Sunday Fulham Stuff (11/03/18)...

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Results

Saturday
Burton	0 - 0	Bristol City
Cardiff	3 - 2	Birmingham City
Hull	4 - 3	Norwich
Ipswich	0 - 0	Sheff Utd
Middlesborough	3 - 1	Barnsley
Millwall	1 - 0	Brentford
Preston NE	1 - 2	Fulham
QPR	1 - 0	Sunderland
Reading	2 - 2	Leeds
Sheff Wed	1 - 1	Bolton
Aston Villa	4 - 1	Wolves

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Preston North End 1-2 Fulham

On-loan striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored seven goals in his past five games for Fulham

Fulham boosted their promotion bid with a dramatic stoppage-time win at Preston that extended their unbeaten run to 15 league games.

Aleksandar Mitrovic won it in the 91st minute, heading in Tom Cairney's cross.

The Newcastle loanee had opened the scoring with 21 minutes to play after latching on to Cyrus Christie's ball.

Sean Maguire's header appeared to have secured the play-off chasing hosts a point, before Mitrovic's seventh goal in five games snatched the victory.

The Cottagers moved up to third after the win, prior to fourth-placed Aston Villa taking on leaders Wolves in Saturday's late Championship game.

Mitrovic's match-winning brace highlighted his fine form for the visitors since arriving on loan in January, as Fulham picked up their 10th win in their past 12 league games.

Preston, who had won their previous two matches ahead of facing Fulham, slipped to four points below the play-off places after Middlesbrough's win against Barnsley.

It was just a third defeat in 21 games for the hosts, who came within moments of sealing a well-earned point before Mitrovic's late heroics.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43266968

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović is 'extra satisfied' with his side's display after a hard fought 1-2 victory over Preston North End at Deepdale.

Aleksandar Mitrović's dramatic late header ensured the Whites stretched their unbeaten run to fifteen games.

"It's a massive win for us in one of the more tougher away games that we've played," said Fulham's Head Coach.

"We knew what we would find here and they put us under a lot of pressure. It's not easy playing against Preston. They put us under stress, played many balls behind our defenders and are a strong side. In the end, was the best way for us to win the game in this situation, so we must be extra satisfied.

"We didn't find our way in the first half, but we grew up in the second half - showed spirit and pushed hard. After they equalised, we still felt we were strong enough to win the game. It's credit to the players' ambition, desire and quality." 

Attention now turns to the West London derby and Jokanović believes his side needs to show a similar attitude to come out victorious.

"We must rest. Ahead of us is another London derby and we must be ready to find our best performance" explained Jokanović.

"We know it's an important game for our supporters and we must be ready to fight for another three points."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/10/heach-coach-reaction-preston

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Mitrovic grabs injury-time winner for Fulham

Preston 1 Fulham 2

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck an injury-time winner at Deepdale as Fulham kept up the pressure on second-placed Cardiff.

The January signing from Newcastle put the Whites ahead midway through the second half, converting Cyrus Christie's cross.

Sean Maguire levelled for play-off chasing Preston when his header seemed to squirm through the grasp of diving Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli at his near post.

But Mitrovic nodded in Tom Cairney's lobbed delivery to leave the visitors still just five points behind Cardiff, although having played a game more.

Bettinelli had made two good saves to ensure Fulham went in at half-time goalless, turning Darnell Fisher's shot around the post and denying Maguire in a one-on-one.

The half-chances the Whites had in the first half became more clear-cut in the second, with Floyd Ayite producing an excellent save from Preston keeper Declan Rudd.

On 66 minutes, Christie replaced Fredericks and his impact was almost instantaneous. He skipped away on the right flank and drilled in a cross which Mitrovic fired in from six yards.

Bettinelli won't look back fondly on the Preston equaliser – nor will the defence, which left Maguire unmarked – but Mitrovic got his colleagues off the hook.

Cairney picked up a throw-in on the left, drifted into the box and hung the ball up for the Serbian striker, who headed it down and beyond Rudd.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks (Christie 66), Odoi, Ream, Targett; Cairney, McDonald, Johansen; Ayite (Piazon 59), Mitrovic, Sessegnon (Ojo 83).
Subs not used: Button, Norwood, Kamara, Fonte.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-snatch-injury-time-win-preston

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Preston 1-2 Fulham PLAYER RATINGS as Aleksandar Mitrovic nets again

His seventh goal in five games made sure Fulham took away three points from a battle at Deepdale

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his sixth and seventh goals in five games as Fulham beat Preston North End in a battle at at Deepdale.

Mitrovic went closest after Fulham struggled in the opening 20 minutes with Preston's intensity, but the Serbian's effort was cleared off the line by Ben Pearson.

The away side ended the first half strongly and had a few chances with Ryan Sessegnon coming to within inches of connecting to a Ryan Fredericks cross, while Mitrovic had another effort saved.

