Actonians came into this match on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over local rivals QPR, a match which many saw as a clash of two of the division's title contenders.

Just over 48 hours later, the A's found themselves facing the prospect of another even tougher derby against a Fulham side from the level above.

There was reason for optimism going into this as the sides had met a month before in a friendly with Jason Stephens' team recording an emphatic 4-0 victory but it was clear the Cottagers were not at full strength and nothing would be taken for granted in this FAWNL Cup fixture.

Given the quick turnaround between games, Stephens rested a number of the star performers from Sunday's win with Steph McCaffrey, Wikitoria Fronc and Zehmana Malik among those starting on the bench.

There was a recall in goal for Elisa Dogor and first starts for Julia Casinha, Chloe Chapman, Emma Walpole and Hana Lalani.

With Jennie Brereton unavailable, Actonians began the match against last season's divisional champions with just one recognised defender in the squad as Olivia Clement marshalled a backline which also included Viv Ruettgers, Kendra Brown and Georgia Griffin - all players used to far more attacking roles.

Fulham rotated too but it was clear from the opening exchanges that they would hold the upper hand.

A quick break saw them hit the post and with Dogor committed, the rebound was inexplicably sent over the bar - thankfully for the player in question, a flag was raised for offside.

The respite was short though, as a poor goal-kick from Dogor went straight to a Fulham player who lobbed it over her to give them the lead in the 22nd minute.

It was a deflating way to concede after a competitive start and it would've been easy for heads to drop but from the kick-off a long ball from Kayra Karakus found teenage striker Champman who got between Hannah McKenzie and goalkeeper Frankie Gibbs to prod home an instant equaliser.

The former Maidenhead United player has been really impressive in recent weeks so it was sad to see her forced off by injury shortly after. However, on a positive note, it heralded the return of Jasmine Williamson who took to the field for the first time this season following an off-season injury of her own.

The hosts began to shade things in the closing stages of the first half and were a whisker away from taking the lead when Lalani's free-kick hit the underside of the bar and bounced out.

Sadly, Fulham were the quicker to respond, cleared and broke quickly down the left and retook the lead, giving themselves a 2-1 lead at half-time.

Actonians came out strongly after the interval with Walpole carving out a great opportunity to equalise but her decision to pass rather than shoot saw the move ultimately come to nothing.

Despite creating numerous chances and hitting the woodwork three times during the game, two further Fulham goals midway through the half killed the game and despite the late introduction of the likes of Fronc, Malik and McCaffrey, there was no way back and the match ended 4-1.

After the joy of Sunday's success, this brought the mood down but it was a game where a win always looked unlikely.

Another positive was the debut of striker Sammy Rowland shortly before the end. The two-time FA Cup Golden Boot winner is some acquisition for Actonians but she's missed several months with injury and with her knee heavily strapped, it could be a while before she hits top form again.

Next up the team travel to Essex on Sunday to play Billericay Town who suffered relegation from Tier 3 last season and have lost their opening two.

POTM - Olivia Clement. On a tough evening, the young defender marshalled the makeshift defence well and drew plaudits from many in the crowd. She almost scored with a low drive near the end too.

Report by James Doe