Town’s Carabao Cup run came to an end at the fourth round stage after the Blues were beaten 3-1 by Premier League Fulham at Portman Road. The visitors went in front via Harry Wilson in the ninth minute as they dominated the first half but didn’t find a second goal until five minutes after the restart via Rodrigo Muniz. Tom Cairney’s third on 77 all but sealed it, however, Elkan Baggott netted his first Town goal two minutes later to give the Blues late hope of a comeback which ultimately never came to fruition.

Boss Kieran McKenna made 11 changes from the team which beat Plymouth 3-2 at Portman Road on Saturday with Axel Tuanzebe making his Blues debut at the centre of the defence and keeper Christian Walton returning to the team for the first time this season.

In front of Walton, who suffered a plantar fascia tear in pre-season, Tuanzebe was joined at centre-back by Cameron Burgess, who started his career with the Whites, with Janoi Donacien at right-back and Harry Clarke left-back.

Dom Ball and Jack Taylor were the central midfielders with Kayden Jackson, Sone Aluko, skippering against his old club, and Marcus Harness behind striker Freddie Ladapo.

Town named a strong bench featuring Conor Chaplin, Massimo Luongo, George Edmundson, George Hirst and Omari Hutchinson, as well as young midfielder Ryan Carr.

Fulham made eight changes from the team which drew 1-1 at Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

Wilson, Muniz, Cairney, Marek Rodak, Fode Ballo-Toure, Sasa Lukic, who captained, Andreas Pereira and debutant Luc de Fougerolles all came into the team.

Fulham struck the game’s first shot in the fourth minute, the ball deflecting through to Walton from Lukic’s strike following the second of two Cottagers corners.

The Premier League side saw most of the ball in the early stages and in the ninth minute they went in front.

With the Town defence all over the place, De Cordova-Reid was given time and space to sweep the ball into the path of Wilson in acres of space on the right. Walton rushed off his line to intercept the pass but the Wales international was first to it, took it past the keeper and stroked into the empty net from just outside the box.

Ladapo hit the Blues’ first shot in the 14th minute, a snap effort which he completely mishit and the ball looped out for a throw on the far side.

But aside from that, the Whites were well in control and a minute later they went close to a second, Ballo-Toure’s deflected cross looping over Walton but striking the bar.

Town, watched by an impressive crowd of 28,221, seriously threatened for the first time on the quarter hour when Ladapo put Rodak under pressure, forcing the keeper to pass out to Jackson on the edge of the Fulham area. The Blues forward was forced wide but hit an effort from a tight angle that Rodak palmed behind for a corner.

The West Londoners continued to dominate, moving the ball around at pace in the middle of the park with Town unable to maintain a spell of possession.

However, as the game moved towards the half-hour mark, Aluko did well on the right and fed in Donacien but the full-back’s low cross was blocked.

Soon after, with the Blues having put together a few passes, Taylor slammed a shot against a defender as the former Peterborough man looked to replicate his brilliant winner against Wolves in the last round.

Moments later, Fulham went close again, Pereira wafting a shot which looped beyond Walton but over the angle of post and bar to the keeper’s left.

On 32, Harness was cautioned for a foul on Cairney, which seemed a little harsh on the former Pompey man.

Nine minutes later, Lukic joined him in the book for waving an imaginary yellow card towards referee Lewis Smith after Taylor had fouled Cairney.

Fulham remained firmly in charge of the game as it moved towards half-time and went close to adding to their lead on 44 when Calvin Bassey shot sharply from the left of the area and Walton reacted quickly to divert it on to his right post.

That was the last action of a half which had been dominated by the visitors, who had been in charge from virtually start to finish.

While Wilson’s goal was well-worked from a Fulham perspective, Town’s defending was all over the place as a back four which hadn’t lined-up previously sought to find their feet.

The Whites went close to adding to their lead on a couple of occasions, which wouldn’t have flattered them, with the much-changed Blues’ only real chance Jackson’s opportunity from a tight angle.

Five minutes after the restart, the visitors did double their advantage. Pereira whipped a low ball across from the right and Muniz slammed home from close range.

In the 55th minute, a loose Burgess pass was picked up by Pereira, who ran at the Town defence before being dispossessed. The loose ball fell to Lukic, whose shot deflected wide.

The Premier League side had continued to control the game since the break and having scored their second goal were starting to show increased confidence and penetration in the final third. A repeat of Town’s comeback against Wolves was looking unlikely.

On 61, the Blues swapped Burgess and skipper Aluko for Baggott and Cameron Humphreys in what looked like pre-planned changes.

