Wednesday Fulham Stuff (04/04/18)...

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Results

Tuesday
Aston Villa	3 - 0	Reading
Fulham	2 - 0	Leeds
Wolves	2 - 2	Hull
Bolton	0 - 1	Birmingham City

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Fulham 2-0 Leeds United

Kevin McDonald (right) knew very little about how he scored after deflecting in Aleksandar Mitrovic's header

Fulham showed why they are the Championship's form side with an impressive win over mid-table Leeds.

They dominated the early chances and eventually went ahead when Kevin McDonald deflected in Aleksandar Mitrovic's header from a corner.

The Serbian striker put the game to bed as he ended a flowing counter-attack after Caleb Ekuban spurned one of Leeds' best chances when put through.

Unmarked Jay-Roy Grot should have got one back but headed over from close in.

The Londoners closed the gap to second-placed Cardiff to five points from a game extra, but a play-off place looks all but secure as they are now 13 points above seventh-placed Bristol City with six games left - three of which are against sides currently in the bottom six.

Fulham started the game excellently as their full-backs marauded down either flank - Mitrovic missing a fourth-minute chance after Matt Targett's pull-back before Floyd Ayite hit the base of the far post after Ryan Sessegnon's teasing pass across the face of the goal.

Mitrovic had a free header from the resulting corner well-saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell, but it was from a similar position that the Serbian striker inadvertently set-up McDonald's opener.

The game turned on a 14-second passage of play as Marcus Bettinelli saved Ekuban's effort allowing Fulham to break - Newcastle-loanee Mitrovic playing a one-two with Tom Cairney to set up his 10th goal in nine games.

Leeds had an appeal for a penalty rightly turned down when Stuart Dallas went to ground easily under a challenge from Bettinelli shortly before Grot's miss - the substitute's header over with the goal gaping summing up the visitors' frustrating evening.



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43550811

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović labelled the 2-0 victory over Leeds United as a 'good result' for his squad as they continue to push for promotion.

Goals from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrović secured a comfortable win for the Whites and stretched their unbeaten run to eighteen games.

"It's a good result," said Jokanović.

"We started the game very well, put them under pressure, we dominated, created many chances and, in the end, we were a little lucky to score our first goal.

"In the second half, Leeds started to find some gaps in between the lines, and stared to connect better, especially Pablo Hernandez and Samuel Saiz.

"After Marcus Bettinelli made a great save, we showed quality in our offensive transition. We're an offensive team, we created many chances and it's great news that we finished the game with another clean sheet. It's very important to show that we can survive these difficult moments."

The Whites currently sit third in the table, with five points separating them from Cardiff City in second place.

"All we can do is prepare ourselves and get ready for the next game," insisted Jokanović.

"Everything is in Cardiff's hands," said the Fulham Head Coach. "There's a big points difference between us. Now they have hard games ahead, but I believe they'll win. We'll try and do our job. We must keep trying for our supporters. At the end, it's not a chase. They need to make mistakes if we're to have any chance of catching them.

"My job is not to be satisfied; my job is to push my players to work even harder. This game is behind us, and if I'm unhappy or happy, it's not so important. Every single Championship team is fighting for big targets and we haven't achieved ours at the moment.

"We're at the point of the season where we can still try to be successful, but we won't the final result know until the end of season.

"I am proud of how hard my team is working and how they try to push to win these games. I am proud because they've never given up.

"I don't know if we can catch Cardiff. I really can't answer this question. I only care about my team and that's it."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/03/head-coach-reaction-leeds

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Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon nominated for four EFL Awards including POTY


Simon West/Action Plus via Getty Images

Fulham teenager Ryan Sessegnon has been nominated in four categories for the 2018 EFL Awards, which will be announced on April 15.

The 17-year-old wingback has netted 14 goals for the Cottagers in an impressive campaign as the west London club target promotion from the Championship

Sessegnon has been shortlisted for the Championship Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season, Apprentice of the Year and has also made it into the Team of the Season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers playmaker Ruben Neves and Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney are also up for the Championship Player of the Season accolade.

