U18s: Fulham 4-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa fell to a 4-1 loss at Fulham in the Under-18 Premier League South on Saturday.

The Young Lions levelled matters midway through the first half courtesy of Tommi O’Reilly’s fine strike but duly found themselves 2-1 down at the interval.

And a second-half brace from Olly Sanderson at Motspur Park ensured the unbeaten Cottagers wrapped up a third successive victory at the start of the new season.

The defeat leaves the Young Lions with three points from their first three matches, with a home clash against Crystal Palace next up following the international break.

Michael Olakigbe put the hosts ahead from close range early on before O’Reilly drew Villa level, firing home left-footed from the edge of the penalty area after patient build-up play.

However, parity lasted just two minutes before Jaylan Wildbore restored Fulham’s narrow advantage, which remained intact heading into half-time.

Sanderson then put the Cottagers in command with two goals inside 12 minutes midway through the second period.

His first came from six yards, tapping home a rebound after Oliwier Zych had tipped Delano McCoy-Splatt’s long-range strike on to a post, before slotting home a second to inflict defeat on the Villans.