Sunday Fulham Stuff (26/11/17)...

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Results

Saturday
Barnsley	0 - 2	Leeds
Aston Villa	2 - 0	Ipswich
Burton	0 - 2	Sunderland
Fulham	1 - 0	Millwall
Hull	2 - 3	Bristol City
Middlesborough	0 - 3	Derby
Norwich	1 - 1	Preston NE
Reading	0 - 0	Sheff Wed
Wolves	5 - 1	Bolton
Sheff Utd	1 - 1	Birmingham

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Derby day defeat for Millwall

Our take on events at Craven Cottage...

Oliver Norwood's first half stoppage-time penalty-kick condemned Millwall to defeat at Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage.

The Lions huffed and puffed all afternoon, but were undone shortly before the break as Norwood fired home.

Millwall boss Neil Harris made two changes from Tuesday night's goalless draw with Hull City, as Fred Onyedinma and Steve Morison came in for Aiden O'Brien and Lee Gregory, who both dropped to the bench.

The home side created the early pressure without threatening the goal of Jordan Archer, but it was to be The Lions that would have the first chance of the afternoon on 7 minutes, as Tom Elliott's header was stopped by David Button.

Sheyi Ojo forced Archer into an outstanding save on 16 minutes, as the stopper had to tip a curling effort wide of the post. At the other end, indecision in the Fulham defence allowed Shane Ferguson a strike on goal, but the Northern Irishman's attempt flashed wide.

The casual defending in the home team's backline was causing concern amongst the Craven Cottage faithful and Onyedinma nearly stole in as the half-hour mark approached, but Button safely claimed. Neeskens Kebano had the opportunity to nose The Whites in front shortly after, but Conor McLaughlin's superb tackle prevented The Lions from conceding.

Fulham appealed for a penalty kick with 39 minutes on the clock, but referee Paul Tierney correctly adjudged Jake Cooper of winning the ball. Ferguson's cross found Elliott inside the box three minutes later, but the striker could only head wide.

Archer had to smother Ojo's attempts to score as the half reached a conclusion, but from the resulting corner kick, McLaughlin's pull back on Fonte prompted referee Tierney to point to the spot. The stopper guessed right, but Norwood's spot-kick was too powerful - The Lions had conceded at the worst possible time after holding their own in the first half.

The second period began in a frantic manner and Millwall nearly equalled on 51 minutes, but Button was equal to Onyedinma's shot on the edge of the six-yard box.

Ojo perhaps should have doubled Fulham's lead five minutes later, but failed to make a connection in front of Archer inside the penalty area.

The home sections, despite their lead, were growing restless with their side, especially Button's erratic keeping, but The Lions could not capitalise and grab an equaliser. Denis Odoi couldn't find the net with a free header on 70 minutes, meanwhile.

An exceptional cross-field pass from George Saville found Morison with 16 minutes remaining, but the striker's effort went wide. The midfielder sent a dipping shot towards goal just a minute later, but it agonisingly struck the post and bounced away to safety.

Millwall had a free-kick in a promising position on 86 minutes after Elliott was fouled on the edge of the box, but Saville fired over.

A frantic period of injury-time ensued, but The Lions could not find the equaliser their play perhaps deserved.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Sessegnon, Odoi, Kebano (Djalo 78'), Johansen (Kamara 46'), Fonte (Edun 58'), Cairney, Norwood, Ojo, Kalas. Subs not used: Bettinelli, Graham, de la Torre, Cisse.

Scorer: Norwood pen 45+2'

Millwall: Archer, McLaughlin (Romeo 88'), Meredith, Hutchinson, Onyedinma (O'Brien 74'), Ferguson (Gregory 74'), Tunnicliffe, Elliott, Morison, Saville, Cooper. Subs not used: King, Craig, Thompson, Twardek.

Booking: McLaughlin, Saville

Referee: Paul Tierney

Attendance: 17,984



https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2017/november/derby-day-defeat-for-millwall/

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Norwood's penalty gives Fulham victory over Millwall

Oliver Norwood's penalty was enough for Fulham to overcome Millwall and secure back-to-back wins for only the second time this season.

The midfielder netted his fourth goal of the season in first-half injury time after Rui Fonte had been fouled by Millwall's Conor McLaughlin.

But the home side were unable to kill the contest and had to withstand some anxious moments, with Millwall's George Saville hitting the woodwork.

There were few scoring opportunities during the first 45 minutes, although each goalkeeper answered a single call to action.

Home keeper David Button kept the game scoreless early on, flinging out his right arm to parry a glancing header from the dangerous Tom Elliott.

At the other end, Jordan Archer stretched to claw away Sheyi Ojo's cross-shot.