In League One, the nominations for player of the season are Blackburn's Bradley Dack, Nick Powell of Wigan and Peterborough striker Jack Marriott.

League Two's shortlist comprises of leading goalscorers Billy Kee from Accrington and Cheltenham's Mohamed Eisa alongside veteran Wycombe frontman Adebayo Akinfenwa.

All 72 managers in the EFL were invited to vote for their players of the season, with the individual winners set to be revealed at a gala dinner in central London later this month.

Other EFL awards to be announced include the Family Club of the Year, Checkatrade Community Club of the Year, Supporter of the Year, the Sir Tom Finney Award and Contribution to League Football award as well as the EFL Goal of the Year.

2018 EFL Awards Shortlist (selected)

- Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season: Tom Cairney (Fulham), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

- Sky Bet League One Player of the Season: Bradley Dack (Blackburn), Jack Marriott (Peterborough), Nick Powell (Wigan)

- Sky Bet League Two Player of the Season: Adebayo Akinfenwa (Wycombe), Mohamed Eisa (Cheltenham), Billy Kee (Accrington Stanley)

- EA Sports Young Player of the Season: James Maddison (Norwich), Ruben Neves (Wolves), Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

- EFL Apprentice of the Year - Championship: Alex Hunt (Sheffield Wednesday), Danny Loader (Reading), Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham)

- Checkatrade Community Club of the Year: Blackburn Rovers (North West), Middlesbrough (Yorkshire & North East), Derby (Midlands), Charlton (London), Portsmouth (South East), Bristol City (South West & Wales)

- EFL Team of the Season - Sky Bet Championship: John Ruddy (Wolves); Ryan Sessegnon (Fulham), Conor Coady (Wolves), John Terry (Aston Villa), Ryan Fredericks (Fulham); Tom Cairney (Fulham); Ruben Neves (Wolves); James Maddison (Norwich); Bobby Reid (Bristol City), Matej Vydra (Derby), Albert Adomah (Aston Villa). Manager: Neil Warnock (Cardiff)



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-league-championship/story/3441220/fulhams-ryan-sessegnon-nominated-for-four-efl-awards-including-poty

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Why West Ham boss David Moyes was at Fulham vs Leeds United

Here's who West Ham boss David Moyes was watching at Fulham this evening

West Ham boss David Moyes was in the stands at Craven Cottage to watch Fulham's game with Leeds United, but who was he watching?

The Hammers were interested in Tom Cairney in the January Transfer Window, seeing bids rejected for the talismanic midfielder before the end of the window.

The side were also reportedly interested in full back Ryan Fredericks, who, along with Cairney, was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season earlier on today.

There's also Fulham's big striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Moyes was at Serbia's 2-0 win over Nigeria in the international break to watch the Newcastle loanee score twice at Barnet's Hive Stadium, and was here watching the striker score once again for Fulham.

He's been in stunning form for Fulham and Moyes is keen on the striker - he'll have been pleased with what he saw tonight.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-ham-fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-14489054

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Fulham beat Leeds to continue brilliant run

Fulham 2 Leeds 0

Kevin McDonald scored a rare goal and Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged his eighth for the club as Fulham closed the gap on second-placed Cardiff to five points.

Mitrovic's goal-bound header went in via McDonald's backside midway through the first half before the Serbian slotted home the second moments after Leeds should have equalised.

Caleb Ekuban was clean through but shot straight at Marcus Bettinelli – and then Fulham broke down the other end and finished off a ruthless counter-attack on 63 minutes.

Floyd Ayite also hit the post in a first half dominated by the Whites, while the recalled Ryan Sessegnon had good chances inside the box after the break.

Mitrovic has been red hot since signing on loan from Newcastle and he twice went close on the end of good crosses before inadvertently setting up McDonald for the midfielder's second of the campaign.

Mitrovic accidentally diverted a goal-bound Sessegnon strike wide of the target early in the second half before the returning left winger forced a near-post save from Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Leeds looked more dangerous after the break and Ekuban was distraught after he squandered their best chance of the game and watched the in-form Whites race away to put the game to bed.

