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Monday Fulham Stuff (12/02/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, February 12, 2018, 07:31:27 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Results





Sunday
Aston Villa
2 - 0 Birmingham City

WhiteJC

 
Le Fondre Hopes Goal Will Be Rewarded With Starts

After scoring his first goal since the opening day of the season, Adam Le Fondre hopes his strike against Fulham will earn him a starting role at Bolton.

Le Fondre has had to watch on frustratingly this season, with Wanderers boss Phil Parkinson utilising the aerial ability of Gary Madine in attack prior to his January move to Cardiff City.

But after coming off the bench to net against the Cottagers, Le Fondre hopes to move to the front of the queue and help fire the Trotters to safety in the final 16 games of the campaign.

"I don't score goals like that very often but it's just nice to score," Le Fondre told BWFC's official YouTube channel.

"It's one of the best I've scored. A left-foot volley - you can't do much more.

"I've scored a few against Fulham and have quite a good record, so it was nice to continue that.

"Gary Madine is going to be a big miss to any teams, especially with the way we play, but I guess it's up to me, Tyler Walker, Sammy Ameobi and Zach Clough to take on the burden of attack and hopefully with my goal I've staked a claim to start and push on now.

"The fans were brilliant with me, especially at the end of the game. It was the sort of stuff where hairs on my neck are standing up because they're singing my song and I can't repay them enough."



https://www.burndenaces.co.uk/2018/02/11/le-fondre-hopes-goal-will-be-rewarded-with-starts.html

WhiteJC


Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Fulham: Player ratings
by Dan on February 11, 2018

Marks out of ten as Fulham had to settle for a point at the Macron Stadium yesterday afternoon ...

Marcus Bettinelli: The big debate on the way home last night was whether Bettinelli should have done better with Adam Le Fondre's extraordinary equaliser. My own view is that to blame him for conceding that strike is exceptionally harsh – the pace and power of the hit would have made it difficult for any goalkeeper. In any case, Bettinelli made a vital save from Le Fondre's deflected effort shortly afterwards – parrying it away full stretch – and that had already denied Zac Clough twice in the first half to keep Fulham in front. 7

Ryan Fredericks: A mixed afternoon for Fulham's right back. Looked a real threat going forward in the first half but couldn't find the crossing consistency to allow the Whites to make too much of the way he was beating the Bolton defence with ease. Faded a little in the second period as the home side pinned Fulham back for a bit after levelling the contest – and was once again unable to supply a game-changing cross as the Whites pushed for a winner late on. 6

Matt Targett: Probably Fulham's man of the match. Even though he is an adventurous full back in the mould that Slavisa Jokanovic likes, it was still a surprise to see him the first to react to Lucas Piazon's header back across goal after five minutes. Buried the header beautifully to put the visitors ahead and continued to link up effectively with Ryan Sessegnon throughout. Wasn't significantly troubled defensively and showed great spirit to come back from being cynically taken out on the touchline by Mark Little. 8

Tomas Kalas: This was a solid outing from the Czech centre half, but you sense that he's just not as commanding in his second season at Craven Cottage as he was last year. Looked composed on the ball and dealt with most of Bolton's attacks on the floor, but seemed suspect under the high ball when Wanderers went a bit more direct. Recovered well from a head injury in the second half – but will ultimately be disappointed not to keep a clean sheet. 6

Tim Ream: The American might have expected a warmer welcome back at his old stomping ground than to elbowed in the face and to be booed for his apparent timewasting by then same home fans who all applauded him after the final whistle. Did well to nullify the threat of Clough and Ameobi for most of the contest and distributed the ball well, but looked more than a little vulnerable when the home side pumped long balls forward. 7

Kevin McDonald: Not the stand-in skipper's most effective game yesterday. He worked the ball around well as ever and provided plenty of energy and organisation, but sometimes found himself ahead of the play – failing to mop up from his usual holding role. A glorious chance arrived at Clough's feet because of this in the first half. Could be seen exhorting the Fulham side to go again after the Bolton equaliser – which they did, but the Whites couldn't grab a second. 6

