A battling Hamlet side fell to defeat at Champion Hill for the 1st time this season as division newbies Fulham secured a valuable 1-0 victory.

Zahra Cheeseman was handed her debut by manager Maria Tavares but the visitors failed to cause her any issues in the opening stages. 

Lauren Heria would have the games first big chance after 16 minutes as she pounced on a poor back pass but fired her shot over the bar. 

As the heavens opened Fulham had their best chance as we approached the 20th minute. The visitors broke through on goal and struck a shot beyond Cheeseman but only for Mikaela Hunt to get back and clear off the line. 

As half-time loomed captain Erin Corrigan would have the Hamlet's 1st shot on target as she won the ball on the edge of the box but her longe range strike was tipped wide by the Fulham keeper. 

From the corner Jessica Francis Weir got the ball on the edge of the box but her shot went over the bar which saw the sides head in level at half-time.

Corrigan again would go close from a free-kick after 56 minutes but she sent it over the bar. 

With 20 minutes to go the visitors would take the lead against the run of play. Ellie Olds received the ball and drove into the box and fired into the roof of the net to put the West London side ahead. 

With 10 minutes to go the Hamlet would almost find an equaliser. Corrigan delivered a cross that Fulham failed to clear. Neve Mayes struck at goal but it was cleared before Heria sent her rebound wide. 

611 packed into the Hill with 7 dogs braving the varying conditions as the Hamlet's unbeaten home start to the 25/26 season came to an end. 

NEXT AT CHAMPION HILL: 

Our final fixture of the FAWNL Cup group stages is next for the Hamlet as we host Hashtag United on Sunday 14th September. Tickets are available here.