In doing so, Slavisa Jokanovic's side extended their formidable run to 18 games unbeaten, including 14 wins, with six games of the season remaining.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Ream, Odoi, Targett, McDonald (Kalas 87), Cairney, Johansen, Sessegnon, Ayite (Norwood 66), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Button, Christie, Piazon, Kebano, Kamara.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-leeds-united-championship-report-030418

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Result: Fulham beat Leeds United to close gap on Cardiff City

Goals from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic have earned Fulham a 2-0 win over Leeds United in Tuesday's Championship clash at Craven Cottage.

The West Londoners netted either side of half time to extend their unbeaten league record to 18 matches, as well as close the gap on second-placed Cardiff City to just five points.

Leeds had their moments with Caleb Ekuban and Jay-Roy Grot both squandering chances, but the visitors did not deserve anything from the game and Paul Heckingbottom has work to do during the closing weeks of the campaign.

The first opportunity of the contest went the way of Fulham as Mitrovic was found 10 yards from goal by a low cross from Matt Targett, but the forward somehow fired wide.

However, the home side continued to pose a threat down the left and the Cottagers should have scored when Ryan Sessegnon's delivery across goal found Floyd Ayite at the back post, but the winger could only strike the post from inside the six-yard box.

Mitrovic then saw a header blocked by goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell at point-blank range and the signs were there that Fulham would run up a cricket score if they could find an early goal.

Leeds managed to nullify the threat offered by Fulham's front three, but Slavisa Jokanovic's men finally went ahead in the 33rd minute when McDonald diverted the ball into the net with his backside after Mitrovic and Tim Ream had helped the ball towards goal.

After going behind, Leeds rallied to put their hosts under pressure for the first time in the match, but Heckingbottom's side failed to register a shot on target before the half-time whistle.

A similar pattern of play occurred after the restart but Fulham soon started to create regular opportunities, with Sessegnon being denied a goal with a shot from 16 yards when Mitrovic got in the way of the ball.

The teenager then forced Peacock-Farrell into a fine save to his left from closer to goal, but Fulham finally did double their advantage 14 seconds after Leeds should have equalised at the other end.

Ekuban only had Marcus Bettinelli to beat from 14 yards but after the goalkeeper made the block, Fulham raced up the other end where Mitrovic slotted the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

Mitrovic's goal - his eighth since moving to Fulham on loan - put the home side in full control but with 10 minutes left, Leeds should have halved the deficit through JGrot, who somehow headed over the crossbar from inside the six-yard box.

In added-on time, Pablo Hernandez curled a free kick just wide for Leeds but aside from that effort, Fulham eased through to the final whistle as they continued their pursuit of automatic promotion.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald (Kalas 88'), Cairney, Johansen; Ayite (Norwood 67'), Sessegnon, Mitrovic

LEEDS UNITED (4-2-3-1): Peacock-Farrell; Berardi, Jansson, Pennington, Dallas; O'Kane (Phillips 23'), Vieira; Saiz, Hernandez, Alioski (Grot 72'); Ekuban (Lasogga 72')



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/leeds-united/result/result-fulham-beat-leeds-to-close-gap-on-cardiff_322487.html

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Fulham 2 Leeds 0: Cottagers' automatic promotion hopes boosted as Aleksandar Mitrovic scores again


Mitrovic celebrates Fulham's second Getty Images

Fulham moved to within five points of the automatic promotion places in the Championship with a 2-0 win against Leeds at Craven Cottage.

Goals from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic ensured Fulham extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches and closed the gap to second-placed Cardiff.

Fulham have played one game more than Cardiff but this result means they keep the pressure on the Bluebirds in the race for promotion to the Premier League.

Cardiff play Wolves and Aston Villa in their next two matches and Fulham on this evidence look ready to pounce on any slip-ups.

McDonald put Fulham ahead in the first half and Mitrovic continued his fine form with his eighth goal in eight matches after the break.


(Getty Images)

Fulham knew they had a chance to close the gap to Cardiff after they had drawn 1-1 with Sheffield United on Monday and the home side started with real purpose.