Stefan Johansen: The Norwegian covered plenty of ground once again in the midfield, but struggled a little to get into the contest in the first half. Was far more effective in the second period and seemed to have more of a license to roam once Tom Cairney replaced Oliver Norwood late in the second half. Will be wondering how he failed to score at the death from the brilliant chance that he fashioned for himself with a slalom run right across the penalty area that would have put Ricky Villa to shame had he slotted home the winner. Should have gone across the keeper, but rippled the side netting inside. 6

Ollie Norwood: A rather disappointing display from the Northern Irish midfielder, who struggled to find the precision in his passing or to lift the tempo beyond the pedestrian, which seemed a waste after Fulham's red-hot start. Several balls went astray and some his supply lacked the incision necessary in the final third, before Norwood seemed to be overwhelmed a little as Bolton grew in confidence after their goal. Was replaced by Tom Cairney as Fulham sought more creativity with time ticking away. 5

Lucas Piazon: A frustrating afternoon for the Brazilian forward, who failed to build on his game-changing display against Nottingham Forest last time out. Piazon started superbly – showing great awarness to guide Ryan Sessegnon's cross back across goal for Targett's opener – but gradually drifted out of the contest. Seemed to be a little too lightweight on a day when Bolton snapped into tackles and his usual tricks and flicks never seemed to come off. Wasn't a surprise when Jokanovic opted to hook him early in the second half. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: You wonder whether the exertions of so much senior football might just be catching up with the 17 year-old again. Even though he looked tired by the end, Sessegnon's intelligent movement and ceaseless running still looked posed real problems for the home defence – despite the fact that Fulham couldn't find a way to take home all three points. Crossed brilliantly for Piazon to create the opening goal and went on a couple of mazy dribbles after that. Had a shot bravely blocked by Mark Beevers and looked like he was in right at the end, only for a heavy touch to let him down. 6

Rui Fonte: Unfortunately, the Portuguese forward's day was summed up by the glaring miss that might have put Fulham on easy street a few minutes after Targett had headed the Whites ahead. He did very well to rid David Wheater of possession and run through on goal but should have left Ben Alnwick with no chance. Made a number of intelligent runs, but was too often easily muscled out of it but Bolton's tough centre halves. There was an inevitability about his afternoon coming to an early end – with Jokanovic introducing Mitrovic just after the break. 5

Substitutes:

Aleksandar Mitrovic (on for Rui Fonte, 51): The Serbian almost had an immediate impact, by supplying a golden opportunity for his fellow substitute Kamara with his first touches of the ball. Might have done better than send a shot on the turn trickling wide with five minutes left, but was disappointingly ineffective for the rest of his time on the pitch. Still looks short of a gallop – and can only benefit from more minutes under his belt. 6

Aboubakar Kamara (on for Lucas Piazon, 51): Livened up the Fulham attack in his own inimitable style, even if he didn't track back as much as Jokanovic would have wanted. Missed an absolute sitter with his first touch when stabbing Mitrovic's great pull back wide from six yards out – but you couldn't fault his effort. The Frenchman's pace and power caused some issues for the Bolton back line but Fulham couldn't supply him regularly enough to take advantage. 7

Tom Cairney (on for Ollie Norwood, 74): Encouraging to see the skipper back on the park again after only a couple of days training this week. Immediately gave Fulham that greater creativity and penetration in the final third after replacing Norwood and got the Whites going forward again after they had looked shaky in the aftermath of Bolton's equaliser. Looked certain to score when he slid in seven yards out in the dying embers only for Wheater to divert the ball behind for a corner. 6



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/bolton-wanderers-1-1-fulham-player-ratings/


WhiteJC

 
Fulham face a season defining period but the squad remain grounded

The points haul from the next set of games will determine whether they are actually serious promotion candidates

I wrote before Fulham embarked on the past four games that a double figure points tally is what they had to be aiming for if they were looking for Play-offs.