But, apart from that, Fulham's patient build-up failed to pierce a robust Lions defence.

However, as the board was raised to signal an extra minute before half-time, McLaughlin hauled back Fonte at a corner and Norwood stepped up to drill home the resulting spot-kick.

The visitors threatened to hit back at the start of the second half, pressuring Fulham's back line, and Fred Onyedinma was denied by Button at close range.

But Ojo should have doubled the Whites' advantage soon afterwards, heading weakly at the keeper from a few yards out after Ryan Sessegnon had teed him up.

Millwall switched to a three-man forward line in their efforts to rescue a point and Steve Morison went close with two first-time attempts, while Saville's 25-yard punt clipped the post.

Fulham found themselves hanging on in the closing stages and it needed a couple of crucial interventions from the impressive Tomas Kalas to see them over the line.

Fulham: Button; Fredericks, Kalas, Odoi, Sessegnon; Norwood; Ojo, Cairney, Johansen (Kamara 45), Kebano (Djalo 78); Fonte (Edun 58).



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/norwoods-penalty-gives-fulham-victory-millwall

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Head Coach Reaction

Fulham's Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović praised his side's fighting spirit in the London derby against Millwall at Craven Cottage.

Oliver Norwood's first-half penalty secured maximum points for the Whites, on a chilly afternoon in SW6.

"We saved some important players for this game," said Jokanović.

"It's positive news because we won the game at home and made our supporters happy. This victory means back-to-back wins in the Championship.

"We are fighting. They sent many long balls into our box and are solid. They're bigger and stronger than us in these situations. We don't have enough tools to find a solution for certain problems.

"In the end, the team suffered together and got a clean sheet, which is fantastic. It's the third game this week without a few players so we must be satisfied – we won seven points."

There were a couple of notable absentees to the Whites' side, as Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald failed late fitness tests, but Fulham's Head Coach hopes both players to be fit for next weekend's clash at Griffin Park against Brentford.

"We expect we'll recover some players and be ready for another London derby," he stated.

"Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald are injured, but we expect them to be ready for the next game. Floyd Ayite is a few weeks away from being available to help us."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/25/head-coach-reaction-millwall

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Fulham 1-0 Millwall

Oliver Norwood's match-winning penalty was his fourth goal of the season

Fulham midfielder Oliver Norwood scored the only goal of the game with a late first-half penalty to see off Millwall in the London derby at Craven Cottage.

Fresh from their midweek 5-4 thriller at Bramall Lane, the goals dried up.

But Norwood struck two minutes into first-half injury time when his right-foot shot found the bottom left corner from the spot after Rui Fonte had been brought down by Conor McLaughlin.

That earned the Cottagers a week's haul of seven points out of a possible nine.

They climb two places to 12th, while Millwall drop a spot to 19th after their sixth game without a win.

Yet the visitors had plenty of chances against an unconvincing Fulham defence and twice hit the woodwork before Slavisa Jokanovic's side could claim only their second victory at Craven Cottage this season - and their first since September.

Tom Elliott clipped a post with a free header after just seven minutes before then glancing George Saville's cross horribly off target after being left all alone again in front of goal.

After Elliott was denied from close range by home keeper David Button and Steve Morison's first-time lob drifted the wrong side of the post, Saville's shot then got through a crowded penalty area only to come back off the post.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:
"This is the Championship and it has not been easy for us. We have to be satisfied with the week we have had.

"We are fighting without the ball. They sent in many long balls, they are bigger and stronger in those situations. We don't have the tools to find the solution to these problems.

"But the team suffered together and got a clean sheet. In the end, it is our third game of this week, without a few important players, so we must be satisfied."

Millwall manager Neil Harris:
"We got punished by a harsh refereeing decision, the player has conned him into giving it.

"What helps the referee give it is Macca is the wrong side of their player, the contact is minimal and the player throws himself at an angle to highlight the contact.

"The player has done well to force the referee to give it."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42034675

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Fulham 1-0 Millwall: Player ratings as Fulham finally get another home win

Fulham finally got a second home win of the season as Norwood's penalty was the difference between the two sides

Fulham got their first home win since September 13 as Oliver Norwood's first half penalty secured all three points for the side.

Tom Elliott got the first chance of the game when he won his header in the Fulham box, but Button was equal to it and tipped it onto the post.

Fulham got ahead when Rui Fonte won a penalty after being tugged back - Norwood sending it past Jordan Archer despite the Millwall keeper sending it the right way.

The second half was a quieter affair which lacked intensity - Fulham's best chance came from a lovely Sessegnon cushioned header across the face of goal which Ojo couldn't get to.

Here's how we rated the side:

Button 6: Great save to deny Elliott early on but his kicks came under pressure after Millwall started to number up on the defence. Looked like his confidence was shot a bit and mistakes started to creep in.

