Sunday Fulham Stuff (21/12/14)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Kit Symons unconcerned over Arsenal and Tottenham's George Williams interest
FULHAM boss Kit Symons is unconcerned over speculation regarding winger George Williams' future.


RUMOURS: Fulham boss Kit Symons is unconcerned over reports linking George Williams with a move to the Premier League [GETTY]
The teenager has broken into Fulham's first team this campaign after impressing for the Cottagers' Under-18 side during their run to the FA Youth Cup final last season.

Williams, 19, has been linked with Premier League sides Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton and West Ham but Symons expects the Wales international to remain at Fulham.

He said: "I'm not surprised about there being rumours regarding our players because we've got some really good players.

"It's quite flattering to hear but rumours are exactly what they are, so we're certainly not getting too concerned about them.

"George is a great player, a bright young talent who will just get better and better in my opinion.

"I've know him for a long time from his academy days and my time working with him with Wales.

"Like all our young players we're looking at them to mature and improve as we go on."

Williams has made 12 appearances for Fulham this season.


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/416332/Fulham-Kit-Symons-unconcerned-Arsenal-Tottenham-George-Williams-interest

[WhiteJC]

 
Hammers Interested in Fulham Youngster
   
Down in the Championship, over at Craven Cottage, one of the many youngsters Fulham have brought through their Academy is said to be attracting the attention of West Ham.

Although he has made just twelve senior appearances for the West London club, George Williams, at just nineteen years of age, is considered to be a star in the making.

However, West Ham are not alone in declaring their admiration for the player with Arsenal, Spurs and Everton also said to be interested.

Now whether Fulham would be prepared to part company with their young asset remains debatable and words attributed to their manager, Kit Symons, would suggest he`s not fazed about the interest in his youngster with Symons having remarked,

'I`m not surprised about there being rumours regarding our players because we`ve got some really good players.

'It`s quite flattering to hear but rumours are exactly what they are, so we're certainly not getting too concerned about them.

"George is a great player, a bright young talent who will just get better and better in my opinion.

'I've known him for a long time from his academy days and my time working with him with Wales."

'Like all our young players we're looking at them to mature and improve as we go on.'

Keep an eye on the name of George Williams, you just never know do you!


Read more: http://www.westham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=380818#ixzz3MW75Izap

[WhiteJC]

 
All Eyes Focussed on January!
   
The opening of the January transfer window could be an exciting time for Fulham supporters.

With Kit Symons fast eroding the awful memories left by Felix Magath, it would appear that Kit has been given the go-ahead to buy come the opening of the transfer window.

Although we doubt Kit will be afforded the level of cash that Magath was in pre-season, we reckon it`ll be spent far more wisely.

Talking about the possible influx of new talent, Symons in speaking to the local media has remarked,

'We're looking. The January window is notoriously tricky, but if the right player at the right price is available then great.

'However, quite often it can be a bit of a panic market and I certainly don't want to go down that road at all.

'It's Mr Khan's money but I will spend it as if it was my own. You want value for money and to enhance the squad with people that are going to add value at the right price.'

I just love that last line but then again isn`t that how it should be?

Who would you like to see Kit bring to Craven Cottage in the forthcoming transfer window?


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=380819#ixzz3MW7LTJhb

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons hails ex-Leeds striker Ross McCormack's Fulham contribution
KIT SYMONS admits summer signing Ross McCormack is a vital cog in Fulham's attacking play despite the ex-Leeds star's lack of goals this season.


KEY MAN: Kit Symons says Ross McCormack is a "huge part" of his Fulham plans [GETTY]
The Scottish striker has found the net just five times in all competitions this season but his all-round game has impressed Craven Cottage regulars.

Sensational reports emerged this week linking McCormack with a shock move to Championship rivals Derby but the transfer talk was quickly dismissed.

Symons is a big fan of the 28-year-old and was quick to hail his performances at a press conference ahead of today's league match against Sheffield Wednesday.

The Fulham boss said: "He's playing a huge part in the building of our play, the creation of our chances and he has a big hand in the goals that other people score.

"He's a goalscorer himself so he will want to score more goals and I'm sure he will but there's no concern and no pressure from me as far as that's concerned.