Mitrovic shot wide from inside the area, Floyd Ayite struck the post and Mitrovic then had a header well saved all inside the opening 15 minutes.

It was one-way traffic and Fulham eventually took a deserved lead on 32 minutes when a corner was flicked on and hit McDonald on the back and went in.

The midfielder did not know much about it but Fulham were on their way to an important three points.

The game was settled on 63 minutes after an action-packed 30-second spell.

Leeds almost equalised but Marcus Bettinelli denied Caleb Ekuban with a brilliant save and Fulham went straight down the other end and Mitrovic made sure of the win with a cool finish.

Leeds wasted a great chance make it a nervy finish but substitute Jay-Roy Grot headed over from two yards and Fulham cruised to victory.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-2-leeds-0-cottagers-automatic-promotion-hopes-boosted-as-aleksandar-mitrovic-scores-again-a3805036.html

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Fulham 2-0 Leeds United: Aleksandar Mitrovic rounds off a comfortable win for the Cottagers as they refuse to give up on automatic promotion dream

    Fulham beat Leeds United 2-0 after a dominating display at Craven Cottage
    Goals from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic earned Fulham three points
    Win moves them within five points of Cardiff and an automatic promotion place

On the day Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney formed two-thirds of the Championship Player of the Season shortlist, it was one of Fulham's more unsung heroes who kept their automatic promotion hopes alive.

Kevin McDonald scored almost accidentally but it was enough to set them on their way to victory over Leeds and trim the gap to second-placed Cardiff to five points.

Even if Fulham's top two charge has come too late, they will have some almighty momentum for the play-offs. This was their 18th successive unbeaten league match, with 14 of those victories.


Aleksandar Mitovic scored from inside the box as Fulham continue to chase promotion

Aleksandar Mitrovic, a far more regular scorer, made it two after the break, rounding off a clinical Fulham break just moments after Caleb Ekuban had been denied one-on-one by Marcus Bettinelli.

Both Sessegnon and Cairney will find few dissenters as they join Ruben Neves of Wolves on the shortlist following outstanding campaigns, while Ryan Fredericks also joined them in the Team of the Season. The winners will be revealed on April 15.

Now all that remains to be seen is whether Cardiff, who still retain a game in hand, will suffer a Devon Loch-style collapse in their remaining seven games.

That seems unlikely with promotion specialist Neil Warnock in charge but rest assured that nobody will want to face Fulham in the play-offs.


Mitrovic let all his emotions show as he scored Fulham's second in a 2-0 win over Leeds United

Somehow you feel they've learned valuable lessons from bottling it against Reading in last season's semi-finals when they were the division's most exciting team by some distance.

They certainly started like a side who still believe they can reel in Cardiff on the season's home straight.

At their free-flowing best from the get-go, Mitrovic offered an early signal of intent when he turned Matt Targett's left-side cross wide at the near post.

As is often the case, Fulham found plenty of attacking joy down the left, with Targett invited to push forward at every opportunity by the generous space the Leeds defenders left Ryan Sessegnon.

Both were involved in a move that saw Sessegnon flash a ball across the face of goal. It evaded Mitrovic in the centre but fell perfectly to Floyd Ayite, who had most of the target to aim at and keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell stranded.

Ayite rattled the post, however, and Pontus Jansson eventually cleared for a corner. From it, Targett's inch-perfect cross was met by Mitrovic, the striker's header blocked by the arm of Peacock-Farrell.

At this point it looked as though Leeds could be swamped. Fulham had four-fifths of the ball and were conjuring chances with it.


Kevin McDonald put Fulham up in the first-half when he scored from a corner

But they would have to wait 33 minutes for the breakthrough and it came from an unlikely source.

Targett again swung across a corner that Mitrovic nodded towards goal. It struck the oblivious McDonald on the right hip as he turned away from goal, the midfielder unwittingly fooling Peacock-Farrell who'd moved too far the other way.

