West Ham’s U21 side saw their unbeaten run at home come to an end as they were beaten by an in form Fulham side who have won their last four matches on the road.

Despite the Hammers beginning the game looking confident on the ball, Fulham managed to take an early lead. Terrell Works manoeuvred his way into the Hammers’ box, reaching the byline and pulling the ball back to Sekularac who fired home his effort from close range to give the visitors an early advantage.

After going behind, West Ham tried to find their way back into the game creating some opportunities with a number of promising attacks. Favour Fawunmi had an effort on goal which forced a stop from Fulham keeper Alex Borto. West Ham’s biggest chance of the first half came from Josh Briggs. The ball fell to the young defender after a corner but his shot from close range would go wide of the post.

The Hammers had a couple more chances before half time. Fawunmi would have an effort rebound of the post 33 minutes in, before Lewis Orford’s attempt from the edge of the box. Fulham ultimately held on to their lead and went into half time 1-0 up.

In the second half, the Hammers transitioned the ball quickly from defence to attack as they searched for a leveller. Fawunmi went close to scoring once again, and as the momentum started to shift towards West Ham, Lewis Orford found Dan Rigge with a delicate ball, only for Rigge’s strike to be smothered by Fulham keeper Borto.

Fulham made the young Hammers pay for their missed chances 53 minutes in as they scored a second. Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s ball into the box was met by Callum Osmand who doubled Fulham’s lead.

U21’s lead coach Mark Robson brought on a number of substitutes, but despite West Ham’s best efforts and a number of late opportunities, Fulham stayed composed and did well to successfully absorb the pressure.

With the clock running down Fulham took full advantage of one last counter attack. After West Ham went down to ten men, Sekularac sealed all three points for the visitors, scoring his second of the game with a first time strike just inside the eighteen yard box.

Reflecting on his side’s performance speaking to the club’s Official Website, U21’s lead coach Mark Robson said: “Fulham played well tonight. They’re a strong side with some really athletic players, and they executed their goals effectively. From our point of view, I’m a bit disappointed with some of the defensive actions leading up to those goals, but we had our chances too. It was a fairly even game but credit to them for taking their chances.”