Seven minutes later, Fulham made a triple change, Pereira, Wilson and Muniz making way for Harrison Reed, Alex Iwobi and Raul Jiminez, while the Blues introduced Hirst for Ladapo and Hutchinson for Donacien. Clakre moved to right-back and Humphreys to left-back.

On 74, Fulham sub Reed looped a shot over after Iwobi, who had quickly made an impression having come off the bench, and Cairney had combined well on the left.

In the 77th minute, the visitors all but sealed their place in the quarter-finals when they scored their third goal.

With Town pushing forward, De Cordova-Reid broke away down the right and cut across the edge of the box to the on-rushing Cairney, who smashed a low shot past Walton and into the net.

That looked to be that, but two minutes later, the Blues pulled a goal back, sub Baggott heading down and into the net from a Taylor corner on the left having been left completely unmarked at the far post. It was the Indonesia international’s first senior goal for Town.

The goal livened up the home support, whose previous main vocal focus had been referee Smith’s inconsistent decisions, who sensed the potential for a comeback, even if it was very much an outside chance.

But the Blues began to play with greater confidence having scored, although with Fulham looking a big threat on the break, particularly via Iwobi, with Town committing men forward.

On 84, Walton made a sharp stop from De Cordova-Reid’s shot, after a corner played short on the left and sent into the box had been cut back from the far post by Iwobi.

Two minutes later, Jiminez was booked for bringing a second ball onto the pitch to waste time ahead of a Town throw on the right. Following Clarke’s long hurl into the box, the ball dropped for Taylor on the edge of the box but the midfielder’s volley deflected wide off a Town player.

De Cordova-Reid might have made it 4-1 a minute later by Taylor got back to make an important challenge with the Jamaican international having been found in space on the right of the box.

Moments later, Tuanzebe, who had looked a little rusty but while showing his pedigree on a number of occasions, did well to get in front of his man to clear as the ball came on from the right.

Reed had his name added to referee Smith’s list for a foul on Jackson shortly before Hutchinson shot over, prior to the fourth official announcing eight additional minutes.

Town continued to push for a second goal which might have led to a nervy last few moments for the visitors.

On 93, Baggott knocked a free-kick back across from the left and it eventually reached Taylor but the Republic of Ireland U21 cap lost his footing as he was about to shoot.

That was the last opportunity at either end before referee Smith brought the game and Town’s cup run to an end.

The top flight visitors were well worth their 3-1 victory having been well in charge for most of the 90 minutes. The result was only the second time a McKenna team has lost by more than a single goal, the first the 2-0 loss to Bolton in his third game in charge.

The second-string Blues looked a stronger prospect after the likes of Hutchinson and Hirst had been brought on in the second half with Baggott’s goal giving both the team and the fans heart, however, it was too little too late with the game all but over by that stage.

While an entertaining sideshow, particularly the 3-2 win against another Premier League side, Wolves, in the previous round, the Carabao Cup is far from the Blues’ main focus this season and, in truth, another fixture added to the December schedule wouldn’t have been entirely welcome in any case.

Town return to Championship action when they travel to take on Wayne Rooney’s Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Saturday.

Town: Walton, Donacien (Hutchinson 68), Tuanzebe, Burgess (Baggott 61), Clarke, Ball, Taylor, Jackson, Aluko (c) (Humphreys 61), Harness, Ladapo (Hirst 68). Unused: Slicker, Edmundson, Chaplin, Luongo, Carr.

Fulham: Rodak, Bassey, Wilson (Iwobi 68), Cairney (c), Ballo-Toure, De Cordova-Reid, Pereira (Reed 68), Muniz (Jiminez 68), Castagne (Tanton 95), Lukic, De Fougerolles. Unused: Benda, Ream, Palhinha, Vinicius, Robinson. Referee: Lewis Smith (Wigan). Att: 28,221 (Fulham: 1,685).