McDonald's non-plussed reaction said it all. It almost took Sessegnon and Tim Ream running towards him, armed outstretched, to fully realise what he'd done.

Mind you, this isn't a feeling the Scot experiences too often. This was just his second goal of the season and fifth in Fulham colours. Who cares? They all count.

'Cardiff City, we're coming for you,' sung the home fans.

Leeds were backed by at least 5,000 fans who packed the Putney End. It was a mighty impressive following for a mid-table side with little to play for, let alone one that was in the play-off position of sixth on New Year's Day only to tumble miserably away.


Denis Odoi (right) runs with the ball as Fulham put in a dominating display to stay in third

In stoppage time, Gaetano Berardi blazed a volley over from a corner, but that was all the travelling hordes had to cheer before half-time.

It didn't get much better afterwards. Fulham continued to press, with Ayite's shot deflected wide and Mitrovic inadvertently blocking Sessegnon's shot from Cairney's cut-back.

Sessegnon had the bit between his teeth, forcing Peacock-Farrell into a sharp one-handed save after his mazy run had sprung Fulham forward again.

Fulham's second goal, just after the hour, showed how football games often tilter on fine margins.

At one moment, Ekuban was played through on goal by Berardi but denied by Bettinelli, who'd come from his line to narrow the angle.


The Cottagers won comfortably in the end as they continue to pile the pressure on Cardiff

Fulham cleared and broke ruthlessly through the middle with Stefan Johansen. Mitrovic received the ball and picked out Cairney on the right-side of the box. After checking movements in the middle, the captain rolled it back to the Serbian striker, who'd hung back, to roll a low shot into the corner.

It was an eighth goal in 11 Championship matches for Mitrovic since he arrived on loan from Newcastle United on January's transfer deadline day. In contrast to his usual muscle-flexing celebrations, the inconsolable Ekuban was taken off soon afterwards.

Jay Roy Grot, introduced from the bench at the same time, should have buried a close-range header from Samuel Saiz's cross.

That would have made the game's finale interesting but instead Leeds' travelling support were left chanting ironically when they had a late shot on target. Pablo Hernandez did curl a stoppage time free-kick just wide.

These truly are two clubs heading in very different directions.


With 6 games to go, Fulham are five points off second and a chance of automatic promotion



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5575081/Fulham-2-0-Leeds-United-Aleksandar-Mitrovic-rounds-comfortable-win.html#ixzz5BgaaI2Z1
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FULL-TIME: Leeds United fall to Craven Cottage defeat as McDonald and Mitrovic hand Fulham victory

Leeds United fell to a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage against promotion-chasing Fulham on Tuesday evening.

The first chance of the game fell to Stuart Dallas after just a minute with the Northern Irishman blazing over the bar from just inside the area and it would sum up Leeds' evening. Three minutes later and it was Fulham's turn, winger Matt Targett got in behind on the left flank and picked out loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic but he could only drag his effort wide. The hosts should have been ahead on the 10 minute mark as the onslaught continued, Ryan Sessegnon again exposed the Whites on the left to pick out Floyd Ayite who smashed his thunderous effort against the post. Leeds cleared but only for a corner and it was Mitrovic who was there yet again just moments later to meet the resulting set-piece but Bailey Peacock-Farrell was equal to the effort.

Fulham surged forward once more as Stefan Johansen scuffed another dangerous cross towards goal before the United blocked the resulting scramble away for another corner. The hosts finally had their breakthrough from the following set-piece as Mitrovic caused more mayhem meeting the corner with another powerful header. His effort hit Kevin McDonald, who didn't know anything about it, and it wrong footed Peacock-Farrell in the Whites goal as it agonisingly crept into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.

