Jay Stansfield has urged his Fulham under-23 team-mates to make it ‘unbelievable season’ by finishing strongly with a league and Cup double.
The Tiverton-born forward, who scored a stunning goal in the disappointing defeat at Reading four days ago, is looking forward to lifting the PL2 Division 2 trophy after tonight’s final league game of the season against Burnley – but insists there is plenty to play for. Steve Wigley’s side travel to West Brom for the Premier League Cup semi-final on Tuesday night – and the England under-20 international isn’t complaining about more football.
Stansfield told Fulham’s official website:
“This year has been really positive for all of us. Hopefully we can get the win and then look forward to lifting the trophy, but we will be using the game as preparation for our cup game on Tuesday. A win in that game would change this season from a positive one into an unbelievable one.”
He praised the impact of Wigley, who has led the under-23s to an almost perfect season having stepped up from a successful spell in charge of the under 18s.
“The work ethnic in our group, not only this year but since we won the league as Under-18s has been unbelievable and that’s why as a group we are so successful. Everyone has the right attitude and wants to win games, we all work for each other on the pitch and I think it has shown over the whole season.”
Stansfield is delighted with his own individual performances since recovering from injury.
“Training with the first team has helped me massively this season, but also, playing games for the under-23s has helped me get minutes under my belt and be ready for when I was needed at a senior level.”
The teenager knows that Burnley, who could climb into the play-offs with a win at Motspur Park tonight, will be tough opposition.
“They’re a team with a lot of physical presence and they’ll look to get in our faces, but hopefully on the night we’ll bring the quality and end the season with a win in front of our fans.”
Tickets are available on the gate at Motspur Park this evening. Season ticket holders will be admitted for free, whilst other adults will be charged £3 and concessions £1. The match will be streamed on FFCTV.