360 minutes of football later, they find themselves making the journey home from a grey and miserable Macron stadium with ten points in the bag, winning three and drawing one of those games.

That's now nine unbeaten in the league – form that has seen them into fifth in the table as they prepare for a fixture list that has thrown up Aston Villa, Bristol City, Wolves, Derby, Sheffield United and Preston one after the other.

If getting double figures from those past four games were the minimum required to see them into the Play-offs, the points haul from the next set of games will determine whether they are actually serious promotion candidates.


(Image: Paul Burgman)

While it's clear to everyone just how big those next six games are, Fulham haven't got themselves into the position they find themselves in by looking at the long term picture.

We in the media, and you, as fans, are always looking ahead, at how the fixtures fall and what it could mean for the side, but Slavisa Jokanovic's side are taking a simpler approach – and it's working.

I spoke to Tim Ream after his return to Bolton and asked him if they next few games were season defining – a buzzword we all love to use, but his response was calculated and measured.

"We'll take it one game at a time, you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself and look too much at the table," was part of the reply he gave me, and if that's how the side have embarked on this run of form then who am I to disagree?


(Image: Paul Burgman)

Taking it game by game has it's advantages – the sole focus is on what they need to do to win that game and they don't get bogged down thinking about the long term consequences

The old saying 'take care of the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves' springs to mind in the way Fulham have approached this second half of the season – they're taking care of the wins and the position in the league table is looking after itself.

But no matter how you look at it, you can't help but look at the magnitude of the fixtures facing the team in the next month and a half.

Again, if the side manage to take double figures from those games, ten out of 18, they will almost certainly be in the Play-offs come May.

And that has to be the aim – anything less than double figures will see teams make up ground on them and it could look a bit bleaker come St Patrick's Day and the 12.30pm game with QPR.

But after nine games unbeaten, you would back Fuham to get points off those around them.

Villa, Wolves and Sheffield United all come to the Cottage, and you would back Fulham to do well at home, while Bristol and Derby will have to attack Jokanovic's men in front of their own side, and we know what the Cottagers can do when they counter attack.

Whether you're looking at this period game by game or at a chunk – there's no hiding from the fact Fulham face a season defining month.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-face-season-defining-period-14274329

WhiteJC


Bolton Wanderers 1 Fulham 1: Match Report
Desire bridges the quality gap to earn a point for Wanderers

Phil Parkinson's tactical naivety somehow managed not to cost Bolton too dearly as the Whites got themselves a point through a wonder strike from Adam Le Fondre but it was our desire that got us a result. Parky's decision to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 against Bristol City was a masterstroke but it was clear from the outset that it was the wrong call against a Fulham side with overlapping full-backs. Matt Target, the Cottagers goal scorer, and Ryan Fredericks were too often left alone and tore us to bits in the opening 20 minutes and we were very fortunate this didn't prove too costly. The system worked against us, but the boys are fighters and once again gave everything for the cause, their passion earning us a very valuable point.

Wanderers' line up had only one change from the win last Friday with Zach Clough replacing Tyler Walker up front alongside Sammy Ameobi. Fulham's team sheet made for scary viewing as not only did their starting line up look strong, but their bench boasted the likes of Tom Cairney and Aleksandr Mitrovic. One can only dream of being able to call upon such talent. It was Fulham's quality that shone early on as they were granted the freedom of the Macron. Stefan Johansen ran the midfield, Ryan Sessegnon looked dangerous and Fredericks bullied Antonee Robinson. Their dominance was rewarded after only 4 minutes. Sessegnon got free down the left and crossed for Lucas Piazon. The Brazilian dominated Robinson to set up Targett for an easy header to score. It was painfully simple and looked for all the world that it would start off a rout such was Wanderers' ineptitude.