Photo: Reuters

warfarinman69 added 00:22 - Nov 2 3 things to take from tonight: 1 We have a problem if Hirst gets injured. Ladapo is not championship quality. 2. Baggott is the real deal 3. Leif Davis is so important to us. Good side Fulham, although fell over too easily and committed sonically fouls. We can expect more of that in the Prem next year. Wasn't the ref awful?
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clint_eastwood added 00:23 - Nov 2 Tuanzebe & Walton was so, so poor.
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joyousblue added 01:00 - Nov 2 Flaming moaners he did what he always does rest the ist team give minutes to the non playing ones we were never gonna win the cup were we , thankfully most on here have sense , i dont get you moaners
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Kirbmeister added 04:48 - Nov 2 Blueboy - it’s just my opinion. We won the last round with the reserves and possibly a blessing in disguise avoiding that Everton draw the period we’re playing Norwich Leeds & Leicester.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:26 - Nov 2 Don't like losing or being taught a bit of a lesson by Fulham, but we need to take it on the chin, and there were a few positives. Baggott looks a real prospect, and I thought Tuanzebe also looked solid. He might well be useful later on this season, and I'd have no problem with these two starting in our back line. Harness did well and was energetic. Aluko put in a good shift, showing his skill. Pity he's not 5 years younger! Not sure why he got such low ratings. Other than these, I can't really think of anyone who put themselves forward to the extent that they threaten a first team place. Big game now against Brum. COYB!

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tractorboybig added 07:02 - Nov 2 fulham reserves are a class above ours
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Dissboyitfc added 07:18 - Nov 2 Clark's poorest game since he arrived, expected more from him. Tuanzebe for me showed his credentials and maybe to be expected a little rustiness also, he will be excellent when upto speed! Hladky will be keeping his place as Walton had a poor game, a shadow of the player he was before the injury, again to be expected I suppose! Special mention for Aluko, as someone else said shame he is not 5 years younger! Must give a mention for the moaners, can't wait to get on here after a loss, and the hilarious bit one in particular thinks he is a superior supporter because he criticises! Really was in my opinion the correct thing to do, playing the fringe players as we have a big squad, we need all the players to feel apart of what's happening and to be match ready if called upon. Those 11 that started last night will know on last nights showing that big improvements are needed before they dislodge the starting eleven! Makes McK's job easier as well because it confirms what I suspect he already knows. All the subs came on and did well.

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jas0999 added 07:20 - Nov 2 Disappointing result, but Fulham well worth their victory. We had too many players well off the pace. That was mainly due to not playing enough football in recent weeks or for some, months. Onwards and upwards. Can’t win the, all. Shout out to a big crown for a cup game!
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Linkboy13 added 08:36 - Nov 2 I thought we looked a bit flat on Saturday and it was our great team spirit and grit that got us the result. So i wasn't surprised that we rested key players and used the game to try and get others match fit. I stopped attending cup games a long time ago because of the constant fielding of weakened teams. I think its time to wake up and smell the coffee for some people on here.

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Len_Brennan added 08:40 - Nov 2 Would agree with KMcK's assessment & most of the comments on here; going out to a Premier League club at this stage, with the run of fixtures we have around the next round of the cup, is not the worst thing that could happen, and we need to use the game last night for the benefit of those that are not in our first XI, but will very much be needed to step up over the coming month. It's difficult, & so.what unfair, to make judgements on players, when the whole team has been changed. It would be easier to assess the likes of Tuanzebe, had he slotted into a defence where the other 3, and the goalkeeper, were the regular, well oiled starters; but when none of them were starting on Saturday, and Clarke was on the wrong side, of course there is going to be hesitancy, stiffness & mistakes - I still retain some sympathy for poor old Piotr Malarcyzk, who finally got his start with us ... against Man Utd, incl Rooney, alongside Josh Yorath, in a completely changed back 5! Maybe he wasn't good enough, or was a poor trainer?, but that game alone was hardly a fair way for us all to judge his abilities. Anyway, there were some encouraging signs there, & he has proven his ability in the past, so I am hopeful he will be a valuable addition from here on. Look at McNally at Stoke; McKenna really wanted him, but he had a really poor start there. He's been regarded as one of the best CH's in the league over the last few games as Stoke have gotten their act together. The one real negative for me last night, was the continued poor form of Harry Clarke, in terms of defending & distribution/ball retention. It wasn't just because he was on the wrong side & in a changed line up. Brandon Williams is our #1 starting right back now, which means we will have to be bringing in cover for Leif Davis at left back during the January window.

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Len_Brennan added 08:41 - Nov 2 *somewhat unfair
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londontractorboy57 added 08:44 - Nov 2 Blueboy I would assume 28,000 turned out because a lot of season ticket holders wouldn't of gone its the only chance non season ticket holders got of getting to game.
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dirtydingusmagee added 09:19 - Nov 2 hoped for a win last night ,but didnt EXPECT it . Personally i dont have a problem with KMK those players need game time, deserve game time, and have done well prior to last night. You cant expect the likes of Walton to be as sharp returning from injury ,but they need some meaningful game time. We had chances ,and could have had a closer scoreline. We are not a Prem team [yet] but we are going the right way, and doing better than the teams promoted with us. Moaners need to get real .Like i said the other day, there are some on here that have been sitting on the edge of their seat ,waiting to pounce on a defeat because they have had nothing to moan about .