Fredericks 7: Solid performance at right back from the defender, linking attack and defence well during the game.

Kalas 7: Tracked back well but struggled to deal with the aerial presence of Elliott. Brilliant header in the second half to deny Millwall under pressure.

Odoi 7: Composed on the ball at centre back, although a few of his showboat moments produced heart in mouth moments.

Sessegnon 6: Didn't enjoy the best of afternoons despite his endeavours going forward. Had a better second half as he pushed on further forward

Norwood 7: Scored a good penalty and did a decent job in the Kevin McDonald role. A few nice passes as he tried to set Fulham going in the second period.

Cairney 7: Looked back to his best and was able to slice open the Millwall defence with his passes. Wasn't as effective in the second as the game dropped it intesity.

Johansen 5: A bit off the boil in the first period and was replaced by Kamara at half time.

Kebano 6: Linked well with Cairney but couldn't test Archer in the Millwall goal properly. Didn't get on the ball too much in the second 45.

Ojo 7: Looked hungry going forward and confident on the ball. Continued in the second but just couldn't find the target - should've scored from Sessegnon's cushioned header.

Fonte 5: Didn't have much of an impact but did win the penalty. Played a deeper role once Kamara came on but wasn't very influential and was subbed on the hour mark.

Subs -

Kamara 6: Wasn't able to use his pace much due to the depth at which the Millwall defence sat.

Edun 5: Produced a brilliant pass to pick out Sessegnon in the second half, but his cross was blocked. Struggled to get himself into the game with a number of loose touches.

Djalo 6: Gave away a dangerous free kick on the edge of the box which luckily came to nothing. Looked reasonable assured and was on hand in some crucial moments.



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-1-0-millwall-player-13952976

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Birmingham City Tickets

Fulham are next in action at Craven Cottage on Saturday 9th December when Birmingham City visit SW6, kick-off 3pm.

Tickets start from just £30 for adults and £15 for juniors and are available to purchase on General Sale.

Supporters can secure their seat online today, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/november/25/birmingham-tickets

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Millwall boss: Fulham striker 'conned' referee

NEIL Harris felt Fulham striker Rui Fonte made the most of contact with Conor McLaughlin for Fulham's winning penalty against Millwall.

Fonte and McLaughlin tangled in first-half injury-time before Oliver Norwood beat Jordan Archer from the spot.

The Lions hit the woodwork twice through Tom Elliott and George Saville in either half, and Saville fired a free-kick from 20 yards over the bar with four minutes left.

"It's the story of our season away from home," Harris said. "I can't fault my players for their attitude, implementing the game plan, doing exactly what I asked of them.

"It was two very different styles of play: total football and trying to play through the middle and the other a bit more direct.

"We went with three up top and one behind and it worked, we played on the front foot, we were aggressive and had chances. Our anticipation in the penalty area needs to be slightly better and that comes through confidence as much as anything.

"At the other end we get punished by a harsh refereeing decision. I can see why he's given it but the player has conned him into giving it, in my eyes. We get punished by a penalty right on half-time and that probably sums up where we've been so far.

"What helps the referee give it is Macca's the wrong side of the player but contact is minimal. The player clearly throws himself at an angle to the floor to highlight the contact. The player has done well to force the referee to give it.

"[We got] a standing ovation when we came off from a brilliant fanbase today, they were absolutely top drawer, but we've got no points and that's the frustration for me and my players again.

"I said to them, 'what can I say to you?' Where we need to improve is those little moments of quality where we need to anticipate in the penalty area. And we will, we have to try to keep improving and add to the squad with quality players."

Fulham boss Slavis Jokanovic, meanwhile, felt the penalty was "clear".

He added his side had to "suffer" against a more physical Millwall side: "We are fighting without the ball, they send many long balls and are more solid, they are bigger and stronger in this kind of situation. We are suffering, we try to push but we don't have enough tools to find a solution for the problem.

"The team suffers together and we made a clean sheet, that's fantastic news for us."



https://www.newsatden.co.uk/65184-millwall-boss-fulham-striker-conned-referee.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1 Millwall 0: Oliver Norwood penalty seals first Craven Cottage home win since September

Norwood tucks home the winner EMPICS Sport

Oliver Norwood's penalty secured a long-awaited home win for Fulham as they beat Millwall 1-0.

The Northern Ireland midfielder's fourth goal of the season earned Slavisa Jokanovic's side only a second victory at Craven Cottage this season, and a first since September.

Norwood's 45th-minute spot-kick also consigned Millwall to a sixth match without a victory, and they have yet to win away so far this term.

Yet the visitors had plenty of chances against an unconvincing Fulham defence and twice hit the woodwork.

