Report: Swans U18s 1 Fulham U18s 1

19th December

Swansea City Under-18s ended 2018 in positive fashion with a draw against Fulham in Landore, with only the woodwork depriving them of all three points in Premier League South.

The Swans had taken the lead through a Tivonge Rushesha penalty but were pegged back on the stroke of half-time as Fabio Carvalho slotted home from inside the area.

The hosts had their chances during an improved second-half showing but it ended all-square.

After defeat at Aston Villa last time out, coaches Jon Grey and Anthony Wright had been hoping to see their side bounce back but they were put under pressure by the Cottagers during the early stages.

However, they weathered the storm and took the lead in the 24th minute after a swift counter-attack ended with winger Mason Jones-Thomas being fouled in the area for a clear-cut penalty.

Full-back Rushesha assumed responsibility and calmly beat keeper Tony Stahl to find the bottom corner of the net from the spot.

Swansea had grown into the game and looked set to head back to the changing rooms with their lead intact, but were dealt a blot just seconds before the half-time whistle.

Sylvester Jasper found room down the left and his pull-back was slotted home by the arriving Carvalho.

Despite the setback, Swansea started the second half on the front foot with Arnor Gudjohnsen firing over from the edge of the area after smart build-up play.

They went closer still when Jones-Thomas cut inside onto his left-foot and sent a fizzing strike beyond keeper Stahl, only to be denied by the far post.

Fulham had a late chance of their own to win it, but keeper Scott Reed was equal to Carvalho's low strike.