"I just want him to keep playing well because he's a big part of our team and very influential to how the team plays and if the team's playing well then we'll win games and who scores goals is irrelevant."


http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/416334/Kit-Symons-hails-ex-Leeds-striker-Ross-McCormack-Fulham-contribution

[WhiteJC]

 
We`re Not Ruling Out Promotion!
   
Although our season got off to the poorest of starts with relegation looking more of a possibility than promotion, things have been slowly turned around.

Under the guidance of Kit Symons we`ve moved away from the bottom and are now sitting in mid-table.

The hope is that the remainder of the season can see us string together a run of form that could, hopefully, see us gate-crash the promotion party.

Lasse Vigen Christensen, who has been one of our most consistent performers this season, reckons is it an achievable dream with the 20 year-old remarking,

"We are only looking up here and a good run can get us into contention.

"Promotion is still our aim. We know it will be hard and we are playing catch-up.

"But we will do our best to make it happen. We have the players here to mount a charge. You have seen other teams come on strong later on. Why can`t we be one of those teams?"

Exactly!

COYW`s


Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=380822#ixzz3MW7yA8lc

[WhiteJC]

 
Keen Joins Royals

The Club can confirm that Under-18s Manager Kevin Keen has left the Club to take up a role at Reading.

He will act as assistant manager to the recently appointed Royals boss Steve Clarke.

We would like to thank Kevin for his efforts throughout his spell at Fulham and we wish him the best during his time at the Madejski Stadium.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/20/keen-joins-royals?

[WhiteJC]

 
Owls full-time: Fulham 4 Sheffield Wednesday 0

Sheffield Wednesday suffered just their second away defeat of the campaign, slipping to a 4-0 defeat at Fulham this afternoon.

Goals from Ross McCormack, Shaun Hutchinson, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow condemned the Owls to back-to-back Championship defeats.

The result means Wednesday have not kept a clean sheet in 14 trips to Craven Cottage, shipping in 32 goals in the process.

Fulham made a bright start and created the first meaningful opportunity in the sixth minute when Nikolay Bodurov's looping header went over the top after an inswinging free kick by Ross McCormack.

Cheered on by over 4,000 Owls fans, the visitors threatened themselves through Tom Lees, who knocked over Chris Maguire's corner after finding space at the back post.

It took a fine clearance by Lees to prevent Fulham from opening the scoring on the quarter of an hour mark after Lasse Vigen Christensen cleverily whipped in a low centre after rounding Keiren Westwood from an acute angle.

Moments later, Maguire cut inside on to his right foot and forced Bettinelli into a smart stop.

But Wednesday were nearly caught out defensively when Hugo Rodallega disposssessed Lees before unleashing a low right strike which Westwood, diving to his left, turned away for a corner.

Gray's men then enjoyed a good spell of pressure themselves with May, leading the line on his own, having an effort hacked off the line by Stafylidis. McGugan, on loan from Watford, curled a free kick into the side-netting from 25 yards out as Owls continued to ask questions of Fulham's defence.

Stafylidis became the first player to go into the referee's notebook after a poor challenge on Maguire.

Wednesday skipper Glenn Loovens was also booked following a clumsy tackle on Seko Fofana. From the resulting free kick, McCormack showed his class, curling in an unstoppable right foot shot into the top corner.

Within a minute, the Owls nearly levelled following a quick counter attack, with May's low drive kept out by Bettinelli at the second time of asking.

Helan, seeking his third goal of the campaign, dragged an effort wide after a mazy dribble.

Fulham made Wednesday pay for that miss on the stroke of half-time when they doubled their advantage, Shaun Hutchinson heading in Bryan Ruiz's free kick.

With Owls facing an uphill task to maintain their six-match unbeaten away record, Gray threw on Nuhiu and Drenthe at half-time, taking off Kieran Lee and Joe Mattock.

Things could have got even worse for the visitors in the 51st minute but McCormack's free kick flashed narrowly off target.

Despite the changes, Wednesday struggled to puit Fulham under the cosh and have many sights at goal. Maguire fizzed a long range shot harmlessly over to sum up their frustration.