And it was that man who got the goal again after Cyrus Christie was introduced - he got his second assist in as many games for the Whites as Mitrovic smashed home the ball from the six-yard box.

But Preston got back into the tie when Marcus Bettinelli made a hash of what should've been a routine save from Maguire's header to make it 1-1.

But Mitrovic scored again when Cairney floated the ball into the middle for the Serbian to nod home.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 6: Made some important stops in the first half. Horrible mistake to allow Maguire's header to squeeze by him.

Fredericks 7: Made good use of the wings and looked the man that was going to provide today. Jokanovic decided to use the attacking threat of Christie with 20 mins left.

Ream 7: Another solid performance. Was comfortable in the middle and dealt with the threat of Maguire and Barkhuizen well.

Odoi 7: A few mistime jumps meant Sean Maguire was throw on goal a few times. Really good performance in the second half.

Targett 7: His usual performance - solid at the back and showed up front, although his final ball into the box could've been better.

McDonald 8: A really good showing in front of the back four once again. Was always in the right place at the right to mop up the second balls.

Cairney 6: Pearson allowed him no time on the ball but he started to dictate play more as the game went on.

Johansen 6: Didn't have the best of performances and wasn't his usual bullish self. Looked better in the second half but it wasn't the performances we've seen in recent weeks.

Sessegnon 7: Was unlucky not to get his boot to the ball and score in the first half but it was another fairly quiet game from the youngster.

Ayite 6: Looked better in the second half and got on the ball more, causing problems. He gave the ball away sloppily a few times and was taken off with half hour left.

Mitrovic 8: Wasn't as involved in the game as he has been in previous matches in the first half. Much better in the second half with his hold-up play and got the two goals.

Subs -

Piazon 6: Did well in between the lines and gave Fulham an extra outlet when going forward.

Christie 7: Came on and provided a lovely assist down the right for Mitrovic's goal. A really inspired sub by Jokanovic.

Ojo N/A: Didn't have enough time to affect proceedings.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/preston-1-2-fulham-player-14393456

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Match report: PNE 1 Fulham 2

Preston North End had their hearts broken by Aleksander Mitrovic again as they went down to defeat against Fulham at Deepdale.

The Serbia international, on loan from Newcastle United, scored both of the Cottagers' goals - the winner in stoppage-time - to give them a barley-deserved victory. Sean Maguire shields the ball against Fulham Sean Maguire shields the ball against Fulham Mitrovic has now scored six goals against North End in four appearances over the last 18 months. He had opened the scoring in the 69th minute but PNE deservedly levelled seven minutes later through another Sean Maguire goal. The Irishman headed home his fourth goal in three games, the ball slipping through the gloves of Marcus Bettinelli.

North End looked on course for a point until Mitrovic headed home a Tom Cairney cross in the 91st minute. Paul Huntington challenges Aleksander Mitorvic Paul Huntington challenges Aleksander Mitorvic The North End side had shown two changes from the one which won 2-1 against Bristol City last Tuesday, Maguire and Daniel Johnson starting in place of Billy Bodin and Paul Gallagher respectively. There was a return on the bench for skipper Tom Clarke after a month out with injury but Louis Moult missed out through illness. PNE's high pressing game saw them have the better of the early play and carve out a couple of decent chances. Callum Robinson's low shot forced Bettinelli into a diving save in the fourth minute after Ben Pearson and Maguire had worked the ball across the face of the box. Right-back Darnell Fisher worked Bettinelli again when he connected with Robinson's scooped pass, his shot from the right side of the box pushed round the near post by the keeper. The visitors' first sight of goal came in the 20th minute when Stefan Johansen get away down the left channel, Greg Cunningham and Pearson combining to clear the danger. As Fulham began to find their rhythm going forward, Matt Targett tested Declan Rudd with a low shot from 20 yards which the Preston keeper got behind to save. Ryan Fredericks' low cross from the right was missed by Ryan Sessegnon sliding in at the far post, then Rudd got down well to save Mitrovic's low shot from the left hand side of the box. Four minutes before half-time, Maguire got behind the Fulham defence as he chased a Rudd goalkick. He made room for himself in the box but Bettinelli and the covering Denis Odoi combined to block his shot. At the interval Cunningham was replaced by Calum Woods, Cunningham looking like he had struggling with an injury late in the first half. Rudd made a superb save in the 48th minute, diving to his left to tip a 20-yards shot from Floyd Ayite over the bar. Just beyond the hour, Pearson's pass sent Barkhuizen away, the winger cutting into the box but getting crowded out by two defenders as he shaped to shoot. The clash went up another level when Fulham took the lead in the 69th minute. Substitute Cyrus Christie chased a pass down the Cottagers' right channel, hurdling a sliding challenge from Woods, before pulling the ball back into the middle for Mitrovic to slam home a first-time shot. North End almost pulled level within six minutes when a Robinson corner dropped deep beyond the back post. Alan Browne hooked it back into the path of Ben Davies, his low shot palmed out of the six-yard box by Bettinelli and cleared Within a minute though, they got the equaliser their play deserved. Pearson got the ball on the right and chipped a cross into the middle which Maguire met with a downward header. The keeper seemed to have it covered but it slipped through his gloves and into the net, that sending Deepdale wild. North End pressed for a second goal but it was Fulham who found the net a minute into stoppage-time to stun the stadium into silence - bar the 968 travelling fans. Fisher switched off when defending a throw-in on the visitors' left flank, Cairney getting space to lift a cross over to the far post where Mitrovic rose to send a header back across Rudd into the net - it almost happening in slow-motion.

