest of touches off an unlucky Royals defender. Works made it two shortly afterwards with a splendid left-footed striker into the bottom corner after he had beaten two opponents with a brilliant first touch.

Fulham suddenly looked like they could score from every attack. Olakigbe almost made it three with a powerful strike after being picked out by George Okkas, with Xavier Benjamin nodding narrowly wide at the ensuing corner. Another goal wasn’t long in coming with Olakigbe heading in an excellent cross from Harvey Araujo at the second attempt.

Dibley-Dias, who returned from injury with a brief substitutes’ appearance for the under 23s against Norwich City last night, marked his first start in months for the under 18s with the fourth. It was a gift after Reading goalkeeper Thomas Norcott dropped a routine catch straight at the midfielder’s feet – and Fulham were well worth their four-goal cushion at the break.

Perhaps inevitably, the second period was far less open. Reading restricted Fulham to far fewer clear-cut chances and had some openings of their own. Benjamin bravely blocked a shot from Ajani Giscombe before McCoy-Splatt steered an effort agonisingly wide after Works had cut out a loose Reading ball from the back. McCoy-Splatt did get his name on the scoresheet shortly afterwards with a sharp left-footed finish – and the resounding victory means the under 18s will travel to Leicester for Wednesday’s Premier League Cup semi final in great spirits.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-3-3): Allen; Tanton, Araujo, Benjamin, C. Robinson; Okkas, McCoy-Splatt, Dibley-Dias; Olakigbe, Gordon, Works. Subs (not used): Borto, De Fougerolles, Lanquedoc, Parker, Loupalo-Bi.