Fulham put the contest out of their reach in the 67th minute when Christensen side-footed home after a quick break away.

Christensen could have claimed his second and Fulham's fourth but he was unable to turn in Rodallega's lovely centre.

There were very crumbs of comfort Wednesday could take from their first visit to Craven Cottage since 2001. They lacked ideas in the final third and struggled to break down a well organised Fulham side. McGugan tried his luck after venturing forward only to steer his effort narrowly wide.

Fulham had a strong penalty appeal waved away in the dying minutes as substitute Cauley Woodrow was brought down after colliding with Westwood but referee Andre Marriner wasn't interested.

Fulham deservedly grabbed a fouth in added on time after Claude Dielna brought down Patrick Roberts. Substitute Cauley Woodrow completed the rout, coolly sending Westwood the wrong way.

Team news:

Owls head coach Stuart Gray shuffled his pack for the trip to Craven Cottage, making two alterations to his starting line-up.

Gray handed first-team recalls to Joe Mattock and Jose Semedo, leaving out Atdhe Nuhiu and Royston Drenthe. It is left-back Mattock's first start since he damaged his ankle ligaments in the draw at Charlton Athletic last month.

The personnel changes mean Jeremy Helan will move into midfield in a 4-3-3 formation while Semedo will team up with Kieran Lee and Lewis McGugan in the centre of midfield.

Fulham, looking to build on their fine 1-0 win at Leeds last time out, also made two alterations, bringing in Scott Parker and Marcus Bettinelli for Gabor Kiraly and Emerson Hyndman.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Grimmer, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis; Parker (c); Christensen, Fofana; Ruiz; McCormack, Rodallega. Substitutes: Kiraly, Zverotić, Roberts, Woodrow, Williams, Hyndman, Burn.

Wednesday: Westwood; Palmer, Lees, Loovens, Mattock; Maguire, Lee, Semedo, McGugan, Helan; May. Substitutes: Kirkland, Nuhiu, Drenthe, Lavery, McCabe, Maghoma, Dielna.


http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/sheff-weds/owls-full-time-fulham-4-sheffield-wednesday-0-1-7014898

[WhiteJC]

 
Result: Fulham see off Sheffield Wednesday

Fulham moved further away from danger in the Championship with a 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday thanks to goals from Ross McCormack, Shaun Hutchinson, Lasse Vigen Christensen and substitute Cauley Woodrow.

Christensen nearly opened the scoring when he collected McCormack's pass and skipped around Kieren Westwood, but Tom Lees recovered to hack the midfielder's shot off the line.

The home side were ahead 10 minutes before half time when McCormack stepped up and curled a 25-yard free kick around the wall and into the top corner of Westwood's goal.

Fulham doubled their lead seconds before the break when Hutchinson nodded home his first goal at Craven Cottage from Bryan Ruiz's deep free kick.

McCormack went close with another free kick 10 minutes after the restart, before Stevie May and Christopher Maguire sent long-range efforts over the bar as the visitors searched for a way back into the game.

However, Wednesday's fightback was killed off when Fulham broke with lightning speed from a corner, with Christensen finishing off the move to atone for his earlier miss.

There was still time for substitute Woodrow to round off the win with an injury-time penalty after Patrick Roberts had been fouled by Claude Dielna.

The result sees the Cottagers move up to 13th, with Sheffield Wednesday falling to 14th.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-fulham-see-off-sheffield-wednesday_194786.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Brighton Tickets

Fulham's final match of the calendar year sees Brighton & Hove Albion make the trip to Craven Cottage on Monday 29th December (8pm).

It gives the Whites their first chance to complete the double over a side in 2014/15, following our come-from-behind 2-1 success at the Amex Stadium last month.

Tickets for the encounter under the Cottage floodlights are priced from £30 adults and £15 juniors, and are available to purchase on General Sale.

Make sure you're at the Cottage to support Kit and the boys for the final time in 2014.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/december/20/brighton-tickets?

[WhiteJC]

 
Report: Fulham 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Wednesday had a day to forget in the capital as they went down to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

First half goals from Ross McCormack and Shaun Hutchinson laid the foundation for victory, sealed after the break by Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow.