PNE: Rudd, Fisher, Huntington, Davies, Cunningham (Woods 46), Pearson, Johnson (Harrop 83), Robinson, Browne, Barkhuizen, Maguire (Bodin 83). Subs (not used): Clarke, Horgan, Gallagher, Maxwell. Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks (Christie 67), Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen, Ayite (Piazon 59), Cairney, Sessegnon (Ojo 83), Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Fonte, Norwood, Kamara, Button. Referee: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire) Attendance: 12,978 (968 away)



Read more at: https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/match-report-pne-1-fulham-2-1-9057273

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Aleksandar Mitrovic fires last-gasp winner as Fulham keep pushing for promotion

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck the winner deep into stoppage time as Fulham clinched a 2-1 victory over fellow promotion chasers Preston at Deepdale.
The Serbian striker notched his second goal of the game to make it four successive wins for the Cottagers, who move up to third in the Sky Bet Championship table.
It is just a third defeat in 21 games for Preston, who drop to four points off the play-off places.
The Lilywhites started the game brightly with two openings in the first five minutes.
A mistake from Denis Odoi allowed Sean Maguire to break in behind, but the forward misplaced his cross before Callum Robinson hit the target from the edge of the area after four minutes.
Marcus Bettinelli was forced into more serious action after 13 minutes as Preston full-back Darnell Fisher unleashed a powerful drive from 18 yards which was safely tipped round the post by the Fulham keeper.
Fulham missed a golden chance to take the lead with their first real attack after 18 minutes as Stefan Johansen broke in behind and squared for Mitrovic, but he could not find the open goal from six yards.
Slavisa Jokanovic's side threatened again two minutes later as a fierce strike from Matt Targett was well held by Declan Rudd.
In an even first half, Fulham were showing more quality going forward and were almost ahead after 32 minutes when Ryan Fredericks flashed a ball across the six-yard box which just evaded the sliding Ryan Sessegnon at the far post.
Maguire, who has notched the winner for Preston in his last two matches after spending four months out, had a chance for Preston after 41 minutes but was denied by Bettinelli in a one-on-one.
Preston had keeper Rudd to thank for keeping the scores level just after the break as he leaped to his left to tip Floyd Ayite's 25-yard strike over the bar.
But, after a chanceless period, it was Fulham who broke the deadlock after 69 minutes.
Cyrus Christie was brought on at full-back and two minutes later he crossed from the right for Mitrovic, who fired in right-footed from 12 yards.
Davies came close to an equaliser after 75 minutes, but his effort from eight yards was superbly pushed away by Bettinelli low to his right.
But the Fulham keeper was not so impressive a minute later. Ben Pearson picked out Maguire six yards out and his header was fumbled into the back of his net by Bettinelli to give Preston the equaliser.
It was Fulham who took home all three points, though, as Cairney's delightful lofted cross to the back post was nodded in by Mitrovic.



http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=483262

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Next Up: QPR

Fulham are back in action next Saturday, 17th March, as QPR visit Craven Cottage in a 12:30pm kick-off.

As the Whites extended their unbeaten league run to 15 games following Saturday's dramatic late victory over Preston North End, make sure you don't miss a minute of the action and secure your seat for the West London derby!

With prices starting from just £15 for juniors and £30 for adults, tickets are on General Sale and available now online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Back the boys - COYW!



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/march/10/next-up-qpr

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Preston 1-2 Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic hits injury-time winner

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck the winner deep into stoppage time as Fulham clinched a 2-1 victory over fellow promotion chasers Preston at Deepdale.

The Serbian striker notched his second goal of the game to make it four successive wins for the Cottagers, who move up to third in the Sky Bet Championship table. It is just a third defeat in 21 games for Preston, who drop to four points off the play-off places.

The Lilywhites started the game brightly with two openings in the first five minutes. A mistake from Denis Odoi allowed Sean Maguire to break in behind, but the forward misplaced his cross before Callum Robinson hit the target from the edge of the area after four minutes.

Marcus Bettinelli was forced into more serious action after 13 minutes as Preston full-back Darnell Fisher unleashed a powerful drive from 18 yards which was safely tipped round the post by the Fulham keeper.

Fulham missed a golden chance to take the lead with their first real attack after 18 minutes as Stefan Johansen broke in behind and squared for Mitrovic, but he could not find the open goal from six yards.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side threatened again two minutes later as a fierce strike from Matt Targett was well held by Declan Rudd.

