A weakened Fulham reserve side took on Northampton at Motspur Park this afternoon in what turned out to be a closely contested battle.
The match started brightly for Fulham who took the lead via a Tom Hutchinson header. The goal came after a good spell of Fulham pressure, which resulted in Callum Willock forcing a corner. From the ensuing corner, Michael Johnson crossed to the far post for Tom Hutchinson rise and power the header in.
The lead was extended to 2-0 on 15 minutes after a diagonal ball from the right wing played Elvis Hammond through. After controlling the ball beautifully with the outside of his right foot, Hammond calmly slotted past the advancing keeper.
As the first half progressed, Northampton began to settle down and restrict Fulham’s chances somewhat. The Cobblers managed to pull a goal back after Manager Kevin Wilson screwed a shot wide only for one of his teammates to divert the ball inside the far post with a diving header.
The second half saw the Cobblers equalise following a well-taken corner, which was headed in past Glyn Thompson.
The winner came from substitute Bruce Lwando on 84 minutes. Callum Willock, who did well to get to the byline, pulled the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box for Lwando to slide in and secure the winning goal.
Fulham: Glyn Thompson, Tom Upsher, Justin Wilson, Tom Hutchinson, Gary McCracken, Jacopo Galbiati (Tom Davis), Neil Lampton, Sam Keevil, Elvis Hammond (Bruce Lwando), Callum Willock, Michael Johnson
Source Fulham FC - Dominic Guerra