Fulham continued to press with Piazon easily getting past David Wheater for a one-on-one, only to shoot straight an Alnwick. The mistake they made, in my opinion, was that their players stayed down for a minute each time they were challenged. It was allowed by the clueless referee and served to anger the home support, but I think it also infuriated the players. Wanderers, of late, have shown real determination and since the Wolves mauling have kept themselves in every game they have played. They weren't about to let Fulham dictate the pattern of the game and I'm certain there was an element of anger in the way they responded after 20 minutes. First to show this was Clough, to his credit, as he thundered into tackles and forced a good save out of Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal from range. Ameobi started to grow into the game and proved a real challenge for former Wanderer, Tim Ream, when running in behind for balls over the top.

It was one of these that brought the best chance of the half as Ameobi raced onto a clearance from Alnwick and fed Clough for a one-on-one. In days gone by you would have expected the net to ripple but the returning forward didn't look confident and hit it straight down Bettinelli's throat, wasting what looked a key opportunity. The Whites continued to work their way back into the game. The crowd got behind them, mixing their frustration with the referee, who also missed a push on Clough when he was diving to head in a Josh Vela cross, together with Fulham's time wasting, to turn the Macron into a cauldron of noise. At half-time the game was finely poised and the fans applauded the home team, appreciating their effort, while roundly booing the officials.

The second half began slowly and turned on some early substitutions from both managers. Fulham's advantage in using their full-backs hadn't born fruit for some time in the game so Slavisa Jokanovic changed things up, bringing on Mitrovic and his lethal weapon, AK47 (Aboubakar Kamara). Almost instantly the change could have sealed the game for Fulham with Mitrovic setting up the onrushing Targett to cross from the left to an unmarked Kamara who somehow missed the ball. It was a golden chance but AK47 was misfiring somewhat. In response to the change Parky brought off Mark Little and Clough. Little, one of the standout performers of the season, had had a poor game by his standards and was replaced by Filipe Morais. Clough meanwhile was replaced by Le Fondre to add industry up front alongside the tireless Ameobi. He is often criticised for his negativity with regards to substitutions, but this was a very positive move from Parky, for which he deserves credit, and he was instantly rewarded in the most extraordinary way.

Adam Le Fondre deserves more chances in our team, all the fans think so. He is a natural finisher, he works hard and he loves the club. Therefore, when he latched onto a Robinson flicked header from a goal kick every Bolton supporter was hoping for something to finally go his way. My word it did. Alfie watched the ball go over his shoulder and lashed the ball with his weaker left foot over the top of Bettinelli into the top corner, scoring possibly the best goal I have ever seen live at the Macron. If anyone deserved to score a goal like that it was him and the celebrations were not only because of the quality and importance of the strike but because of who it was. Well done, ALF, you have earned that.

The goal lifted the whole stadium and for the next 15 minutes it was Bolton laying siege to Fulham's goal. Ameobi, Vela and Le Fondre were linking up very nicely and after a spell of pressure, Karl Henry fired just over from a corner. Vela himself almost scored an identical goal to Le Fondre with an effort going just over from 25 yards out. Ameobi too was trying to get in on the act, despite looking obviously exhausted, jinking past two players before dragging a shot just wide. However, the introduction of the scorer of the Cottagers late equaliser in October, Tom Cairney, changed the game again. Fulham spent the last 15 minutes in the ascendancy with only a brilliant last-ditch challenge from Wheater denying Kamara after a great run into the box. It was a nervy spell, but the game-winning chance was still yet to come.

Johansen is a brilliant player and had been outstanding all game but when he picked up the ball on the left flank even he must have been surprised by the Maradona-esque run that followed. He ran from one side to the other, beating at least 3 Bolton players before finding himself one-on-one with Alnwick. Had he shot across the 'keeper I am sure he would have scored, but he didn't. The Norwegian shot low and hard to the near post, hitting it, and there was an audible, collective sigh around the ground. There were more nervy moments, Dorian Dervite denying Sessegnon at the death with a vital tackle, but Wanderers held on for a more than a merited share of the spoils.

