Fulham U18 5-2 Chelsea U18

Fulham Under-18s smashed Chelsea 5-2 on Wednesday to ensure a 100% winning record over our rivals this season.

Aaron Loupalo-Bi bagged a brace before goals from Terrell Works, Callum Osmand and Chibby Nwoko put the game to bed.

Ali Melloul opted for just two changes for Chelsea, with Samuel Amissah stepping back into defence in place of Damon Park and Delano McCoy-Splatt returning in midfield. As a result, Nwoko dropped to the bench.

The visitors created a decent opening a couple of minutes in, when Harrison McMahon’s delivery from the right was headed over by Reiss Russell-Denny.

Lemar Gordon then had an even bigger opportunity for us up the other end. Chelsea ‘keeper Max Merrick gave the ball straight to the winger but redeemed himself, blocking the resulting effort.

Individual quality all over the pitch ensured that both sides looked threatening going forward, but the defenses were coming out on top for the majority of the first half.

The deadlock was eventually broken half-an-hour in courtesy of Loupalo-Bi. Our number nine remained calm, wiggling his way through the Chelsea defence before slotting the ball past Merrick.

Loupalo-Bi's smart finish had us one goal to the good going into the break.

The away side made the perfect start after the interval, and it was their centre-back Somto Boniface who got things level. After picking up the ball down the left, he unleashed a powerful strike which flew right into the top far corner.

We responded excellently and retook the lead with 53 minutes on the clock. Loupalo-Bi’s first effort was excellently tipped onto the post but he made no mistake with the rebound, planting his strike into the top corner.

On another day our number nine might’ve completed his hat-trick soon after. After using his strength to brush off a defender, he fired a low effort wide after bearing down on goal.

Works was next to register a shot as we pushed for more of a cushion. A poor pass out fell to the youngster, whose strike from a tight angle needed saving.

Works did one better a few minutes later, tucking a perfect left-footed shot into the far corner to put us two goals up. 

It was still to be a tense end under the Motspur Park lights, though. With just a few minutes left on the clock, Ato Ampah found the back of the net for Chelsea. 

The game sprung to life and Osmand soon made it 4-2. After finding himself charging towards goal, he took his time before coolly slotting home. An incredibly busy final 10 minutes.

We were carving Chelsea up at will towards the end, and substitute Nwoko broke forward before smashing a low, hard strike past the 'keeper to make it five.

An unbelievable result for our 18s, who head to league and FA Youth Cup champions West Ham United on Saturday.