Fulham res 3 Derby County res 0

Derby County’s reserve team bid to capture the reserve league title was dealt a crushing blow tonight at Kingsfield stadium.

Despite having much of the play it was a strong Fulham side that took the three points to take them just three points behind the Rams at the top of the table. Fulham have a game in hand over the Rams but it looks like going down to the wire as the Rams have just four games left and Fulham having five.

The Rams had 60% of the possession during the first 45 minutes but despite this advantage it was all-square at half-time 0-0.

As the clock reached the hour mark the game took a nosedive for Derby as Elvis Hammond put the Cottagers one up. As the Rams tried to recover from this setback Fulham took full advantage. A trademark free kick from John Collins was superbly flighted around the Rams defensive wall and past Andy Oakes.

So two goals in as many minutes left the Rams with a mountain to climb but to their credit they fought hard. The struggle was effectively ended as Facundo Sava slotted a third goal for Fulham from inside the penalty area in the 88^th minute.

Derby’s reserves season will be decided by mainly London clubs as their remaining four games are against Chelsea, West Ham and Arsenal before a final match against Southampton.