As I have said, the tactics were wrong today and we were fortunate that we weren't punished further. Fulham often had the freedom of the pitch as their full-backs helped their wingers to double up on our defence, something that was so blatant it was amazing that Parky didn't change the formation. What got us something from the game, alongside a spectacular strike, was our desire. These players care so much it's like they are fans and its great to finally see a side like this. We may not have any stars, we certainly have no money, but we do know that every time our boys step onto the pitch they will give everything. It's nice to be proud of my team once again. COYWM



https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/2018/2/11/17000832/bolton-wanderers-1-fulham-1-match-report

WhiteJC

 
West Ham close to signing 25-yr-old speed machine – Insider



West Ham United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer, according to a club insider.

ExWHUemployee, who regularly breaks Hammers transfer and news stories on Twitter including the Patrice Evra deal last week, explained in an exchange on the social media site on Sunday morning that Fredericks, 25, was at the top of the club's shopping list.

ExWHUemployee said in reply to a question from a fellow West Ham fan about the Fulham speed machine that the east Londoners are "quite close" to sealing the signing of him as they look to provide senior competition for current right-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Sam Byram.

Fredericks joined Fulham in the summer of 2015 from Bristol City just 25 days after he had been released by Tottenham, where he played just four senior matches after graduating from their youth team ranks.

He has been a key member of the promotion chasing Championship side in the last few seasons, accumulating 96 appearances in all competitions.

Fredericks has started 29 league matches for the Cottagers this season and supplied an impressive seven assists.

He can be signed for free in the summer because his contract at Fulham is due to expire.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/west-ham-close-signing-fredericks-insider/


WhiteJC


Fulham fans will raise awareness of men's mental health – by walking to Birmingham
by alandrewett on February 11, 2018

Over the past two seasons, Fulham fanatic Lee Adams has been cycling and walking up and down the country to raise money for the award-winning charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which is close to his heart. For readers who are unaware, CALM is an award-winning charity dedicated to prevent male suicide – which remains the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45.

The latest statistics are shocking when you see them in black and white. In 2014, 4.623 men took their own lives. Twelve men a day commit suicide – which is an average of one man, every two hours. CALM runs a hotline allowing people to seek help when they are feeling vulnerable or down at the statistically toughest times of the day. £7 can help connect a call to the CALM hotline and, as a charity, the organisation requires all the support they can get. Football is one of the interests that most men share and Lee, who has been brave about his own battles, has resolved to use the beautiful game to help get men talking.

Lee has participated in television, telephone and newspaper interviews in his quest to raise as much awareness for the charity, as well as much needed funds in the process. Almost two years to the day since his first epic journey, he will be undertaking on his biggest challenge yet – a-113 mile walk from Craven Cottage to St Andrews spread over three days ahead of Fulham's final fixture of the season at Birmingham City. Just as he was during the walk to Reading before the Whites' first game of the season, Lee will be joined by a number of fellow Fulham fans in a bid to raise as much as possible for a fantastic cause.

Lee was kind enough to speak to hammyend.com and share some insights into why he is preparing to take on another extraordinary challenge.

How did the idea of a walk from Fulham2Birmingham come about?

After walking to Reading I wanted to do another challenge to help raise more awareness of both the issue of men's mental health – which some people who suffer find difficult to talk about – and the fantastic work that CALM does to help people who are struggling. I thought it should be something to push us a little bit more and Birmingham was just that.

How many people are participating in the walk?

At the moment we have ten walkers and I do expect a few more to sign up before the day itself. It's a unique challenge and one that will definitely push us.

How can people donate to such a great cause?