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cat added 09:44 - Nov 2 Whitehorse whilst I’m not bothered about you down marking my first post I feel a bit for you for 2 reasons. 1 you failed to see the humour in my post and second you clearly weren’t at last nights game, cause blue action were singling that throughout the second half and most of the crowd joined in. It was an hilarious moment and probably the high light of the game.
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tractorboybig added 10:22 - Nov 2 dissboyitfc the starting 11 showed that we dont really have any depth.
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TimmyH added 10:26 - Nov 2 Don't think we were going to keep winning against Premiership opposition in this cup with all the changes we were making...Baggot the outstanding player tonight the rest looked a bit like strangers to be honest. Let's just hope this loss doesn't effect our upcoming Championship matches, would really like to put one over that pikey Rooney.
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Bluefish11 added 10:27 - Nov 2 They did to us what our 1st team does to others. The 11 changes were off the pace and failed to close down. Our 1st team would possibly have won that with closing from the front and midfield but they didn't and we were exposed throughout. This was evidenced for the last 15 when we subs came on who looked like they wanted it. Great for Baggott, not seen him put a foot wrong in any of his appearnces yet. Expected better from Ladapo and Clark.

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Dissboyitfc added 10:47 - Nov 2 Tractorbooybig… I don’t think many teams could put out a second string 11 and be as good as the first choice starting 11, and that second 11 hasn’t had too many minutes on the pitch as a unit. TBB how many teams can you name that have a second string 11 as strong as first 11? I certainly can’t think of many and not any at championship level! But I believe as squad depth goes we can cope with the odd replacement when required!

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dirtydingusmagee added 10:51 - Nov 2 think people are so used to us winning now they are finding it hard to accept defeat. We are going to lose in league at some point, hope that dosnt set the ''hounds'' on team and manager.
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Orraman added 10:54 - Nov 2 When Blueboy made his expected negative post I wonder if he realised that we have three important, difficult but winnable games coming up in eight days, so why risk potential injury to any of our established ‘A’ team in a competition we were never going to win. We are now in a position to realistically look to automatic promotion so why jeopardise where we have worked so hard to be?

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Kirbmeister added 11:01 - Nov 2 Orraman - Blueboy is always one of the first to post when we don’t do as well. I get the impression he gives up praise through gritted teeth when we win.
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Help added 12:30 - Nov 2 28k buy tickets in anticipation. For those who had been to previous cup games would know the reserves would be played, with a smattering of fringe first teamers. Injuries aside. The unknown was which team Fulham would play. Mostly a 1st team with fringe players. With 1st teamers brought on as subs. So would we expect to beat Fulham based on the teams declared before kick off. I for one did not expect a win. Did fulham play to their full potential maybe not. To go in at half time one nil down with our 2nd string was not bad. The early 2nd goal did not help the cause. Kieran had a decision to make. At 1 nil after 60 minutes bring on a few big guns to try and win. Sadly we were 3 nil down so you knew other fringe players were coming on as the game was already lost. Yes a couple of first teamers did come on and the difference was obvious. But then Fulham also brought on some big guns as well. How Many of the original line up would be part of a premiership team is very unlikely. We did not play our first team so is no reflection of how they would do against such opposition next year. Harness was a cut above others in the line up. Axel was neither spectacular nor awful. He did what he had to do. Most players looked rusty. Off the pace and like they had not played for a while. Baggott looked good when he came on and lovely goal. Aluko has the skills not the age.

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JewellintheTown added 13:06 - Nov 2 While I'm disappointed for the club and fans, we punched above our weight for a long run to be proud of. Lads gave their all. May be a little controversial to say, but this was exactly the type of performance McKenna needs to highlight to the powers that be of the need to pull the stops out in Jan to bolster the squads depth if we're to go up to the Prem & stay there. KM has said that the players are playing at their peak, and on that performance we need players in reserve or even 1st team that have a higher operating peak.

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DerryfromBury added 13:39 - Nov 2 I think a few less changes from last Saturdays game and we could have drawn if not won the game. I suppose these cup games are probably the best way for KMcK to truly assess some of the fringe players in real game time scenarios. What the game did show was the limitations of a few of the players is differently league one, not championships and certainly not premiership. A couple of positive's were Axle and Baggott.

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blueboy1981 added 15:16 - Nov 2 Kirbmeister - you’re just a Joker - if last night didn’t ‘wake you up’ to REALITY - What hope is there …. ??
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