Tom Elliott should have given the Lions a first-half lead, but he clipped a post with a free header after just seven minutes.

The striker was left all alone again in front of goal shortly after, but this he time glanced George Saville's cross horribly off target.

Shane Ferguson fizzed a shot across goal and wide with Fulham's rearguard again looking distinctly jittery.

The hosts were bright in attack, though, and Sheyi Ojo's chip from the corner of the penalty area had to be tipped over by Lions keeper Jordan Archer.

Liverpool loanee Ojo, who scored twice in the 5-4 win at Sheffield United in midweek, blasted another chance over before Neeskens Kebano burst through on goal.

The Congolese winger latched onto Tom Cairney's through-ball and was only denied by a last-ditch challenge from Conor McLaughlin.

Kebano wriggled clear again from Stefan Johansen's ball over the top but this time Archer came charging out to block.

The deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time when McLaughlin tugged back Portuguese striker Rui Fonte at a corner.

Referee Paul Tierney pointed awarded a penalty and Norwood confidently slammed home the spot-kick.

After the break Elliott was denied from close range by home keeper David Button.

Lions captain Steve Morison has yet to find the net this season but the striker went close with a first-time lob which drifted the wrong side of Button's post.

Saville then went even closer when his shot beat Button in a crowded penalty area only to come back off the post to cap a frustrating afternoon for the Lions.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-10-millwall-oliver-norwood-penalty-first-craven-cottage-home-win-september-a3701756.html

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Millwall boss Neil Harris believes Fulham's Rui Fonte conned the referee into giving a penalty

Rui Fonte won a penalty for the home side but Harris believes he conned the referee for the spot kick

Neil Harris believes Fulham's Rui Fonte conned the referee into awarding the home side a penalty in their 1-0 loss to Slavisa Jokanovic's side.

It looked like the Portuguese man's shirt was pulled in the box but Harris felt that Fonte conned the referee into the giving the decision - calling the spot kick harsh.

Oliver Norwood tucked it home from the spot to give the game it's only goal, but Harris was unhappy with how Fonte won the penalty, saying he'd done well to force the referee into giving it.

"It's the story of our season away from home," Harris said. "I can't fault my players for their attitude, implementing the game plan, doing exactly what I asked of them.

"It was two very different styles of play: total football and trying to play through the middle and the other a bit more direct.

"We went with three up top and one behind and it worked, we played on the front foot, we were aggressive and had chances. Our anticipation in the penalty area needs to be slightly better and that comes through confidence as much as anything.

"At the other end we get punished by a harsh refereeing decision. I can see why he's given it but the player has conned him into giving it, in my eyes. We get punished by a penalty right on half-time and that probably sums up where we've been so far.

"What helps the referee give it is Macca's the wrong side of the player but contact is minimal. The player clearly throws himself at an angle to the floor to highlight the contact. The player has done well to force the referee to give it."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/millwall-boss-neil-harris-believes-13954094

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic pleased his Fulham side secured back-to-back Championship wins

A win against Millwall meant that Fulham kept their first clean sheet at home this season as Oliver Norwood secured all three points

Slavisa Jokanovic was pleased his Fulham side were able to secure back-to-back wins with a 1-0 victory over London rivals Millwall at the Cottage.

Oliver Norwood's first half penalty gave the Whites all three points as the side managed to keep their first home clean sheet of the season, and first blank state since the 2-0 victory over Ipswich in August.

Despite riding their luck for parts of the game, the boss was pleased with the performance and is now looking ahead to the Brentford game next Saturday.

He said: "We saved some important players for this game.

"It's positive news because we won the game at home and made our supporters happy. This victory means back-to-back wins in the Championship.

"We are fighting. They sent many long balls into our box and are solid. They're bigger and stronger than us in these situations. We don't have enough tools to find a solution for certain problems.

"In the end, the team suffered together and got a clean sheet, which is fantastic. It's the third game this week without a few players so we must be satisfied – we won seven points."

Kevin McDonald, Tim Ream and Floyd Ayite were all missing from the squad, and Jokanovic gave an update on their situation.

He added: "We expect we'll recover some players and be ready for another London derby.

"Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald are injured, but we expect them to be ready for the next game. Floyd Ayite is a few weeks away from being available to help us."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-pleased-fulham-side-13953988

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham duo expected to return for Brentford game

Fulham duo Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald are expected to return for next weekend's derby at Brentford after missing out against Millwall.

Central defender Ream missed his first Championship game of the season as the Whites won 1-0 at Craven Cottage, while midfielder McDonald was also sidelined.

Boss Slavisa Jokanovic expects the pair to be available against Brentford. But forward Floyd Ayite, who also missed the Millwall game with a hamstring injury, is likely to be out for another three weeks.

