Fulham secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Stoke City in the FA Cup fourth round, with Harrison Reed scoring a late winner to propel the Premier League side into the next stage of the competition. The match, held at the bet365 Stadium on Sunday, 15 February 2026, saw Fulham overcome a resilient Championship opponent through a combination of persistence and opportunistic play.
Stoke's Strong Start and Early Lead
Stoke City, who have struggled in the Championship with a recent run of poor form, began the game impressively against a Fulham team that made 10 changes from their midweek defeat to Manchester City. The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when South Korean midfielder Bae Jun-ho finished a well-crafted move, putting Mark Robins' side ahead and giving them hope of an upset.
Fulham's Second-Half Resurgence
After a subdued first half, Fulham grew into the game after the interval, gradually overpowering their opponents. Brazilian winger Kevin, who had been lively throughout, equalised in the 55th minute with a first-time shot into the bottom corner after cutting in from the left flank. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in Fulham's favour, setting the stage for a tense finale.
Reed's Decisive Intervention
With six minutes remaining, a self-inflicted error by Stoke proved costly. Goalkeeper Tommy Simkin attempted a short pass to Tatsuki Seko, but the midfielder was caught unaware by Fulham's captain-for-the-day, Harrison Reed. Reed seized the ball as Seko fell to the turf and calmly slotted home the winner, securing Fulham's place in the FA Cup fifth round.
Key Takeaways and Implications
Fulham's resilience was on full display as they battled back from a deficit, showcasing their Premier League quality against a determined Stoke side. Harrison Reed's opportunistic finish highlighted the importance of capitalising on opponents' mistakes in cup competitions. For Stoke, the loss extends their winless streak, raising concerns about their Championship survival hopes, while Fulham can look forward to the next round with renewed confidence.