Fulham surged forward once more as Stefan Johansen scuffed another dangerous cross towards goal before the United blocked the resulting scramble away for another corner. The hosts finally had their breakthrough from the following set-piece as Mitrovic caused more mayhem meeting the corner with another powerful header. His effort hit Kevin McDonald, who didn't know anything about it, and it wrong footed Peacock-Farrell in the Whites goal as it agonisingly crept into the bottom corner to break the deadlock. The home crowd were spurred on by the opening goal but it was actually Leeds who finished the half strongest following the early storm of pressure. Samuel Saiz fed through fellow Spaniard Pablo Hernandez but he couldn't quite get a shot away before he returned the favour just minutes later, this time Saiz was flagged for offside as the referee signalled for the break. Leeds began the second period much like the first dominating much of the play but it was Fulham who had the first opening of the half. Youngster Sessegnon drilled an effort towards goal and Peacock-Farrell was there once again with strong hands to keep the winger's effort out. Just after the hour mark the games real turning point occurred and it was thirty seconds that summed up United's season.

Gaetano Berardi fed in Caleb Ekuban who had all the time in the world to beat Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal but the 24-year-old failed to pick out his spot. Fulham broke and from the resulting attack doubled their advantage as Tom Cairney found Mitrovic free in the area who slotted home without hesitation. The Whites continued to play and fashioned another late opportunity as substitute Jay-Roy Grot headed over from point blank range following a brilliantly curled cross from Saiz. It wasn't to be for Heckingbottom's men as they fell to another defeat that leaves the Whites thirteenth in the table.



Read more at: https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/full-time-leeds-united-fall-to-craven-cottage-defeat-as-mcdonald-and-mitrovic-hand-fulham-victory-1-9096393

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Fulham 2-0 Leeds PLAYER RATINGS: McDonald and Mitrovic keep the promotion hunt on

18 games without defeat now for Fulham as they dispatched Leeds 2-0 at Craven Cottage

A Kevin McDonald wondergoal (okay, not really) and a Aleksandar Mitrovic strike gave Fulham a comfortable 2-0 victory over Leeds United.

Fulham had a few great chances to put themselves ahead in the early stages, with Floyd Ayite smashing the outside of the post, while Mitrovic was denied by a superb Bailey Peacock-Farrell save.

But the home side made their pressure count when Mitrovic's header hit McDonald on his backside, wrong footing the Leeds keeper and giving Fulham the lead.

Leeds saw more of the ball in the second half but Fulham continue to threaten - Sessegnon came close but another superb Peacock-Farrell save denied the wonderkid.

A wonderful Marcus Bettinelli save denied Leeds, before Fulham scored 14 SECONDS later through Mitrovic in a ruthless counter attack.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 9: Didn't have much to do in the first half. Absolutely stunning save kept Fulham's lead intact, before they went up the pitch and scored 14 seconds later. Big performance from the number one.

Fredericks 7: Tenacious display in the first 45 covering both attack and defence for Fulham.

Odoi 7: Another solid showing at centre back - him and Ream are becoming first choice for Jokanovic.

Ream 8: REAMMM! What more can be said about the American? Solid once more.

Targett 7: Combined well with Sessegnon to cause problems in the first half.

McDonald 8: Won't know much about the goal, but another solid performance in the anchor role.

Johansen 8: Got stuck into the Leeds midfield and provided the thrust going forward for Fulham.

Cairney 8: Metronome in midfield again, dictated play with Leeds not able to get near him.

Sessegnon 7: Caused problems down the left in the first 45 with Targett. Started to get on the ball in the second, cutting inside and causing mayhem.

Ayite 6: Had a decent game and got on the ball, but should've scored in the first half.

Mitrovic 8: Physical presence caused a problem and got an assist for the first goal. Got himself a goal when he got on the end of a lethal Fulham break.

Subs -

Norwood 6: Came on to add steel to Fulham's midfield after going 2-0 up. Added an extra man to combat Leeds running through the midfield.

Kalas N/A: Not enough time to affect proceedings having replaced McDonald in the 88th minute.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-2-0-leeds-player-14488840

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Next at Home: Reading

As Fulham continue their push for promotion, the boys return to Craven Cottage on Tuesday 10th April, when they take on Reading (kick-off 7:45pm).

Watch the Whites under the Cottage lights, with tickets starting from £15 for juniors and £30 for adults.

Back the boys and secure your tickets today online, by telephone on 0203 871 0810 (opt 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Season Ticket Holder Offer: Two Mates for £5 each!