In an even first half, Fulham were showing more quality going forward and were almost ahead after 32 minutes when Ryan Fredericks flashed a ball across the six-yard box which just evaded the sliding Ryan Sessegnon at the far post.

Maguire, who has notched the winner for Preston in his last two matches after spending four months out, had a chance for Preston after 41 minutes but was denied by Bettinelli in a one-on-one.

Preston had keeper Rudd to thank for keeping the scores level just after the break as he leapt to his left to tip Floyd Ayite's 25-yard strike over the bar.

But, after a chanceless period, it was Fulham who broke the deadlock after 69 minutes. Cyrus Christie was brought on at full-back and two minutes later he crossed from the right for Mitrovic, who fired in right-footed from 12 yards.

Davies came close to an equaliser after 75 minutes, but his effort from eight yards was superbly pushed away by Bettinelli low to his right.

But the Fulham keeper was not so impressive a minute later. Ben Pearson picked out Maguire six yards out and his header was fumbled into the back of his net by Bettinelli to give Preston the equaliser.

It was Fulham who took home all three points, though, as Cairney's delightful lofted cross to the back post was nodded in by Mitrovic.

The managers

Alex Neil: "I don't think the best team won the game. People talk about Fulham being the best team in the division. I thought we were the better side, we had the better chances. For how much ball we had at the top end of the pitch we need to hurt them a little bit more.

"I thought my team were brilliant, I really did. I think our naivety at the end is what has probably cost us. I'm critical when I don't think we've played well but I thought we didn't everything I asked of them today."

Slavisa Jokanovic: "I have to be satisfied. It is massive for us in one of the toughest away games we played. We knew what we would find here, they put us under lots of pressure, we didn't find it in the first 45 minutes but in the second half we grew up and we showed great spirit.

"We pushed hard after they scored and we realised we are still in a strong position to win the game and in the end it's credit for the ambition and the quality that they showed today, especially at the end of the match. We know Aleksandar can help us and at the end all the players like Aleksandar deserve to be satisfied and happy with our performance."




http://www.skysports.com/football/preston-vs-fulham/report/375059

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Everything Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said after the 2-1 victory over Preston North End

Here's everything Jokanovic said to the press after the 2-1 victory over Preston North End

Aleksandar Mitrovic's brace ensured Fulham made it 15 unbeaten with a 2-1 victory over Preston North End - here's everything Slavisa Jokanovic had to say after the game.

Delighted with that result?

"It's true, I must be satisfied, it's a massive win for us in one of the toughest away games what we played.

"At the end, we know what will find here, they put us under a lot of press and we didn't find a good way in the first 45.

"In the second, we grew up and showed one time more great spirit, we pushed hard.

"After they equalised, we still felt we were strong enough to win the game and at the end it's credit to the people for ambition, for desire and quality at the end what they showed today."

Aleksandar Mitrovic can't stop scoring

"We know he can help us and at the moment he made a fantastic job for us and team is playing for him too.

"All the players, like Aleksandar, deserve to be satisfied and be happy with our performance."

Game could've gone either way - what can winning so late give you?

"Yes it's true, I will repeat, it's not easy to play against Preston, they put us under stress many times and play the ball behind our defence many times.

"They are strong, intense side and at the end it's best way for us in this situation to win the game like we did in the last minute in injury time and we must be extra satisfied."

Cardiff keep winning, all you can do is win too?

"This is not under my control, we must rest and ahead of us is another London derby and we must be ready for try and find our best performance and push in front of our supporters.

"We know it's an important game for them and we must be ready and show the spirit and desire for fighting for three points."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everything-fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-14394696

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Alex Neil says PNE were the better team in their defeat to Fulham

Alex Neil argued that Preston North End were hard done-by in their defeat to Fulham at Deepdale.
The Lilywhites went down to a 2-1 loss, the visitors scoring their winner in the 91st minute.


Calum Woods challenges Aleksander Mitrovic

Aleksander Mitrovic netted both Fulham goals, the on-loan striker seemingly having the sign over North End after scoring four times against them previously for Newcastle United. Sean Maguire's fourth goal in three games had pulled North End level and Neil felt the least his side deserved was a point. PNE boss Neil said: "I don't think the best team won the game for a start.

"People talk about Fulham being the best team in the division, that they should be a Premier League team, how they play and how they move the ball.


Daneil Johnson challenges Tom Cairney

"I thought we stopped all of that, I thought we were the better side throughout the game with more chances and the better chances. "My team were brilliant, I thought they were great.

"The only frustrating thing we had was for how many good opportunities and how much ball we had at the top end of the pitch, we needed to hurt them a bit more. "Our naivety at the end has probably cost us at the end. "I'm critical of my team when I don't think they play well or follow instruction but today they did everything we spoke about extremely well, it was that just extra bit of quality you need to put teams to bed when you are on top which was missing." Fulham took the lead in the 69th minute as Mitrovic struck home a cross from Cyrus Christie.