The Owls had their moments but nothing to trouble Marcus Bettinelli in the Cottagers' goal and the home side ran out comfortable winners.

It was hard on the 5,000+ travelling hordes, who were in good voice from the outset as their team sought to bounce back from last week's late home loss to Wolves.

And they almost had something to cheer early on when Tom Lees found space at the back post from a Chris Maguire corner but the defender hit over the crossbar.

The Cottagers, though, went closer still moments later as Christensen rounded Keiren Westwood but Lees was back in the nick of time to clear the danger.

Hugu Rodallega then tested Westwood with a daisycutter before Lees headed goalwards at the other end and the ball was heading in off May before Stafylidis cleared off the line.

But it was Fulham who made the breakthrough ten minutes before half time.

The Owls conceded a free kick 25 yards out and McCormack delivered a sublime shot that curled away from Westwood and into the far corner.

Wednesday hit back with a Jeremy Helan run and drive that whistled wide but then suffered a hammer blow right on the whistle.

From another set piece, Rodallega sent over a looping feed and Hutchinson climbed high to bury beyond Westwood.

It gave the Owls an uphill battle and Stuart Gray made two changes, with Royston Drenthe and Atdhe Nuhiu entering the fray in West London.

And as the second period unfolded, Wednesday certainly had the bit between their teeth, forcing a string of corners that threatened the Fulham goal.

The danger, though, was the hosts' quality on the break and so it proved on 68 minutes when a swift counter ended with Christensen coolly slotting home from 12 yards.

The same player might have made it four just after the restart but Westwood reacted smartly to smother almost on his goal line.

Fulham went on to boss possession in the closing stages with the game out of Wednesday's reach and applied the final coating of gloss from the spot in stoppage time after Claude Dielna fouled Patrick Roberts in the box.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Stafylidis, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Parker, Ruiz (Roberts 87), Fofana (Williams 63), Rodallega (Woodrow 82), Christensen, Grimmer, McCormack

Owls: Westwood, Palmer, Loovens (Dielna 71), Lees, Mattock (Drenthe 46), Maguire, Lee (Nuhiu 46), McGugan, Semedo, Helan, May


Read more at http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/report-fulham-3-0-sheffield-wednesday-2155915.aspx#MvuT4kZQZVd63BmP.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Cottagers thump Wednesday

Fulham boosted their Sky Bet Championship play-off ambitions with an impressive 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

First-half goals from Ross McCormack and Shaun Hutchinson put the Cottagers in the driving seat before Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow, who netted from the penalty spot, sealed victory after the break.

The win moved Kit Symons' side level with their opponents in the table after a second successive win.

Marcus Bettinelli and Scott Parker returned to the Fulham side, while the visitors also made two changes, with Joe Mattock and Jose Semedo coming in.

The home side flew out of the blocks and forced a flurry of corners, with Hugo Rodallega and Hutchinson denied early on.

Nikolay Bodurov headed a McCormack free-kick over, while at the other end, Chris Maguire tried his luck from distance.

Tom Lees squandered a good chance for the visitors when he stabbed wide, but he made amends for his miss moments later when his vital interception denied Rodallega an open goal after Christensen had rounded Kieren Westwood.

Bettinelli was called into action when he dived low to his right to keep out Maguire's well-struck drive, while Westwood did well to save from Rodallega after hesitation in the Wednesday defence.

The Owls grew into the game and Kostas Stafylidis was in the right place at the right time to scramble Stevie May's flick off the line, while Lewis McGugan's curling free-kick hit the side netting minutes later.

However, it was Fulham who broke the deadlock against the run of play on 34 minutes. Glenn Loovens was penalised for a foul on Seko Fofana at the edge of the box, and McCormack stepped up to curl a stunning free-kick into the top left-hand corner.

Jeremy Helan came close to an equaliser when he fired just wide, but the home side doubled their advantage in the 45th minute.

The visitors gave away another cheap free-kick and Hutchinson stooped to head home Bryan Ruiz's inswinging set-piece.

Wednesday boss Stuart Gray responded by bringing on Atdhe Nuhiu and Royston Drenthe at the beginning of the second half as they tried to salvage something from the game.