Jokanovic said: "We were going to rest some players. They are injured, but we expect they can be ready for the Brentford game.

"It was our third game this week without a few important players, but we made a clean sheet and this is fantastic news for us. We must be satisfied.

"It's positive that we won the game at home and made our supporters happy and finished with back-to-back wins. This is the Championship and that isn't easy."

Fulham triumphed courtesy of an Oliver Norwood penalty in first-half stoppage time, awarded after Millwall's Conor McLaughlin was adjudged to have fouled Rui Fonte.

Jokanovic described the spot-kick decision of referee Paul Tierney as "clear", although his Lions counterpart Neil Harris was less convinced.

"What helps the referee give it is Macca is the wrong side of the player," said Harris. "Contact is minimal. But I'm not going to blame the ref for the decision."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-expected-return-brentford-game-ayite-faces-spell

[WhiteJC]

Norwood spot-kick ends Fulham's barren home run
by Dan on November 25, 2017

It was always likely that a cagey south London derby would struggle to match the drama of Fulham's frenzied 5-4 win at Sheffield United in midweek, but even a perfectionist like Slavisa Jokanovic will have to toast the merits of a hard-fought 1-0 win over a competitive Millwall side. The slender success might have been fortuitous, as Neil Harris' men twice struck the woodwork and could have easily earned a spot-kick to cancel out Ollie Norwood's winner, but it also represented the Whites' first home win since September and a first clean sheet in thirteen fixtures.

Grinding out wins hasn't come easy to Jokanovic's charges this season – and that is often the difference between the teams that return to the Premier League and those that falter. Fulham, without three players after Tim Ream and Kevin McDonadl joined Floyd Ayite on the sidelines having failed fitness tests, began in fluent fashion with Sheyi Ojo and Ryan Sessegnon, the heroes of that vibrant win in South Yorkshire, to the fore, but Tom Elliott actually wasted the best two openings in front of goal at the other end. The tall forward, lucky not to be dismissed for swinging an arm at Tomas Kalas later, rattled the far post with a free header and then sent another unattended header well wide after excellent approach play from the impressive George Saville.

Fulham's brightest moments came courtesy of Ojo, who was full of confidence after an outstanding impact at Bramall Lane. The Liverpool loanee's audacious chip from the edge of the area brought a fine save out of Jordan Archer and he then made a clever decoy run that freed up the space for Neeskens Kebano to sprint onto a beautifully weighted through ball from Tom Cairney, but Conor McLaughlin produced a splendid saving tackle to avert the danger. The Congolese winger also bore down on goal when a lofted ball from Stefan Johansen dropped between the Millwall back line and Archer, but the Scottish custodian was quickly off his line to smother the danger.

Just as it seemed as though Jokanovic would need to inspire his troops to break down Harris' well-drilled side through a barnstorming half-time team-talk, referee Paul Tierney afforded a spot kick after Rui Fonte was hauled down by McLaughlin. Norwood scotched any discussion about how would take the responsibility from twelve yards by confidently stepping up and dispatching his four goal of the season with a modicum of fuss. Jokanovic introduced Aboubakar Kamara, who threatened the Millwall defence with his unique combination of express pace with heft, for Stefan Johansen but initially his side ceded the initative to their visitors.

Jake Cooper saw a close-range effort after Fulham failed to corner a free-kick parried to safety by Button and that seemed to give the visitors feel confidence. They enjoyed a prolonged spell of pressure late in the piece, with Saville bending a brilliant effort off the far post, and Button saving well from Elliott. Millwall captain Steve Morison, without a goal for the club this season, also went close – sending a chip fractionally wide.

Spaces were now opening up at either end of the pitch. A swift Fulham break saw Sessegnon, Cairney and Ojo all involved in a sweeping move that culminated in the teenager narrowly failing to supply the perfect cross for Ojo. As the home side pressed for a decisive second goal, the composed display of Shaun Hutchinson on his return to the Cottage came to the fore. The former Fulham centre half bravely blocked a shot from Kebano at source and organised his team-mates with both regularity and passion.

Tayo Edun offered another whole-hearted display as a second half substitute designed to quell the flow of a contest that was delivering too much Millwall pressure on David Button as Harris gambled by throwing on two more forwards. The last quarter of the game saw the Lions earn a succession of corners and long throws that were patiently repelled by the men in white but, much to Jokanovic's frustration on the touchline, Fulham were unable to find the penetration to match their pretty approach. The lively Ojo came closest, but failed to find the target from four yards out – and, as time ticked down, Saville bent a free kick from the edge of the box wide of the Putney End goal.