Maguire met a Ben Pearson cross to head the equaliser seven minutes later and North End seemed destined for a share of the spoils. But they allowed Fulham to take a quick throw-in with the contest in added-on time, Tom Cairney putting the ball over for Mitrovic to head past Declan Rudd. Neil said: "We switched off from the throw-in, it was the 91st minute of the game and we were too busy arguing with our ourselves rather than getting ourselves organised. "That is disappointing because we should have been getting back into our shape, getting ready, make sure we defend our box from the throw-in.

"We were also highly unfortunate in that Ben Davies slipped in the box as the ball comes in as Mitrovic peels away to the back area.

"Sometimes you don't get what you deserve and that happened today. "I had fancied us to go and win it right from minute one, I thought were excellent and played really well. "We moved the ball well, tackled well, ran well, everything you expect from Preston we did."



Read more at: https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/alex-neil-says-pne-were-the-better-team-in-their-defeat-to-fulham-1-9057343

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Preston North End 1 Fulham 2

An injury-time header from Aleksandar Mitrovic proved decisive at Deepdale, despite one of the best performances of the season from Alex Neil's men.

The Lilywhites put in an outstanding, front-foot display that was worth of all three points, let along one, but for the second season in a row, the Serbian striker proved to be a nemesis.

The No.32 had opened the scoring with just over 20 minutes left of the game, sweeping home substitute Cyrus Christie's right wing cross, only for Sean Maguire to grab his fourth goal in three games since returning from injury, by heading home Alan Browne's ball in from the right for an equaliser just seven minutes later.

However, in the first minute of injury time, a quickly taken throw in down the left gave the Cottagers a chance to cross into the six yard box and their on loan Newcastle United forward nodded home from close range.

Paul Gallagher and Billy Bodin had both recovered from the injuries that forced them off on Tuesday night, but were on the bench, with Maguire and Daniel Johnson coming into the side.

However, the best of the early chances came from an unlikely source, as Darnell Fisher made a powerful run down the right, exchanging a one-two with Callum Robinson, before unleashing a right-foot drive towards the top right hand corner, forcing Marcus Bettinelli to tip the ball around the post.

Up the other end and some fantastic last ditch defending by Greg Cunningham and Ben Pearson kept out the visitors in a rare foray forward from them in the opening half; Stefan Johnasen had broken down the left, putting a ball across that Cunningham had blocked, but the ball ricocheted off Mitrovic and was heading into the goal, until Pearson lunged forward and somehow blocked the ball.

Declan Rudd was called upon three minutes after the interval, making a stunning save to deny Floyd Ayite, who had unleashed a power-driver from 25 yards towards the top right hand corner.

And it was Fulham who took the lead on 69 minutes. Substitute and Irish international full back Christie drove down the right to the edge of the box and drilled the ball across to eight yards out where Mitrovic swept home giving Rudd no chance.

The home side were not for giving up. Firstly a Robinson corner from the left came out to Calum Woods, who had come on at half-time for skipper Greg Cunningham – who was suffering a tight hamstring, who drilled goalwards, only for the ball to flash through a crowd of players and narrowly wide.

And they were level with 14 minutes left on the clock. The pressure had been building and the ball was worked down through Fulham and out to Browne on the right, who put over a perfect cross for Maguire to rise above Denis Odoi and head down into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, a scrambling Bettinelli unable to claw the ball out.

At that point it looked like there would only be one winner – PNE – with Josh Harrop and Billy Bodin added into the attacking options, but hearts were to be broken in the second of four added minutes.

The Cottagers won a throw in down the left and took it quickly, with the ball thrown into the six yard box to where Mitrovic headed into just about the only spot that North End's No.1 could not get to, to steal the points back down to the capital.

PNE line-up: Rudd, Fisher, Cunningham (c) (Woods, 46), Pearson, Huntington, Davies, Robinson, Browne, Maguire (Bodin, 83), Johnson (Harrop, , Barkhuizen. Subs not used: Maxwell, Clarke, Horgan, Gallagher.

Fulham line-up: Bettinelli, Fredericks (Christie 67), Sessegnon (Ojo, 83), Odoi, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (c), Ayite (Piazon, 59), Ream, Targett, Mitrovic. Subs not used: Button, Fonte, Norwood, Kamara.

Attendance: 12,970 (968 Fulham fans)

Referee: Mr S Hooper



https://www.pnefc.net/news/2018/march/preston-north-end-vs-fulham-match-report/

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Matthew Briggs: Barnet sign former Fulham defender on non-contract basis

Matthew Briggs made 12 appearances for Chesterfield this season

Barnet have signed former Fulham, Millwall and Colchester defender Matthew Briggs on a non-contract basis.

The 27-year-old most recently played for fellow League Two strugglers Chesterfield, after signing on a short-term deal earlier this season.

Briggs became the Premier League's youngest player when he made his Fulham debut aged 16 years, 65 days in 2007.