All donations are gratefully we received. I have been so overwhelmed by the generous support from the Fulham fanbase since I started fundraising for CALM. We have set up a Just Giving page – and people can donate by clicking here.

In the future, do you have any other ventures planned to raise money for CALM?

I definitely have a few more ideas but in the pipeline, but you will get you all know after the Birmingham walk. For now, all I'm going to say is #BringOnTheBattle!

Reading fans are doing a walk from #Reading2Fulham in aid of CALM, which is the reverse of your walk to the Madjeski Stadium earlier this season. What are your thoughts on this?

After our Reading walk, I was invited on BBC Radio Five Live's 606 show and challenged them to do the return game. A Reading supporter from Ireland called Jonny got in touch with me and said he wanted to do the walk, so Jonny, a few Reading fans and I will be walking to Craven Cottage. I think it's wonderful as more men will hopefully seek help.

Do you have anything you'd like to add?

Thank you to everyone that has volunteered their time, we are becoming a close group. Also thank you for you're time too. Come on you Whites and bring on the walk!

Everyone at Hammyend.com would like to thank Lee both for his time and his remarkable efforts in support of CALM, which is a magnificent charity. We would urge all Fulham fans to support Lee and his fellow walkers in raising money for this important cause. If you are able to make a financial donation, please click here to do so. You can also spread the message on social media, by following Lee or the new FulhamCALM account on Twitter or tweeting using the #Fulham2BirminghamWalk.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/fulham-fans-will-raise-awareness-of-mens-mental-health-by-walking-to-birmingham/

WhiteJC


Did Fulham surrender the initiative at Bolton yesterday?
by Dan on February 11, 2018

Reading the Fulham forums and social media on my way back from the Macron Stadium yesterday, I was surprised not to be as downcast as many of the contributors. Given the fact that Bolton's home form is very impressive and that Phil Parkinson has instigated a mini-revival as they battle doggedly against the drop, I always expected a tough test of the Whites' incredible start to 2018 – and that is exactly what Slavisa Jokanovic got.

Fulham might have been on a flawess run of the form but it is unrealistic to expect the Whites to be able to steamroller every opponent between now and the end of the season. This result might also prove a useful reality check for the players ahead of the toughest stretch of the fixtures in the whole campaign. Only the most fervent Fulham fan would struggle to concede that Jokanovic's side were a bit fortunate to beat the likes of Birmingham and Millwall before Christmas and recent games have turned on where Ryan Fredericks' shot against Barnsley rebounded to and Costil Pantilmon's catastrophic error in trying to handle Lucas Piazon's powerful drive. Yesterday, our luck just ran out.

I may be in a minority but I found some of the criticism of Marcus Bettinelli's goalkeeping more than a little absurd. All of the credit for Bolton's equaliser has to go to Adam Le Fondre, who was desperate to prove Parkinson wrong for leaving him out of the starting line-up and ran about like a man possessed for the last half an hour. He produced a great incredible finish from with the angle against him that was just too good for Bettinelli. Being the perfectionist that he is, the Fulham keeper will learn from this and look to improve but any analysis of his performance should also include the two terrific saves he made from Zac Clough in the first half – and how he kept out a deflected Le Fondre effort that might have made it 2-1.

For me, the bigger culprit could have been Jokanovic himself. At times, Fulham's football – especially in the opening twenty minutes yesterday – was sublime and they looked like they could cut through Bolton at will. His decision to replace Lucas Piazon and Rui Fonte after just five minutes of the second half struck me as odd. Presumably, he'd just given a team talk urging his side to continue to play in the same way during the second half and perhaps increase the intensity of their attacking in the final third. It goes against that somewhat to make a double substitution so swiftly.

