**U18 Premier League**
**Fulham 4 (Slade 9, Zepa 15, Dair 28, 56) Arsenal 3 (Dowman 44, Casey 45, 62)**
Arsenal U18s’ hopes of winning the southern section title suffered a major blow as they lost 4-3 away to Fulham today.
Max Dowman was again on the scoresheet and Dan Casey contributed with a brace but the young Gunners ended up losing, with the title now appearing somewhat unrealistic.
Arsenal were missing a host of players – Brayden Clarke is with the first-team, Samuel Onyekachukwu was suspended and the likes of Khari Ranson, Andre Harriman-Annous and Louie Copley could be with the U21s later.
Schoolboys Jack Talbot and Teshaun Murisa started less than 48 hours after winning the U16 Premier League Cup, while midfielder Ife Ibrahim filled in at centre-back alongside Sam Chapman.
**Talbot**
**Murisa-Ibrahim-Chapman-Ogunnaike**
**Julienne**
**Dowman-Marciniak**
**O’Neill-Zecevic John-Casey**
**Subs: Bailey-Joseph (for O’Neill, 69), C. Ismail (for Marciniak, 69), Oyetunde (for Zecevic John, 78), Hashi (for Julienne, 78). Not used: Tomlin.**
Fulham opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Bradley Slade.
Former Arsenal player Macauley Zepa proceeded to make it 2-0 and matters threatened to get worse when Fulham were then awarded a penalty.
Jayden Quashie stepped up to take it but his effort was kept out by Talbot.
Fulham still managed to add a third goal before the half hour mark through Brodie Dair.
Arsenal have come back from difficult situations at this level on many occasions and they threatened to do so again as Dowman got a goal back.
Dowman then turned provider for Casey, with Arsenal trailing by just one goal going into the break.
In the second half Dair netted again for Fulham before Casey, who has enjoyed an excellent season, got his second goal of the game.
Arsenal brought on Brando Bailey-Joseph and Cam’ron Ismail before later introducing Daniel Oyetunde and Maalik Hashi.
However, Fulham held on for all three points as Arsenal’s title hopes reduced even further.