He played for England at all youth levels and has won a senior international cap for Guyana.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43358248

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Aleksandar Mitrovic makes it 7 goals in 17 days – You could say he is...on fire

Newcastle loan striker scored his 6th and 7th goals for Fulham today, can he reach the goals target Rafa Benitez set...?

Rafa Benitez declared he would be 'happy' if Aleksandar Mitrovic scored '20 or 25 goals' in his loan spell at Fulham.

With only 17 games remaining at the time, it sounded like Rafa was having a bit of a laugh with his unwanted striker.

After scoring another two this afternoon, amazingly Mitrovic might just deliver something close to that...

The Serbian now has four goals in his last two matches and seven altogether in a 17 day period.

Today's strikes saw Mitro score both goals as Fulham won 2-1 at Preston.

Ironically, Aleksandar Mitrovic also scored twice in a 2-1 win here for Newcastle last season, two of only four Championship goals he got in total for Rafa.

The seven goals have directly helped the Cottagers win four matches and draw one, with Mitro getting seven of the ten goals in those five matches.

A great day all round though as Newcastle also won 3-0 (against Southampton) and I'm sure Mitro was extra pleased when he heard about that after the final whistle.

Including his goal against West Ham earlier this season, Aleksandar Mitrovic now has eight league goals in total this season in 674 minutes (585 Fulham and 89 Newcastle), a rate of a goal every 84 minutes.

With nine games remaining (plus potentially three play-off matches), how many can Mitro get for Fulham?

Rafa Benitez  when Aleksandar Mitrovic moved on loan to Fulham:

"Now he has an opportunity.

"Hopefully he will score 20 or 25 goals.

"We will be happy with that.

"He would have more value.

"He will come here and say...'I am a new player and you have to trust me because I have scored 25 goals.'

"Fine, no problem."

Official Fulham site reporting on Preston 1 Mitrovic (Fulham) 2:

'Keeping his cool Christie squared a perfect ball into the path of Mitrović who had so far been stifled by a stoic Preston back line.

The striker made no mistake and slammed home an unstoppable effort past a stranded Rudd.

He wheeled off in jubilation after what had been a frustrating afternoon and was mobbed by his jubilant teammates.

However, as the linesman raised his board to signal 4 minutes of added on time Tom Cairney ghosted in behind the tired legs of the Preston back line and lofted a cross into the box.

Mitrović who had already bagged himself a goal earlier in the encounter outmuscled the defenders and nodded an effort that crept agonisingly over the line.

That was that and the Whites returned to London with three points on another fine day away from the confines of Craven Cottage.'



https://www.themag.co.uk/2018/03/aleksandar-mitrovic-makes-7-goals-17-days-say-fire-newcastle-united-fulham/

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Preston boss Alex Neil believes the better side lost as Fulham take home all three points

Another Aleksandar Mitrovic brace saw Fulham take home all three points in a 2-1 win, but Alex Neil thinks the best side lost

Alex Neil thinks the best side lost as Fulham beat Preston North End 2-1 at Deepdale.

The away side took the lead through Aleksandar Mitrovic but got back into the tie when Sean Maguire's header managed to find it's way through Marcus Bettinelli.

But a last minute Mitrovic goal, his seventh in five games, ensured that Fulham took all three points back home to Craven Cottage with them – but Preston boss Neil thinks his side were the better team.

He said: "I don't think the best team won the game for a start.

"People talk about Fulham being the best team in the division, that they should be a Premier League team, how they play and how they move the ball.

"I thought we stopped all of that, I thought we were the better side throughout the game with more chances and the better chances.

"My team were brilliant, I thought they were great.

"The only frustrating thing we had was for how many good opportunities and how much ball we had at the top end of the pitch, we needed to hurt them a bit more. "Our naivety at the end has probably cost us at the end.

"I'm critical of my team when I don't think they play well or follow instruction but today they did everything we spoke about extremely well, it was that just extra bit of quality you need to put teams to bed when you are on top which was missing."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/preston-boss-alex-neil-believes-14395125

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Jokanovic urges Fulham to 'keep on going'

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic urged his players to keep going after their promotion charge continued with a 2-1 win at Preston.

On-loan Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic scored two more goals for the Whites, giving them a fourth consecutive victory.

"We keep on going," Jokanovic declared. "It is massive for us in one of the toughest away games we played. I have to be satisfied.

"Preston put us under stress and they are a strong and intensive side. For us to win the game in this kind of situation, in the last minute, we must be satisfied."

Fulham are fourth in the Championship table, just five points behind second-placed Cardiff City, who visit Brentford on Tuesday.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-tells-fulham-keep-going-aleksandar-mitrovic-delivers

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Ratings from PNE 1 Fulham 2

Preston North End suffered stoppage-time heartache against Fulham at Deepdale.

But the Lilywhites were worth at least a draw, putting in a strong performance against the Londoners.

