U18 Preview: Fulham vs Saints

Fulham vs Saints

Under-18s Premier League

London School of Economics

Saturday 13th March, 11am GMT

This weekend sees a tough away fixture for Southampton’s Under-18s, travelling to a Fulham side who sit in second place just two points off the top.

Last-time-out Saints gained a valuable point at home against West Ham United at Snows Stadium.

The Hammers had taken an early lead through Divin Mubama after just seven minutes before full-back Lewis Payne grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time.

It’s a point which takes Saints to within three points of Leicester who sit above them and with a game in hand.

Fulham go into this game off of a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa at home two weeks ago.

A hat-trick, including two penalties, from Mika Biereth alongside a Kieron Bowie strike completed a dominant afternoon for the Cottagers.

Three points on Saturday would see them go top of the Southern Under-18s Premier League if Crystal Palace fail to win.

Saints and Fulham last met at the end of October at Staplewood Campus, with the visitors coming away with the three points.

Luke Harris put the Cottagers ahead in the second half after a tightly contested first 45, before Biereth sealed all three points in stoppage time.

Saints had been the better team during most of the second half, pushing their West London opponents back as they searched for an equaliser.

But the hosts were unable to capitalise on their pressure, with the late Fulham goal proving decisive.