Stevenage Borough and Fulham’s Under-21s played out a 2-2 draw in the English Football League Trophy, with Fulham claiming the extra bonus point by winning the resulting penalty shootout 5-4.

The group-stage contest had almost everything: four goals, a late equaliser and a shootout that kept both sets of supporters guessing until the final kick. Under EFL Trophy rules, a draw is followed immediately by penalties, with the shootout winner collecting an additional point. That made the result more than a standard league-style stalemate and added extra weight to Fulham’s late comeback.

Match overview

Stevenage began the brighter of the two sides and took the lead in the 12th minute. Charlie Carter found space between Fulham’s centre-backs and finished confidently after a neat exchange on the edge of the area. The home side’s early goal gave them confidence, and they pressed aggressively to deny Fulham’s young midfield time on the ball.

Fulham gradually settled and equalised in the 34th minute through a well-worked move. A quick passing sequence opened up Stevenage’s defence, and the ball was rolled across the box for a simple finish. The goal underlined the technical quality in Fulham’s academy ranks, but Stevenage restored their lead shortly after the break when Carter struck again, this time reacting first to a rebound inside the penalty area.

Fulham pushed more players forward in the final 20 minutes and got their reward in the 88th minute. Substitute Alfie Marsh arrived late in the box and swept a low cross past the Stevenage goalkeeper to make it 2-2. Neither side could find a winner in stoppage time, so the match moved straight to a penalty shootout.

Key moments

• 12’ – Stevenage lead: Charlie Carter finishes a bright early move.
• 34’ – Fulham equalise: A flowing passing sequence ends with a close-range finish.
• 57’ – Stevenage retake the lead: Carter scores his second from a rebound.
• 88’ – Fulham level: Alfie Marsh converts a low cross at the back post.
• Penalties – Fulham win 5-4: The young Cottagers hold their nerve in the shootout.

Tactical story

Stevenage’s plan was clear: press high, win the ball in wide areas and deliver early crosses into the box. It worked well in the first half and again early in the second, with Carter’s movement causing problems for Fulham’s defenders. The home side also looked dangerous from set pieces, though they could not find a third goal.

Fulham’s strength lay in possession and patience. Their midfielders kept rotating the ball, drawing Stevenage forward before playing through the lines. The introduction of fresh legs in the second half gave them more urgency, and their late equaliser was a reward for sustained pressure. In the shootout, Fulham’s composure from the spot proved the difference.

Standout players

Charlie Carter was the outstanding performer for Stevenage, scoring twice and leading the line with energy. Fulham’s Alfie Marsh made a decisive impact after coming off the bench, while the young Cottagers’ goalkeeper produced a key save in the shootout to help secure the bonus point.

What the result means

The draw and shootout win give Fulham’s Under-21s two points from the fixture, while Stevenage take one. In the tightly packed EFL Trophy group table, that extra point could be crucial. Stevenage will feel they did enough to win in normal time, but Fulham’s late resilience and penalty expertise kept them firmly in the hunt for knockout-stage qualification.