Had Kamara managed to tuck away that golden chance with his very first touch – having been supplied by Mitrovic – we'd all be hailing the Serbian as a tactical genius. As it was, his intervention badly disrupted Fulham's rhythm and handed Bolton a chance to get back into the contest. Replacing Fonte, who was struggling to make much of an impression on Bolton's centre halves the longer the game went on, with one of Mitrovic or Kamara would have made sense. But making those two alterations altered the balance of Fulham's side and lost the stronghold the visitors had over central midfield, particularly with Ollie Norwood looking below par.

Once Kamara had spurned that opportunity within seconds of coming on, Bolton had their best spell of the game. Don't get me wrong – Fulham still created enough chances to win three matches, but the superiority of the first half was certainly a thing of the past. In a division as tight as this and, with the manager talking about the need to ruthless, it felt like we let a struggling side off the hook a little.

Fulham also seemed a little reluctant to go for the kill in the first half as well. It seemed strange that just when the Whites had Bolton begging for mercy, they eased off and tried to be professional, both in more conservative passing and the longer it took the visitors to restart the game. Fonte could have killed off the contest when he went through on goal – and the Portuguese forward is probably still thinking about how he didn't beat Ben Alnwick with that one-on-one. I just hope the memory of Stefan Johansen finding only the side netting after that jinking run across the Wanderers' penalty area doesn't rattle around my brain for as long as Chris Martin's miss at Reading did last May.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/did-fulham-surrender-the-initiative-at-bolton-yesterday/

WhiteJC


On the Rise
by Lydia on February 11, 2018

Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Bolton was nothing but frustrating. With the form that we have been on we would have went to the Macron Stadium with 3 points as the target but Adam Le Fondre's wonder goal in the second half meant that that the points were shared. I have vivid memories of a 2-2 draw there a couple of seasons back when Ross McCormack scored a wonderful free kick to ensure a draw that day as well, but we have come very far since then. With the next six games all against promotion rivals, it would have been nice to have continued our winning run, but it's done, and we have to start focusing on the next one against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.
I thought that it would be a good time to look at our progress in comparison to last season in terms of results against the same teams and not just the same stage. As I've said before in these articles, six of the teams that we face this season will be different to last year because of relegations and promotions from other leagues so below is the system that I have used to deal with those situations-

Premier League to Championship
• First placed Newcastle compared with Hull who finished 18th in the PL.
• Second placed Brighton compared with Middlesbrough who finished 19th in the PL
• Play-off winners Huddersfield compared with Sunderland who finished 20th in the PL

League One to Championship-
• First placed Sheffield United compared to Blackburn who finished 22nd in Championship
• Second placed Bolton Wanderers compared to Wigan who finished 23rd in the Championship
• Play-off winners Millwall compared to Rotherham United who finished 24th in the Championship.

Last time I did this we were 6 points off where we had been in the previous season but after our run of positive results, we have closed the gap.


Yes, we are still 2 points off where we were last year but that equates to just one more defeat compared to a draw last season. The most impressive win recently for me was the one at Middlesbrough where we managed to snatch a victory from the jaws of a drab draw away from home at a ground where we haven't had a lot of joy in the past few seasons. We also picked up 3 points at home in that impressive 6-0 victory over Burton Albion in comparison to last season's 1-1 draw. It will be points like those that will decide our fate this year. The next 6 games are probably the hardest that we could face, starting with Aston Villa, who are currently the in-form team with 7 victories in a row and now sit in the 2nd automatic promotion spot. It will be tough, but we can beat anyone on our day.

It's always a help when teams around us drop points, but at the end of the day, our destiny is in our own hands and we just have to keep picking up the points.

#COYW



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/02/on-the-rise/


WhiteJC

 
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson on ref's performance against Fulham

PHIL Parkinson reckons Fulham's 'time-wasting' did Wanderers a favour at the Macron.

Attempts to slow the game by Slavisa Jokanovic's side served to infuriate the home crowd and, in the opinion of the Bolton boss, pump up the atmosphere.

Referee Robert Jones incurred the wrath of the fans at the half time break, with Parkinson revealing after the game he had predicted Fulham's gameplan.