On a freezing cold afternoon by the Thames, Fulham showed battling qualities that aligned with the obvious footballing ability of their coach and some of the men at his disposal hinted at the gap not been being as wide as it has felt recently. Both returning former Fulham players in Tunnicliffe and Hutchinson put in first-class performances, but it was their old employers who enjoyed a much-needed home win in the earn.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Button; Odoi, R. Sessegnon, Kalas, Odoi; Norwood, Johansen (Kamara 45), Cairney; Kebano (Djalo 78), Ojo, Fonte (Edun 58). Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Djalo, Cisse, de la Torre.

GOAL: Norwood (pen 45+1),

MILLWALL (4-4-2): Archer; Conor McLaughlin (Romeo 88), Hutchinson, Cooper, Meredith; Onyedinma (O'Brien 74′), Tunnicliffe, Saville, Ferguson (Gregory 74′); Elliott, Morison. Subs (not used): King, Craig, Thompson, Twardek.

BOOKED: McLaughlin, Savile.

REFEREE: Paul Tierney (Liverpool).

ATTENDANCE: 17,984



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/norwood-spot-kick-ends-fulhams-barren-home-run/

[WhiteJC]

Slavisa salutes 'fighting' Fulham
by Dan on November 25, 2017

Slavisa Jokanovic praised Fulham's fighting spirit after the Whites edged past Millwall to record their first win at Craven Cottage since September and move into the Championship's top half.

Fulham clung onto a slender lead given to them by Oliver Norwood's penalty on the stroke of half-time despite concerted Millwall pressure and a side robbed of key performers due to injury. Jokanovic was delighted with his team's application and the fact they had taken seven points from three tricky fixtures in seven days.

Speaking to his post-match press conference, the Serbian head coach said:

    It's positive news because we won the game at home and made our supporters happy. This victory means back-to-back wins in the Championship. We are fighting. They sent many long balls into our box and are solid. They're bigger and stronger than us in these situations. We don't have enough tools to find a solution for certain problems.

    In the end, the team suffered together and got a clean sheet, which is fantastic. It's the third game this week without a few players so we must be satisfied – we won seven points. We saved some important players for this game.

Jokanovic confirmed that Fulham are hopeful that Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald, who were not risked this afternoon after picking up knocks at Bramall Lane in midweek, would be available for Saturday's trip to Brentford.

    We expect we'll recover some players and be ready for another London derby. Tim Ream and Kevin McDonald are injured, but we expect them to be ready for the next game. Floyd Ayite is a few weeks away from being available to help us.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2017/11/slavisa-salutes-fighting-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

 
Farsley fans called out for Fulham

EVO-STIK League Farsley Celtic are urging their fans to cheer on the club's new deaf team against Fulham on Sunday.

Celtic officials are hoping to see a big crowd turning out at Throstle Nest to see Farsley Celtic Deaf FC kicking off in the England Deaf Football Challenge Cup, @FarsleyCelticFC tweeting on Saturday: "Get yourself down to Throstle Nest tomorrow as @FarsleyCeltDeaf take on Fulham Deaf FC #FCFC #oneclub"

The EVO-STIK League Premier Division club teamed up with Leeds Deaf Football Club last season to set up the new side after they moved into their home to play in the English Deaf Football League North having being disbanded in 2012 after being founded way back in 1871.

To keep up to date with LDFC's progress, follow them on Twitter @Leeds_Deaf_FC.

http://www.evostikleague.co.uk/farsley-fans-called-out-for-fulham-42849

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 1-0 Millwall: Player ratings
by Dan on November 26, 2017

David Button: Made a couple of good reaction saves but this was another nervy performance from the Fulham goalkeeper, especially with the ball at his feet, where his iffy distribution didn't exactly radiate confidence. Button's kicking started to invite pressure as the second half went on and, as Millwall threw on forwards to try and force their way back into the contest, he looked increasingly uncomfortable coming off his line. 6

Ryan Fredericks: As ever, the full-back flew down the right to give Fulham another option in the final third. His crossing was very hit and miss, however, and diligent opponents who do their homework, will know that the low cross to the near post remains his most likely delivery. Was sound defensively and remains one of the Whites' most consistent performers – even if this wasn't his best display. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: Switched to left back after Tim Ream failed his fitness assessment, Sessegnon didn't really get forward as much as he has done previously from full-back until the second half. The 17 year-old waged a running battle with Fred Onyedinma, which he eventually won when Neil Harris withdrew his right winger, and bombed on much more in the second period. 7

Tomas Kalas: Probably the Czech defender's most commanding display for a little while. He was composed and a frequent winner of the ball in the air against Tom Elliott, shrugging off a sly elbow to the head from the Millwall striker which went unpunished by the officials. He made critical clearing headers time and time again and seemed to relish the responsibility of winning the key aerial duels. 7

