Fulham Under-21s were knocked out of the National League Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Braintree Town at Motspur Park. A late goal from Alex Bolovon settled the contest after Jonah Kusi-Asare had cancelled out Vlad Paternoster's first-half opener for the visitors.
The game started with the senior National League side asserting themselves. Braintree Town's Louie Johnson was a persistent threat, creating several early chances. Their pressure told when Michael Olarewaju headed a corner back across goal, allowing Vlad Paternoster to fire home. Fulham goalkeeper Dino Kaiser was called into action to keep the scoreline respectable before the break, with defender George Barrett also making a vital block to deny a one-on-one opportunity.
Dan Thomas made a change at half-time, introducing Markuss Gomins. His Fulham side grew into the game after the interval. The equaliser arrived just after the hour mark. "It was the type of strike those who watched the U21s last season will have become accustomed to seeing," said goalscorer Jonah Kusi-Asare. His powerful effort from outside the box flew into the net, giving the young Whites momentum. Dan Casey drove into the box soon after, and Zepa won a notable duel with Afi Adebayo, but a clear second goal proved elusive.
With the match seemingly heading for a penalty shootout, Braintree Town found a winner with nine minutes left on the clock. Alex Bolovon was the player who delivered, restoring the visitors' lead. Fulham had a golden chance to level again almost immediately, but Anisius Lewis could only sky his effort from six yards out. Steve Pitt's Braintree side managed the closing stages well to secure their passage to the next round.
The match provided minutes for new signing Jose Sani, who joined the club just days before the fixture. Manager Dan Thomas utilised his squad, with Olyott and Zaidan-Jones also entering the fray in the second half. The team, captained by Chibby Nwoko whose tackle sparked one promising counter, will look to bounce back quickly. They are scheduled to host Aston Villa Under-21s at Motspur Park on Friday evening.
This cup exit for the Under-21s comes during a challenging period for the club overall. The first team, managed by Marco Silva, sits 19th in the Premier League after three games, with zero points and a goal difference of minus three. They have scored four times but conceded seven. Their next test is a daunting trip to face Liverpool, who are sixth, on September 12. The squad is also currently without experienced midfielder Tom Cairney. Fans can review the full league standings to see the nine-point gap to early leaders Manchester City. Fulham's senior players return to action at Anfield this weekend.
