U23 Report: Fulham 1-1 Saints

The visitors went ahead through Michael Obafemi just after half time, with Will Smallbone the architect, before Fulham levelled with a 70th minute header from Aron Davies.

Both sides had chances to seal maximum spoils, but a point apiece was perhaps fair on reflection, and extends Saints' unbeaten run in Premier League 2 to four games.

It was a confident start for Radhi Jaïdi's young side, who travelled to the capital as Under-23s league leaders after their opening three ties.

Both Tom O'Connor and Marcus Barnes attempted efforts from range inside ten minutes - one sailing over and the other marginally wide - but the early intent was clear.

The hosts too threatened, but it was a mistake of Saints' own making that gifted the chance.

Barnes played a blind back pass to keeper Jack Rose, which was read well by Fulham's Jayden Harris, who poked just wide. A let off for the Saints winger, who had otherwise started the game brightly.

The remainder of the half was comparatively quiet, and it wasn't until the second period that the visitors exploded into life.

Smallbone created an unmissable chance for Obafemi just after the restart, having picked the pocket of fullback Cody Dramah, before squaring a pass towards the unmarked striker, who applied the easiest of finishing touches.

The hosts responded, though, having fallen behind with plenty of time left in the clash. A simple dead ball was floated into the area by Matthew O'Riley, where midfielder Davies had peeled away at the back post, before guiding an unopposed header into Rose's net.

Saints rode a wave of pressure in the dying stages, effectively managing a series of Fulham corners, before creating a latch ditch chance of their own, which was squandered by Tyreke Johnson.

The point means Saints are still competing at the top end of the league in these early stages of the campaign, and will serve as another dose of confidence heading into Tuesday night's Checkatrade Trophy meeting with Colchester United.

Head to Head Stats

• Possession (%)
  59

  41
• Shots
  8

  10
• Shots on target
  1

  1
• Corners
  7

  1
• Passes Complete
  391

  238