The Fleet started brightly, earning a corner in the opening stages. A whipped ball into the area was palmed away by the keeper, which the Fleet attempted the rebound but it forced a counter attack from the visitors. A low ball from the width of the pitch snuck through the Fleet defence and picked out Sasha Anderson who converted from 12 yards out.
Both sides settled into the match and with 20 minutes on the clock, the score remained 1-0 to Fulham. The Fleet piled the pressure on the visiting side with a second corner delivery but Fulham cleared their lines just before Millie Waud could gain connection with the ball.
Fulham found a second just before the half hour mark through Georgia Heasman in very similar fashion to the opponents opener as she slotted the ball home at the far post. The Fleet claimed a goal back moments later. With Fulham playing at the back, the Fleet piled the pressure on and Logan O’Shea performed a lunging tackle, making contact with the ball. Stratton made the low diving save but the ball crept through her gloves and into the back of the net.
Amelia Woodgate earned a chance minutes before half-time but her effort was just off target and the Fleet went into the break behind.
Fulham almost started the second-half perfectly when Ella Tagliavini hit a shot from inside the area but her shot was off target. Dan Carlton caught Stratton off her line and attempted to loop the ball into the net but the keeper tracked back and made the save.
Sasha Anderson pulled the trigger in the 55th minute to claim her second of the afternoon with a thunderous strike from 20 yards out leaving Roberts no chance of keeping the ball out of the net and Fulham restoring their two goal advantage.
Amelia Woodgate nearly pulled one back with a strong run to carry the ball forward but her resulting shot was inches wide. Fulham thought they had found a fourth when Becky Stormer found the back of net with a headed effort but her celebrations were cut short when the assistants flag was raised.
With 10 minutes on the clock, the Fleet searched for two late goals and one would come in the 90th minute. Amelia Woodgate found herself one on one with the Fulham keeper and the striker came out on top, slotting the ball home to give the Fleet a late lifeline. But it wouldn’t be enough as Fulham held on and would take the three points with the Fleet’s charge at the end being too late.
EUFC: Roberts, Waud, Grieve, Porter, O’Shea, Clifford, A Woodgate, Wills, Justin, Murton, Carlton. Subs: Iron, Simmons, M Woodgate, Roberts, Pace
FFC: Stratton, Tagliavini, Christison-McNee, Stormer, Lambird, Parsonson, Manzi, Heasman, Dale, Adamson, Mendes. Subs: Southgate, Parker, Adaway, Huntroos
Attendance: 70
