Scott Parker insisted there were “a lot of positives’ after Fulham made a swift exit from the Carabao Cup despite being the better side for much of the second-round tie.
They were on top for most of the first half at Craven Cottage, where Josh Onomah made his Whites debut in a much-changed side following his recent move from Tottenham.
But their Premier League opponents moved up a gear after the interval and Michael Obafemi’s goal on 57 minutes was enough to take Southampton through.
Obafemi tapped in from close range after being found unmarked by Nathan Redmond’s low cross from the left.
There were also debuts for Martell Taylor-Crossdale, who left Chelsea to join Fulham earlier this summer, and academy players Ben Davis and Tyrese Francois – all three came on as substitutes.
And goalkeeper Marek Rodák, making only his second first-team appearance for the club, produced a number of saves to prevent a second Southampton goal, the best couple of which denied Redmond and Danny Ings.
“There’s a lot of positives,” said Whites boss Parker. “I think it’s fair to say we controlled the game in the first half.
“Six lads from the academy involved and more senior players, who’ve had a very good pre-season and found themselves on the side, getting a bit of game time as well – so yes, pleased.”
Fulham: Rodak, Christie, McDonald, Le Marchand, Bryan, O’Riley, Onomah, Johansen (Francois 80), Kamara (Taylor-Crossdale 90), De La Torre (Davis 90), Reid.
Subs not used: Norman, Opoku, Odoi, Sessegnon.
This post was last modified on 28/08/2019