Ben Davies took the starman award, putting in a majestic show at the heart of the defence. Here are the PNE ratings:

Declan Rudd 8 Made a superb save from Ayite early in the second half, tipping it over the bar. Good saves from Targett and Mitrovic in the first half. Darnell Fisher 7 Impressive performance in keeping Sessegnon and Ayite in check. Lost concentration at the throw-in for Fulham's winner, so drops a mark.

Paul Huntington 7 Decent display the back and worked hard to limit Fulham's attacking play. Had a physical battle against Mitrovic. Ben Davies 9 The best defensive performance I have seen from a Preston player for a long time. He reads danger before it is there.

Greg Cunningham 7 Looked good on the left before injury began to restrict his chasing back towards the end of the first half. Taken off at half-time. Ben Pearson 8 Usual committed display and stayed in control, hence avoiding a yellow card which was most welcome. Put in the cross for the goal. Daniel Johnson 7

Used the ball well at times, kept it moving and played his part in a very good North End performance. Callum Robinson 7 Had a couple of sights of goal and worked well first on the right and later on the left. Needs a bit more calmness at times around the box. Alan Browne 7 Hard-working display behind Maguire in the advanced midfield role, pressed the ball well when Fulham were in possession. Tom Barkhuizen 7 Started brightly although faded a bit as the game went on. Got crowded out in the box when sent through in the second half. Sean Maguire 8 Found space well throughout the game and found the net for the fourth time in a week with a header. Subs used Calum Woods 6 Joined the action at the start of the second half and was beaten too easily in the build-up to Fulham's first goal. Was booked. Josh Harrop 6 Came on as part of a double change. Missed the chance to get a shot away late in the game.

Billy Bodin 6 Was the other half of the double swap and showed a couple of good touches. Subs not used: Tom Clarke, Daryl Horgan, Paul Gallagher, Chris Maxwell.



Read more at: https://www.lep.co.uk/sport/football/preston-north-end/ratings-from-pne-1-fulham-2-1-9057487

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Mitrovic late show breaks Preston hearts
by Dan on March 10, 2018

Aleksandar Mitrovic continued his sensational start to life with Fulham by scoring his seventh goal in five games – with his injury-time winner earning the Whites another vital win in their push for promotion to the Premier League after an absorbing tussle at fellow play-off hopefuls Preston North End.

The Serbian striker, who has now six goals against Preston in the space of eighteen months, shrugged off an anonymous first half to power Fulham to victory in the second 45 minutes at Deepdale. He slotted home from close range to break the deadlock after substitute Cyrus Christie had made an immediate impact shortly after stepping off the bench and headed home from Tom Cairney's stoppage-time cross after the in-form Sean Maguire had levelled matters. Mitrovic's impact delighted the travelling fans and briefly lifted Slavisa Jokanovic's side to third in the Championship table.

Alex Neill's side could justifiably feel harshly done to after emerging from a pulsating encounter with nothing when they pushed their high-flying visitors back for long periods. Their high-tempo pressing game meant Fulham failed to find their usual passing rhythm and North End enjoyed the better of an intriguing first half. Maguire buzzed around brightly up front – a contest threat in behind against Tim Ream and the excellent Denis Odoi – but the home side's fluid movement in the final third also meant that Callum Robinson regularly found himself in dangerous areas. The winger drew the first save of the match from Marcus Bettinelli inside four minutes after Maguire and Ben Pearson combined cleverly and the Fulham goalkeeper was called into action again when Robinson released full-back Darnell Fisher down the right.

By this stage, Jokanovic was becoming exercised on the touchline. His side had barely threatened as an attacking force before a raking ball from Floyd Ayite sent Stefan Johasen scampering clear in the inside left channel. The Norwegian did superbly to take Declan Rudd out of the picture with a clever crossfield pass for Mitrovic when everyone expected him to shot, but the on-loan Newcastle forward somehow contrived to miss the target from eight yards. That near miss seemed to spur Fulham into action with a fizzing Ryan Fredericks cross narrowly evading the sliding Ryan Sessegnon at the back stick before Rudd got his angles right to deny Mitrovic at his near post.

There was another warning of Preston's potency in attack just before the break when Fulham, looking unusually fragile at the back, allowed a long punt forward from Rudd to reach Maguire, who wriggled away from Odoi, but desperate defending from Tim Ream and an alert Bettinelli managed to avert the danger. Fulham were late returning for the second period and, with Jokanovic's dissatisfaction presumably still ringing in their ears, set about trying to put Preston on the back foot. The visitors nearly made the perfect start with Rudd superbly palming aside a 20-yarder from Floyd Ayite after the Togolese winger drove at the Preston back four.

Neill's men weren't about to be outdone. A lovely pass from Pearson put Barkhuizen in the clear, but his shot was blocked by a sprawling Matt Targett. Jokanovic then opted to sent on Christie for Fredericks and the former Middlesbrough defender repaid his manager's faith within two minutes, bursting away from Callum Woods' desperate lunge and cutting the ball back beautifully for Mitrovic, who buried a low finish through a forest of legs. If the visitors were expecting to be able to get their pretty passing football going after getting in front, they had another thing coming.