The visitors dominated but failed to force Bettinelli into a save with Nuhiu heading over and Maguire dragging a shot wide.

But Christensen put the game out of their reach in the 68th minute with a fine breakaway goal. Rodallega fed the young Dane, who shimmied his way through before slotting past Westwood with the aid of the post.

The clinical Cottagers took their foot off the gas after that but were denied the chance of a fourth when referee Andre Marriner waved away their penalty appeals after substitute Woodrow was brought down by Westwood.

However, Woodrow got his name on the scoresheet in stoppage-time from the spot after Calude Dielna scythed down McCormack.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/395122/fulham-sheffield-wednesday/report?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ross McCormack helps Fulham thrash Sheffield Wednesday

Cottagers run riot against Owls for second successive win


Midfield battle: Scott Parker in action with Sheffield Wednesday's Jose Semedo
Fulham 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Fulham boosted their play-off hopes with a thumping win against Sheffield Wednesday.

First-half goals from Ross McCormack and Shaun Hutchinson put the Cottagers in the driving seat before Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow sealed victory after the break.

After an end-to-end opening half hour, McCormack broke the deadlock when he curled home an unstoppable free-kick for his sixth goal of the season.

Centre-back Hutchinson broke his Fulham duck on the stroke of half-time when he outjumped the Owls defence to head home Bryan Ruiz's inswinging free-kick to give them some breathing space.


Early Christmas present: Fulham gave Kit Symons some festive cheer
Youngster Christensen wrapped up victory for the Cottagers on 67 minutes when he finished off a fine breakaway goal.

Woodrow added a fourth in injury-time from the penalty spot after Kieren Westwood had scythed down McCormack.

The win moved Kit Symons' side level with their opponents in the table after a second successive win.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Grimmer, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis, Ruiz (Roberts 87), Parker, Christensen, Fofana (Williams 63), McCormack, Rodallega (Woodrow 82).

Subs (not used): Kiraly, Zverotić, Hyndman, Burn.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/ross-mccormack-helps-fulham-thrash-8323865?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham thump woeful Wednesday
Fulham boosted their Sky Bet Championship play-off ambitions with an impressive 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.


Ross McCormack: Opened the scoring for Fulham

First-half goals from Ross McCormack and Shaun Hutchinson put the Cottagers in the driving seat, before Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow, who netted from the penalty spot, sealed victory after the break.

The win moved Kit Symons' side level with their opponents in the table after a second-successive win.

Marcus Bettinelli and Scott Parker returned to the Fulham side, while the visitors also made two changes, with Joe Mattock and Jose Semedo coming in.

The home side flew out of the blocks and forced a flurry of corners, with Hugo Rodallega and Hutchinson denied early on.

Nikolay Bodurov headed a McCormack free-kick over, while at the other end, Chris Maguire tried his luck from distance.

Tom Lees squandered a good chance for the visitors when he stabbed wide, but he made amends for his miss moments later when his vital interception denied Rodallega an open goal after Christensen had rounded Kieren Westwood.

Bettinelli was called into action when he dived low to his right to keep out Maguire's well-struck drive, while Westwood did well to save from Rodallega after hesitation in the Wednesday defence.

The Owls grew into the game and Kostas Stafylidis was in the right place at the right time to scramble Stevie May's flick off the line, while Lewis McGugan's curling free-kick hit the side netting minutes later.

However, it was Fulham who broke the deadlock against the run of play on 34 minutes. Glenn Loovens was penalised for a foul on Seko Fofana at the edge of the box, and McCormack stepped up to curl a stunning free-kick into the top left-hand corner.

Jeremy Helan came close to an equaliser when he fired just wide, but the home side doubled their advantage in the 45th minute. The visitors gave away another cheap free-kick and Hutchinson stooped to head home Bryan Ruiz's inswinging set-piece.

Wednesday boss Stuart Gray responded by bringing on Atdhe Nuhiu and Royston Drenthe at the beginning of the second half as they tried to salvage something from the game. The visitors dominated but failed to force Bettinelli into a save, with Nuhiu heading over and Maguire dragging a shot wide.

