This Week's Opposition: Fulham U21s

The Blues were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Cheltenham Town at the weekend, however it’s time for a break from the league now - It’s time to kick-off this season’s Papa John’s Trophy.

This season sees Pompey drawn in Group E of the Southern Section of the trophy, with the opponents confirmed as League One rivals Leyton Orient, current League Two leaders Gillingham and the Fulham Under-21s, who play in the Premier League 2.

First up for John Mousinho’s side is the Fulham academy outfit, who are led by a very familiar face…

MANAGER

Former Blues midfielder Hayden Mullins was appointed head coach of the Fulham Under-21s at the start of August, succeeding Steve Wigley, who has gone on to become Academy Technical Director.

Mullins, who is now 44 years of age, represented Portsmouth between 2009 and 2012, making over 100 league appearances for the club.

He retired in 2015 whilst at Notts County and began his post-playing days by taking up a role at Reading, which saw him oversee the development of the club’s players who were sent out on loan.

Since then, Mullins has managed the Watford Under-23s, Colchester United and the Turks and Caicos Islands National Team. Prior to his stint in charge of Colchester, Mullins had also undertaken the role of caretaker boss of Watford’s senior team on 2 separate occasions, however was never promoted to the position on a permanent basis.

ONE TO WATCH

18-year-old Jamaican midfielder Delano McCoy-Splatt is our one to watch this week.

McCoy-Splatt started his career at Dulwich Hamlet before making the move to Fulham.

He has also already made his debut for the Jamaican National Team, featuring in a 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago.

TOP SCORER

20-year-old Martial Godo is currently leading the way in terms of goals for the Fulham Under-21s in the Premier League 2.

The midfielder, who arrived at the club last March, opened his account with a brace on the opening day of the league season and followed that up with a 3rd goal in the next match, in which he also missed a penalty.

Godo joined the club in 2022 following progression through the youth setup at Dartford.

CURRENT FORM

The Fulham Under-21s play in the Premier League 2, the top flight of football at academy level.

So far this season, Hayden Mullins has led his side to 2 victories in their opening 2 matches, therefore earning 6 points and the current occupation of 5th place in the table.

To reach this position, the young Cottagers saw off the Wolves Under-21s by 3 goals to 2 on the opening day, before following that up with a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Motspur Park.

Fulham’s Under-21s were not involved in this competition last season.

Can the Blues kick off their Papa John’s Trophy campaign with a win?

Find out and tune in for all of the unmissable action on Pompey Live - Returning this Tuesday evening (22nd of August) from 7pm - Kick-off: 7:45pm!