Denis Odoi: There were times this afternoon where it was obvious that the Belgian was a makeshift centre back. He battled hard but had little chance against either Elliott or Morison in the air – and switched off at vital times, such as when the former drifted between him and Kalas, gaining the half a yard necessary to be able to plant a free header against the post. One sliced clearance and a complete miskick were very nearly punished in the second half. 6

Oliver Norwood: Assured as ever at the base of the Fulham midfield, where he covered plenty of ground in the absence of Kevin McDonald. Dictated the pace of the game from a deeper position well, but still played a number of key forward passes that opened up a packed Lions defence. Tucked away the penalty with aplomb in first half stoppage time. 7

Stefan Johansen: Not the Norwegian's finest forty five minutes and you wonder whether he was fully recovered from both the illness and fitness issues that have disrupted his recent participation in the first team. He didn't win a single tackle and misplaced a number of passes before Aboubakar Kamara replaced him after the interval. 5

Tom Cairney: Encouraging to see the skipper get another full game under his belt so soon after his superhuman effort at Sheffield United on Tuesday. He drove right at the Millwall midfield and defence with real intent – as well as dropping back into deeper positions to collect the ball off the back four. Linked the play nicely with Norwood and Sessegnon and came to the fore later in the contest when, with the visitors penning Fulham back, he often sprinted deep into the Millwall half to give his back four a break. 7

Sheyi Ojo: The Liverpool loanee was a livewire from the first whistle and it would be harsh to unfavourably compare this display against his sensational return to the starting line-up at Sheffield United. He swapped wings effectively with Kebano and was confident enough to try long-range strikes from early on. Ojo was keen to get on the ball and effect proceedings but couldn't find the telling touch to beat Jordan Archer, which he should have done from close range when Sessegnon's flick laid on a glorious chance in the second half. 7

Neeskens Kebano: A frustrating afternoon for the Congolese winger, who got into a number of promising positions but failed to find make a telling contribution. Unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions early on, with ex-Fulham centre back Shaun Hutchinson making a couple of last-ditch interventions, but struggled to make an impact in the second half. Wasn't overly surprising to see him replaced as the game headed into a nervy final quarter. 6

Rui Fonte: You couldn't fault Fonte's effort against Millwall's imposing centre backs but he got very little service as he played on the shoulder of the Lions' last man. Came deeper to link the play effectively and crucially won the decisive penalty, when he was pulled down by Conor McLaughlin – even if Harris vehemently disagreed with Paul Tierney's decision. Struggled to impose himself in the second period when he was shifted to the number ten role after Kamara came on. 6

Substitutes

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Stefan Johansen, 45): Immediately posed a different problem for Hutchinson and Jake Cooper when he arrived after the interval. It's clear that he has much more confidence after making regular appearances in the Championship and stretched the game with his pace, which he used to hassle the Millwall back line and Jordan Archer. Despite his willing running and movement, Kamara struggled to gain a clear sight of goal, with a prodigious leap at the back post that saw him head Norwood's cross into the side netting from an acute angle. 7

Tayo Edun (on for Rui Fonte, 58): Another accomplished display from the England youth international, who slotted into the midfield and immediately made it more difficult for Millwall to play through the home side. He played a number of defence-splitting passes early on, including one lovely link-up with Sessegnon, which gave his academy colleague a glorious opportunity to cross. It became much more difficult as the Lions floated high ball after high ball into the Fulham box, but Edun will learn an awful lot from this assignment. 6

Marcelo Djalo (on for Neeskens Kebano, 78): Brought on to provide defensive solidity as Jokanovic went to match Millwall's strikers with three centre backs but the Spaniard's physical approach to defending conceded a number of dangerous free-kicks that Fulham could ill-afford. Made a couple of vital headed clearances as the hosts just about hung on. 6



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[WhiteJC]

Seven days, seven points
by Sarah Woolmer on November 26, 2017

I'm not sure how you would work it out, but the Championship has to be one of the toughest leagues in Europe. It is ultra competitive, as we saw yesterday with a direct Millwall side posing Fulham plenty of problems, and anybody stands a chance of beating anyone else (I give you Burton's victory over Slavisa Jokanovic's side in September). There's also the sheer weight and frequency of the fixtures that mean injuries and suspensions can prove very costly – and the stakes are so high that the pressure is intense.