North End stepped it a gear and could have been level just six minutes later but for a brilliant reaction save from Bettinelli to deny a venomous volley by Ben Davies. Fulham failed to heed that warning, however, and when a criminally unattended Maguire met Pearson's perfectly flighted cross the ball squirmed through Bettinelli's heads to give the home side a deserved equaliser. Both sides had chances to win it during a frenetic finale, where Ream produced a brilliant saving challenge to prevent Robinson from running through on goal, but it was Fulham who found a winner right at the start of stoppage time.

Cairney made a decisive dart to come short for a Targett throw and made some space for himself down the left wing, whipping in a devilish cross that Mitrovic met with a looping header into the six-yard box that looped over a stranded Rudd and dropped into the net as time seemed to stand still. The Serbian striker had once again showed just what a presence he can be at the pivotal end of the field for a Fulham side who had previously been without such ruthlessness in the opposition box.

Preston's players fell to their knees at full time, understandably disappointed that they had nothing to show for such a spirited performance. They pushed Fulham farther than Aston Villa, Wolves and Sheffield United in recent weeks – and if Neill's side can produce more displays of this quality, they may yet force their way into the promotion picture.

PRESTON NORTH END (4-2-3-1): Rudd; Fisher, Cunningham (Woods 45), Huntingdon, Davies; Pearson, Johnson (Harrop 83); Robinson, Browne, Barkhuizen; Maguire (Bodin 83). Subs (not used): Maxwell, Clarke, Horgan, Gallagher.

BOOKED: Woods.

GOAL: Maguire (76).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks (Christie 67), Targett, Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Ayite (Piazon 59), Sessegnon (Ojo 83); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Button, Norwood, Kamara, Fonte.

BOOKED: Bettinelli.

GOALS: Mitrovic (69, 90+1).

REFEREE: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire).

ATTENDANCE: 12,970.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/mitrovic-late-show-breaks-preston-hearts/

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Jokanovic delighted with 'massive win'
by Dan on March 10, 2018

Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic professed himself 'extra satisfied' with his players after the Whites recorded what he called 'a massive win' at Preston North End thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic's late header.

The Serbian striker moved to seven goals in his last five Fulham games with a stoppage time winner at Deepdale that settled an even contest between two promotion contenders. Jokanovic told his post-match press conference that he was delighted Fulham had emerged with all three points despite not being at the races earlier in the game:

    It's a massive win for us in one of the more tougher away games that we've played. We knew what we would find here and they put us under a lot of pressure. It's not easy playing against Preston. They put us under stress, played many balls behind our defenders and are a strong side. In the end, was the best way for us to win the game in this situation, so we must be extra satisfied.

    We didn't find our way in the first half, but we grew up in the second half – showed spirit and pushed hard. After they equalised, we still felt we were strong enough to win the game. It's credit to the players' ambition, desire and quality.

The Serbian head coach refused to get carried away after the victory, insisting Fulham's focus remained on their forthcoming west London derby against QPR at the weekend.

    We must rest. Ahead of us is another London derby and we must be ready to find our best performance. We know it's an important game for our supporters and we must be ready to fight for another three points.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/03/jokanovic-delighted-with-massive-win/

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It Will Almost Certainly Be Goodbye To This Player In The Summer

Rafa Benitez didn't have any need for Aleksandar Mitrovic through the rest of this season once Newcastle had signed Islam Slimani on loan from Leicester City.

But it has not turned out well for Newcastle, with Slimani still injured with that thigh injury he had when he joined us in the last few hours of the transfer window on January 31st.

One the other hand Mitro has started well at Fulham and has scored 5 goals in 7 games for the Cottagers.

Aleksandar Mitrovic – after scoring for Fulham

Rafa was asked about Mitrovic, and this is what he said as reported in the Chronicle:

    "Our style of football was very offensive and we had one key player – and that was Dwight Gayle,"

    "He scored 23 goals even when he was two months without playing. Even Daryl Murphy scored six goals."

    "As I've said before, I hope he scores 20 goals. That will be much better for him and for us."

    "But it's a question about his future that we have to ask in May."

Ever since Rafa arrived two years ago tomorrow, he has not played Mitrovic very much at all, and he has not been a starter for the last two seasons.

The fact he is scoring goals and playing well for Fulham will only increase his transfer fee this summer, especially if he also has a good World Cup for Serbia.

This season Mitro scored 2 goals in 7 appearances for Newcastle and last season in the Championship he scored 6 goals in 29 appearances.

In total, he's played 72 times for Newcastle with 17 goals, and we're almost certain he will be sold this summer.

The fee should be at least £14M which is what we paid for him from Anderlecht almost three years ago.



http://www.nufcblog.com/2018/03/10/it-will-almost-certainly-be-goodbye-to-this-player-in-the-summer/