U 18 Final @ Fulham this Sunday

[tlcs]

All of you moaning about the price of tickets for the West Sham game , why not come down and support our future this Sunday afternoon.

Kick off at 1 pm.....admission is FREE. URZZZZZ

[UpThePrem]

Not going to West Ham so Fulham sounds like a plan.

[urz13]

Is this at the cottage or their training ground?

[Cypry]

I'm definitely IN for this...

[MouldyRoyal]

Is this at the cottage or their training ground?

At the cottage.

[madreadingfan]

Well 3,000 norwich fans went to chelsea for a youth cup game the other day..

[maffff]

I'm planning on going.

Are there trains from Reading this Sunday?

[Colin Cheeselog]

admission is FREE

BOYCOTT

[WoodleyRoyal]

inflatables?

[maffff]

inflatables?

[maffff]

The Final Hurdle
Friday 17 May 2013 09:40

Our Under-18s will contest their third consecutive Barclays U18 Premier League Final when they take on Reading at Craven Cottage on Sunday (1pm).



Steve Wigley’s side made it through to Sunday’s showpiece following an exciting 4-3 defeat of Sunderland on Wednesday evening. Goals from Moussa Dembele, Cauley Woodrow, Patrick Roberts and Stephen Arthurworrey had put the Whites into a commanding position, before the Black Cats hit back with three late strikes.

The Royals made it through on the back of 11 straight victories, with their 4-0 Semi-Final win over Everton capping a fine run for the Berkshire club. Jack Stacey, Dominic Hyam and Craig Tanner (2) were all on target.

Wigley knows all about his side’s opponents, with both teams qualifying for the Semi-Finals from the Elite Group – Fulham as champions and Reading as runners-up.

In February, a Dembele (pictured) hat-trick earned the Whites a 3-1 win at Motspur Park. However, in the reverse fixture in March, it was the Royals that came out on top in a 3-1 victory at Hogwood Park. Muamer Tankovic netted Fulham’s goal.

“In essence it boils down to a game between the top two teams from the Elite Group,” explained Under-18 Manager Steve Wigley. “Goal difference separated us and Reading so it was close – Sunday’s game could well reflect that. We beat them at Motspur Park and were the better side, but that said, they won the game at their place fair and square. We go head-to-head again, and this time we’re playing for the national title.

“Reading are a decent side; they’re powerful and a real threat from set pieces. We know that they’re in fine form, but we know what we’re capable of. This group of players have been fabulous this year; we’ve produced some quality football – football that was as good as you’ll have seen anywhere at this level.

“We wanted to take that right to the very end, we wanted something to play for and we’ve achieved that. We’re playing on a lovely pitch at the Cottage and it’s a great opportunity for our boys to show what they can do. It’s also a good chance for our fans to see the talent that’s coming through and hopefully they won’t be disappointed.”

Last May, Fulham were crowned National champions following a 2-0 Final defeat of Blackburn Rovers, having lost narrowly in the same venue against Everton a year before in the 2011 showdown.

“It’s our third Final, and like the previous games – this will be tough,” added Academy Director Huw Jennings. “It’s pleasing that the two top teams from the Elite Group have made it to the Final. Credit to Reading, because they have finished the season very strongly and en route to the Final they’ve won 11 straight matches; like ourselves they deserve the opportunity to play for Sunday’s trophy.

“This will be the third time that we’ve faced them this season, and so far, it has been even-steven. Of course, we have the home advantage and I’m sure our fans will get behind the boys once more. I hope we can play to our full potential. When we do, we know that we’ll always cause teams problems. For 75 minutes against Sunderland on Wednesday we did just that, but for the last 15 we let things slip. Hopefully we can learn from that experience; they know that they have to keep on until the very end.

“Our consistency over the past three years has been very pleasing, and it’s great that we’re part of games like this. At the end of the day, though, it’s still very much all about individual development and the opportunities that we can create for our players to succeed. It’s a great testament to our staff too. They don’t set out ahead of a new season to win finals and trophies – it’s not about team glory. But what they do is set incredibly high standards and when the players respond to that, results follow.”

If you wish to attend Sunday’s game against Reading at Craven Cottage you can come along for free with tickets issued at turnstiles 38-41 of the Hammersmith End – with fans seated in the Riverside End. Turnstiles will be open from 11.45am, with the game going to extra-time and penalties if required. A free programme will also be available on the day.

You can also follow the Club’s official Twitter account @fulhamfc for live coverage and post-match reaction.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/may/1 ... ng-preview?

[royalZILLAAA]

In for this, free football and a chance of seeing a Reading victory sounds great

[Barry the bird boggler]

So how come the final isn't played at a neutral venue?

[maffff]

I'm just surprised fans aren't in the Putney end neutral zone.

[Gav]

Round the corner. Free.

All kinds of IN

[windermere_royal]

why is it being played on their home pitch?

[Unbelievable Jeff]

why is it being played on their home pitch?

I should imagine, like our U18, they play most of their matches at their training ground so technically it is not the U18's home ground. Could be wrong though

[tlcs]

Apparently couldn't get Wembley stadium due to the play off finals !!!!

[Clyde1998]

why is it being played on their home pitch?

I should imagine, like our U18, they play most of their matches at their training ground so technically it is not the U18's home ground. Could be wrong though

I believe that's true, plus the team that finished highest in the "Elite Group" - Fulham (by five goals) - got the pick of venues. They picked the Cottage. Had Fulham lost their semi-final - we'd be at home to Sunderland's U18s.

[madreadingfan]

Why doesn't everyone who's 'boycotting' the West Ham match go to Craven Cottage instead