Fulham's preparations for the new season were boosted by a comfortable victory over DC United tonight, with youngster Moussa Dembele netting a hat-trick in Jacksonville.

The French Under-18 international opened the scoring on 22 minutes when his run was picked out by Chris David, before the frontman lifted the ball beyond the onrushing Andrew Dykstra.

A minute before the half-time break, Dembele doubled the Cottagers' advantage as Bobby Boswell failed to clear the danger for United and the teenager pounced from six yards out.

Fulham's young forward added a third on 75 minutes when he was afforded space on the edge of the DC penalty area and he duly took advantage by finding the corner of the net.

The Londoners start their Championship campaign away to Ipswich Town on August 9.