Under 18 Performance Squad vs Fulham Women

JPL Warriors Cup U18 Group 4

In a thrilling JPL Warriors Cup match, our U18 Performance Team faced a formidable Fulham FC, an opponent that proved to be every bit the professional outfit we expected. They were well-drilled, organised, and athletic, but our team rose to the challenge.

The first half was a tight, competitive affair. Our players delivered on the pre-match plan, showing great discipline and determination. It took a deflected shot for Fulham to grab the lead just before halftime, making it 1-0. While Fulham played some great football, we also had our chances and could have easily gone into the break on level terms.

After a positive halftime talk, the team came out with renewed focus, determined to step up our performance even more. Although we started the half a little slow, it didn't take long for us to find our rhythm. The breakthrough came when Saffiya seized a loose ball and unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that soared past the helpless Fulham goalkeeper to make it 1-1!

The game opened up, with both teams creating chances. Unfortunately, Fulham were the ones to capitalize, scoring two quick goals to make it 3-1. For most teams, that would have been the end of the line, but our girls refused to give up.

Showing incredible resilience, we fought back. After a corner, the ball found its way to Annie, who looked up and delivered a fantastic cross-shot into the far corner of the net, leaving the keeper with no chance and bringing the score to 3-2.

With the game now wide open, both teams pushed for a result. Leya was forced to make a string of crucial one-on-one saves to keep us in the game. At the other end, we had a flurry of chances to find an equalizer, with Suzie, Alicia, Annie, and Saffiya all coming close.

In the end, it wasn't meant to be, but the performance and effort from every single player was something to be incredibly proud of. It was a testament to their character and refusal to quit against a top-tier opponent.

A huge congratulations to Annie for an outstanding performance. She never stopped running and was a constant threat to the Fulham defence.