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Fulham
reserves are Avon Insurance Combination League Champions 2000/2001
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With Fulham needing only one point to secure the Avon Insurance Combination League
championship, a healthy crowd gathered at Motspur Park in anticipation of more
silverware.
The match started with Fulham playing some typically incisive football. As
early as the fourth minute Hammond, Willock and Peschisolido conspired to work
the ball across Brighton's defensive line and feed a pass into the path of Betsy.
Unfortunately for Fulham, Betsy's effort was well saved by Packham in the Brighton
goal.
With the Seagulls not passing the ball as fluently as Fulham, the Whites were
able to dominate possession in the opening exchanges.
A major thorn in the Brighton defence was Paul Peschisolido who was today playing
just behind the front two. Constantly available, Peschisolido was playing some
telling passes along with his customarily tricky ball skills.
Fulham took the lead on 12 minutes after Elvis Hammond was put through and
calmly slipped the ball past Packham. Apparently overrun, Brighton offered little
in the way of attacking invention and it was not long before Fulham doubled
the lead.
Following an unconvincing clearance from a Fulham free kick, Brighton allowed
themselves to get drawn into a goalmouth scramble which resulted in Kevin Betsy
looping the ball over the goalkeeper.
Despite the fact that over a quarter of the match had passed, there were very
few signs that the game had settled down. Only minutes after having gone behind
for the second time, Brighton managed to create an opening on the left-hand
side. The subsequent cross was tapped in by the onrushing Brighton attacker.
As the first half progressed, Peschisolido showed little sign of relenting
in his efforts to create chances for both Willock and Hammond - who were looking
equally impressive upfront.
The watching crowd didn't have to wait long for the fourth goal of the afternoon.
Unsurprisingly, it was build up play from Willock and Hammond which did the
damage.
Having received the ball from Hammond, Willock swiftly turned on the edge of
the penalty box, wrongfooting Brighton's defence to finish with style.
Credit must be given to Brighton who, despite having gone behind three times,
still stuck to their task and once again, managed to catch Fulham with a sucker
punch to make the score 3-2.
Brighton’s second goal was scored amid serious suspicions of offside however.
As a diagonal ball was played in to the edge of the six-yard box, the Fulham
back line pushed up in anticipation of the pass. Nevertheless, as the Brighton
forward brought the ball under control, it became apparent that the linesman
was not going to flag. With the defence caught out of position, scoring was
a mere formality.
Just before the first half came to a close, Willock was fouled by the Brighton
keeper. Although he stayed on his feet, once the advantage had been played and
nothing came of it, the referee pointed to the spot. Keiron McAnespie easily
slotted the penalty home.
The second half was a far less entertaining affair in terms of goalmouth action,
as is often the case in such high-scoring matches.
Brighton came out in a more resolute frame of mind, and managed to hold firm
for longer periods when under pressure. Additionally, due to the temperature
on the pitch, the game was played at much slower pace.
With Brighton now enjoying their first few major spells of possession and exerting
pressure on Fulham's defence, a further goal for Seagulls looked to be on the
cards. However, with Simon Morgan and Alan Nielson superbly marshalling the
back line - chances were kept to a minimum.
Kevin Betsy then made the score 5-2 after he intercepted a pass in midfield
and set course for goal. His mazy run finished well inside the Brighton penalty
area with a sweetly struck left foot shot, which flew into the net.
The scoring was concluded with only minutes to go. Receiving the ball 25 yards
from goal, substitute Eddie McClements hit a spectacular shot with the outside
of his foot. Unluckily for him, the ball rattled the crossbar and bounced down
for Luke Cornwall to pounce on.
The victory also meant that Fulham were crowned champions of the Avon Insurance
Combination League. Captain Alan Neilson was later presented with the trophy
which ended a successful season for the Steve Kean’s first year in charge.
Fulham: Antony Tucker, Wayne Collins, Paul Trollope, Simon Morgan, Alan
Neilson (C), Zat Knight, Kevin Betsy, Paul Peschisolido, Calum Willock, Elvis
Hammond, Kieran McAnespie
Subs: Mark Hudson, Ross Flitney, Tom Hutchinson, Eddie McClements, Luke Cornwall