Perhaps that's why after the reverse at Wolves a couple of weeks ago there were those amongst the Fulham fanbase who were giving serious consideration to the idea of ditching Slavisa Jokanovic. Dan wrote at the time that he felt that was madness – and I haven't spoken to a match-going fan who can come with a reason why the Serbian should be sacked – but, as the men who count the money never tire of telling us, football is a business now. And, to borrow a phrase from West Brom's statement when they ran a mile from the odious Tony Pulis, it's a 'results-based' one these days. If Jokanovic, who came so close to leading Fulham out at Wembley after that unbelievable end to last season, doesn't manage to inspire some sort of promotion push than a parting of the ways could come at the end of the season.

But this week has shown us that dismissing the man who has got Fulham playing the best football since Craven Cottage witnessed Jean Tigana's French revolution would be as big a mistake as, say, employing a stats fanatic with no experience in English football, as your assistant director of football. The Serbian certainly hasn't become a bad coach overnight and Fulham's prospects of reaching the Championship play-offs look an awful lot better after the Whites picked up seven points in a week where they hosted one of the promotion contenders, travelled to the league's early pacesetters and won a thriller and then beat Millwall for the first time at this level since before Margaret Thatcher took up residence in Downing Street.

Jokanovic also tells us whether he can satisfied or not after each Fulham performance. It always reminds me of the pained high school teacher during parents' evening trying to tell parents that their beloved boy or girl isn't the angel they envisaged. Fulham's head coach is such a stickler for the standards he set in his own playing career that he's rarely 'satisfied' – and the last two games provided good examples of this. After the almost coronary-inducing end to that goalfest in south Yorkshire, Jokanovic told the press that, whilst it might have been a great game to watch for the fans, he'd have preferred a much less stressful evening.

The fear was always that Fulham, who looked like they could score at will when going forward at Bramall Lane, would grant the coach his wish – or wise – by struggling to break down a stubborn Millwall side. You could tell by the way some in the Hammersmith End began booing as Fulham nearly played themselves into trouble at the back that some fans felt Neil Harris's men should be swept aside in an instant. That's the danger of the sublime football we saw last season – those sort of standards are incredibly hard to maintain, especially when your opponents have had a whole pre-season to mug up on the things you do well.

People should also recognise that Fulham were markedly weaker yesterday than when they took the field in south Yorkshire. Tim Ream – undoubtedly Fulham's most improved player during Jokanovic's time at the club – was missing after succumbing to a knock picked up against the Blades. Denis Odoi, who had been an excellent left back against Derby and Sheffield United, reprised his central half role from Reading and Leeds. Kevin McDonald, arguably the most pivotal performer during last season's surge to the play-offs, was missing from the base of the midfield and Stefan Johansen, promoted from the bench to the starting line-up, lasted only 45 minutes. Floyd Ayite's hamstring injury is likely to get him out until much closer to Christmas at the very least.

In the circumstances, Fulham coped well with an aerial bombardment from a Millwall side who were desperate to end their six-game winless streak. On another day, the Whites could easily have been punished for allowing Tom Elliott two free headers inside the penalty area – one thudded against the far post – and affording the silky George Saville the freedom of Hammersmith and Fulham at times in the second half. There were plenty of hairy moments, not least when Aboubakar Kamara made a clumsy challenge inside the penalty area during stoppage time, but Fulham ground out an important home win for only the second time this season.

They perhaps should have made their possession count earlier in proceedings. Sheyi Ojo, cruelly mocked for that 'go faster' hairdo by the excellent travelling supporters, wasn't quite as clinical as in Sheffield but he has certainly shown why Fulham were so pleased to conclude that loan deal with Liverpool. A moment of magic, when he decided to try and chip Jordan Archer from outside the box seemingly because nothing else was on, almost put the Whites ahead and his movement and willing running injected energy into the hosts' play. Having Tom Cairney pulling the strings makes such a difference – twice two sumptuous through balls might have released Ojo and Neeksens Kebano, but Archer and Shaun Hutchinson just about snuffed out the danger.

Harris was convinced there was an element of fortune about the award of the penalty, but Conor McLaughlin clearly pulled back Rui Fonte, who had struggled to get much change out of the Millwall defence until that point. Given the baffling penalties that Fulham have seen awarded against them – the phantom penalty at Burton still sticks in my mind – you could understand Jokanovic's bullishness on that point after the final whistle. He won't have been happy at how Fulham ceded the initative in the second half, even if both Kamara and Tayo Edun showed both an appetite for the fight and an aptitude at this level that might lead to more first-team outings over the festive period.

Fulham's lowly league position has been caused by a failure to bank points in August and September unlike the early pace setters. They've struggled to break down resolute defences at Craven Cottage and, as a result, only just climbed back into the top half of the table. Few would have expected seven points from a home game against Derby, who demolished Middlesbrough yesterday to move into six, a midweek trip to Sheffield United and a south London derby. The manner of this scrappy and yet gutsy three points was almost more important. It showed Fulham have the stomach for a fight.



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