But Christensen put the game out of their reach in the 68th minute with a fine breakaway goal. Rodallega fed the young Dane, who shimmied his way through before slotting past Westwood with the aid of the post.

The clinical Cottagers took their foot off the gas after that but were denied the chance of a fourth when referee Andre Marriner waved away their penalty appeals after substitute Woodrow was brought down by Westwood.

However, Woodrow got his name on the scoresheet in stoppage-time from the spot after Claude Dielna scythed down McCormack.


http://www.football365.com/match/3734747/report?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boosted their Sky Bet Championship play-off ambitions with an impressive 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.

First-half goals from Ross McCormack and Shaun Hutchinson put the Cottagers in the driving seat before Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow, who netted from the penalty spot, sealed victory after the break.

The win moved Kit Symons' side level with their opponents in the table after a second successive win.

Marcus Bettinelli and Scott Parker returned to the Fulham side, while the visitors also made two changes, with Joe Mattock and Jose Semedo coming in.

The home side flew out of the blocks and forced a flurry of corners, with Hugo Rodallega and Hutchinson denied early on.

Nikolay Bodurov headed a McCormack free-kick over, while at the other end, Chris Maguire tried his luck from distance.

Tom Lees squandered a good chance for the visitors when he stabbed wide, but he made amends for his miss moments later when his vital interception denied Rodallega an open goal after Christensen had rounded Kieren Westwood.

Bettinelli was called into action when he dived low to his right to keep out Maguire's well-struck drive, while Westwood did well to save from Rodallega after hesitation in the Wednesday defence.

The Owls grew into the game and Kostas Stafylidis was in the right place at the right time to scramble Stevie May's flick off the line, while Lewis McGugan's curling free-kick hit the side netting minutes later.

However, it was Fulham who broke the deadlock against the run of play on 34 minutes. Glenn Loovens was penalised for a foul on Seko Fofana at the edge of the box, and McCormack stepped up to curl a stunning free-kick into the top left-hand corner.

Jeremy Helan came close to an equaliser when he fired just wide, but the home side doubled their advantage in the 45th minute.

The visitors gave away another cheap free-kick and Hutchinson stooped to head home Bryan Ruiz's inswinging set-piece.

Wednesday boss Stuart Gray responded by bringing on Atdhe Nuhiu and Royston Drenthe at the beginning of the second half as they tried to salvage something from the game.

The visitors dominated but failed to force Bettinelli into a save with Nuhiu heading over and Maguire dragging a shot wide.

But Christensen put the game out of their reach in the 68th minute with a fine breakaway goal. Rodallega fed the young Dane, who shimmied his way through before slotting past Westwood with the aid of the post.

The clinical Cottagers took their foot off the gas after that but were denied the chance of a fourth when referee Andre Marriner waved away their penalty appeals after substitute Woodrow was brought down by Westwood.

However, Woodrow got his name on the scoresheet in stoppage-time from the spot after Calude Dielna scythed down McCormack.


http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-report/314023/-?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham hit four in win against Wednesday

Fulham 4 Sheffield Wednesday 0

Ross McCormack, Shaun Hutchinson, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow scored as Fulham enjoyed a fine victory at Craven Cottage.

Goals by McCormack and Hutchinson demoralised the visitors after they had dominated the opening minutes and fired seven shots on goal.

Wednesday continued to create chances after half-time but Christensen (pictured) capped a swift breakaway on 68 minutes.

Woodrow added the fourth with a penalty in stoppage time after fellow substitute Patrick Roberts was brought down by keeper Kieran Westwood.

After a bright start that saw Hugo Rodallega almost fire the Whites into an early lead from distance, Fulham stayed on level terms only because of the away side's poor finishing.

Owls defender Tom Lees should have done better with a close-range chance before Chris Maguire forced keeper Marcus Bettenelli into a low diving save.

The away supporters then thought their side had scored when Lewis McGugan's free-kick missed by inches and hit the side netting.

McCormack, who has struggled for goals this season despite some impressive performances, then scored from long range.

And Hutchinson, continuing in defence after an impressive display in last week's win at Leeds, met Bryan Ruiz' set piece at the near post on 45 minutes.