"They wanted a slow game, we wanted a quick one," he said. "That's what they were trying to do away from home.

"I did say to the ref before the game that I'd watched a lot of Fulham and I knew what they would do. I warned him not to get drawn into it. But I think he did in the first half. There were a few instances he could have dealt with differently, in my opinion.

"He booked Karl Henry then (Kevin) McDonald did an identical thing on the near touchline and didn't book him, then committed another foul and still didn't book him. I thought he didn't do us any favours – he certainly wasn't a homer. That said. I felt that the ref probably did us a favour."

Parkinson was pleased with the noise generated by the 14,386 inside the stadium, admitting it has helped the Whites secure an important point.

"The atmosphere was great," he said. "The Bristol City one was right up there in the top five since I have been here, and we'd had some terrific ones in the promotion season but again the fans were right behind the team.

"They are understanding we've got to change the shape and the dynamics of the team and we're getting better at it.

"We've got our game in hand now on Tuesday, can we claw some more ground back and put Reading beneath us? That has got to be the aim."



http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/15987025.Ref_did_us_a_favour_not_punishing_Fulham_s_slow_play__says_Parkinson/

WhiteJC


Hunty's Column: Reading To Fulham Walk
Our columnist talks about why he'll be walking from the MadStad to Craven Cottage in April.

So, transfer deadline day passed without losing Liam Moore, and we gained two quality signings in Chris Martin and Tommy Elphick. This could be Paradise? Nope! Tommy gets injured and we go back to our poor selves against Millwall at home.

We then saw a repeat of that against Boro, and we're now in deep Swindon. Let's hope we can get ourselves out of this mess, with or without Stam. It's enough to test your sanity!

Did you see in the news last week about the Scottish footballer David Cox?

He was abused on the pitch by opposition players because he opened up about his battle with depression. Sadly, it didn't grab the headlines In the same way as Sanchez signing for Man Utd for stupid money.

If it was in another workplace, it would be classed as bullying and dealt with by the appropriate channels. Bullying is wrong, the stigma around mental illness is wrong. But do you know what we can do? We can fight back and make a difference.

That's what myself, some other Royals and Fulham fans are doing. Standing together as one, to break down the stigma around mental illness and suicide prevention.

Yep as you might have seen, we are walking from the Mad Stad to Craven Cottage on 9th/10th April. This is before the game there that Tuesday night. This isn't some cheap publicity thrill for any of us, this is about trying to make a difference.

Why?
In previous columns I've have talked about mental health, with a number of ex-players and their own battles. One in four people will be affected by a mental health issue this year. I'm sure many of you may have been affected personally by it, one way or another.

Mental illness doesn't care what job you have, or what car you drive. Sadly it is never going to go away.

However by talking about it, in the same way as you would have a broken limb, we can make a difference.

Do you know what? It's alright to ask someone if they are ok!

So look folks, this walk is in aid of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). They focus on prevention of male suicide in people under 45 years of age. The reason? Well I'm male, and I've made it to 46 .

Seriously though, there are so many good organisations out there doing good work. Please go check them out.

So why now?
Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington was a truly talented guy, with a young family and also a daughter named Lily. He fought his own demons, before taking his own life last summer.

There's a video of him doing a TV carpool karaoke five days before his death. He looked so genuinely happy then.

It makes no sense, mental illness makes no sense at times. However at least if we try and talk about it, we might help one person.

One of Chester' s last songs One More Light says it so better than I ever could, so just take a listen.

If a group of us walking ourselves into the ground helps make a difference then it's so worth it. If you could join us for the walk, come and support us or even donate I would be very grateful.

Please keep spreading the word it would be lovely to meet you.

Follow its progress on Twitter @Huntyroyal #ReadingToFulhamWalk

And here's my JustGiving page:




https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/12/17000846/hunty-column-reading-fulham-walk-royals-cottagers-madejski-stadium-craven-cottage