Terry Westley

Blues U18's unbeaten start to the season came to an abrupt end at the weekend, after they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Fulham.

Both of the visitors' goals came late in the game and Blues boss Terry Westley admitted that tiredness may have played a part in his side's defeat against a more experienced Fulham side.

"Fulham are a good side, as winning six out six games shows," said Westley.

"There team was full of the second year age group so they were a very strong team physically and also over their six games they haven't changed their team much so they've had a very settled side.

"In the first half it was very close and there wasn't much in it, so something was going to give to give one team the advantage.

"With about 20 minutes of the game to go we made a defensive mistake which allowed Fulham to score the opening goal.

"Up until that point we'd matched them, although we hadn't quite created enough chances at their end of the pitch.

"Then the second goal came very late on where we were stretched and going for an equaliser.

Krystian Pearce

"We lost the ball and on a counter attack they've gone and made it 2-0.

"My lot were a little bit tired they didn't play with the same snap and energy as they had done in the previous five games.

"Sometimes with schoolboys you're half waiting for that to happen, but you didn't want it in this game against such good opposition."

Despite the defeat one player who really excelled according to Westley, was central defender Krystian Pearce.

"Krystian Pearce was immense at the back for us," added Westley.

"He stands out head and shoulders above the other players at the moment he's grown in confidence and looks to be the part."

Full-time: Blues U18's 0 Fulham U18's 2

Blues: Lyness, Joyce, Timmins, Mutch, Pearce, Preston (Hunt), Lea, M McPike, J McPike, Sheldon (Osman), Salmons (O'Brien).
Subs not used: Krysiak.