Maguire and defender Glenn Loovens went close for Wednesday after the restart, but the Whites counter-attacked and scored a third.

Rodallega received the ball wide on the left and his clever pass found Christensten, who capitalised by feinting to pass and turning in his fifth goal of the season.

Fulham should have had a penalty when Woodrow was brought down in the box by Westwood late on.

But Woodrow was eventually given the chance to score from the spot when Roberts was felled.

Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Grimmer, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis; Parker, Christensen, Fofana (Williams 64); Ruiz (Roberts 87), McCormack, Rodallega ( Woodrow 82)
Subs not used: Kiraly, Zverotić, Hyndman, Burn.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-hit-four-in-win-against-wednesday?

[WhiteJC]

 
Kit Symons: I'm not under pressure to sell Fulham stars

Boss says he can fend off January interest in his players


Hands off! Kit Symons says he doesn't have to sell his stars
Kit Symons insists he is under no pressure to sell his star players in January.

The Fulham boss has already rubbished reports linking summer signing Ross McCormack with a move away.

Bryan Ruiz, Patrick Roberts and George Williams are also believed to be attracting interest, but chairman Shahid Khan has told Symons he doesn't want to flog Fulham's assets.

"Stories will be written with speculation about players, probably because they're playing well," said Symons after the Cottagers thumped Sheffield Wednesday 4-0.

"The chairman was over recently and he's very supportive of doing the right things for the football club – and that's keeping our best players."


Fulham players celebrate after Shaun Hutchinson scores the second
Fulham leapfrogged the Owls in the table, but they are still 10 points off the play-off places.

The Cottagers have the joint-worst defensive record in the Championship, but have now kept successive clean sheets.

Symons added: "I think it's been well documented that our defending throughout the course of the season so far hasn't always been maybe as good as it should be.

"But that's now two clean sheets on the spin which pleases me greatly and gives us a great platform to go on and win games."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kit-symons-im-not-under-8324505?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4 Sheffield Wednesday 0: Gray rues missed chances


Owls' Jeremy Helan with Fulham's Seko Fofana.

Kit Symons insists Ross McCormack is staying at Fulham after helping put Sheffield Wednesday to the sword.

The Scotland star set the Cottagers on their way to a 4-0 victory as goals from Shaun Hutchinson, Lasse Vigen Christensen and Cauley Woodrow sealed the points.

McCormack has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage, just six months after arriving from Championship rivals Leeds United.

But boss Symons has rubbished the reports and insists the striker is still part of his plans.

He said: "Stories will be written with speculation about players, probably because they're playing well.

"We love him as a lad and as a player and we're delighted to have him here. He was very good again today.

"The chairman was over recently and he's very supportive of doing the right things for the football club - and that's keeping our best players.

"From a club point of view there's nothing from us about selling Ross and nor do we want to.

"He's not scored as many goals as he might have liked but his input to the team has been excellent. He's had a big hand in a lot of the goals the team's scored.

"There's no pressure from me on him to score more. I want the team playing well and winning and what his part is in that I don't mind.

"The type of player he is - he wants to score more but I'm not that worried. He's been a really important part of our improvement in form.

"When we're playing well, he and the other attacking players link up well. He's got no problem playing a wider role because he's a real team player."

The win saw Fulham leapfrog the Owls in the table as the visitors slumped to their second defeat in a row.

Wednesday are the lowest scorers in the division, having managed just 16 goals in 22 games so far this season. Manager Stuart Gray admits it is something they need to address.

He said: "The worrying thing is we are not putting ball in back of net and giving (Kieren) Westwood and the back four a breather.

"We dominated the ball and created chance after chance. Every day we do crossing and finishing and we have to have desire to get the ball in the box.

"Every day in training the boys are in there, but it's about stepping up at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. We're not taking out chances. It's probably a lack of ruthlessness and taking responsibility.

"If you don't convert your chances it might bite you. McCormack shows the quality he has got and we end up conceding three goals from set plays and they pick us off in the end."


http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-w/fulham-4-sheffield-wednesday-0-gray-rues-missed-chances-1-7015132