We're offering Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to bring up to two mates for just £5 each to this match.

An exclusive offer just for 17/18 Season Ticket Holders, get behind Slaviša Jokanović and the Whites as we face the Royals.

Supporters can purchase their tickets online now. Fans are reminded to log in to their ticketing account in order to view the special price.

All tickets are subject to availability. Terms & Conditions and booking fees apply.

*Exclusive offer for 17/18 Season Ticket Holders only, maximum of two tickets per person. Tickets for this promotion are subject to availability and are not available in the Putney End.

When purchasing online, fans will be required to log in to their ticketing account in order to view this special price.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/03/reading-tickets

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Fulham 2-0 Leeds United

Fulham benefited from a freak goal from Kevin McDonald as they enhanced their Championship promotion chances with a 2-0 win over Leeds.
The third-placed Cottagers moved five points behind Cardiff in second after midfielder McDonald scored off his backside before in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic added a second.
Fulham, who have won six of their last seven matches, extended their record-breaking unbeaten league run to 18 matches.
The hosts opted to restore Ryan Sessegnon to their line-up after resting him for Friday's 2-0 victory at Norwich.
And it was the Cottagers who had the first significant chance of the game as Mitrovic fired wide from Matt Targett's cross from the left.
Fulham went even closer shortly afterwards as Floyd Ayite hit a post from another cross from the left, this time from Sessegnon.
Mitrovic was then denied by visiting goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell following his header from Tom Cairney's corner.
Leeds lost midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who was forced off through injury after just 23 minutes.
Fulham continued to offer the main threat with Ayite's shot deflecting wide and from the resulting 33rd-minute Targett corner took the lead in freak fashion.
Mitrovic's header down hit a stationary McDonald and trickled past a stranded Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Leeds offered a response just before the break with captain Gaetano Berardi shooting wide on the volley from Pablo Hernandez's corner.
Fulham started the second half well with Stuart Dallas heading straight over his own crossbar from Ryan Fredericks' threatening cross.
They went close again as Mitrovic inadvertently blocked a shot from team-mate Sessegnon, who then was denied by Peacock-Farrell after he had exchanged passes with Stefan Johansen.
Leeds offered the occasional scare for the hosts on the break with Ronaldo Vieira's 30-yard shot going wide.
They then missed an even better one after 63 minutes as Caleb Ekuban was denied by Marcus Bettinelli in a one-on-one - and Fulham went straight down the other end to score on the break.
On-loan Newcastle striker Mitrovic made it eight goals in as many games as he slotted home after exchanging passes with Cairney.
The hosts continued to attack, with Fredericks firing into the side netting, while Leeds had a penalty appeal waved away after Dallas went down under a challenge from Bettinelli.
And the visitors' evening was summed up when substitute Jay-Roy Grot headed over with the goal at his mercy following Samuel Saiz's late cross.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483226

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Match Recap: Leeds United lose 2-0 on the road to Fulham
Another demoralizing loss for Leeds

Leeds United traveled to West London looking for a famous upset, but once again were denied any points because of crap finishing and a ruthless Fulham side that is looking to catch Cardiff City for the final playoff spot. And as much as Leeds fans would like to see Neil Warnock fail to get automatic promotion, losing to Fulham in this fashion is still too much.

Fulham took their chances while Leeds wasted their chances on the ball, and Leeds limped to yet another defeat away from home and Fulham is now 18 matches unbeaten and looking like a team that will be playing in the Premier League next season.

Leeds were put under some early pressure, as the post denied an open goal from Fulham's Floyd Ayite. Off the resulting corner, Alexander Mitrovic had an open header on goal, but the shot was well saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Eunan O'Kane went off injured in the 22nd minute with Kalvin Phillips replacing him in a like-for-like swap of central midfielders. O'Kane going off earned him some banter on Twitter, but given the length of the injury list, it is a tad worrying to see him go down in the first half of the match.

After a Kalvin Phillips mistake, Fulham were able to drive forward and earn a corner kick that was promptly put into the back of the net. The ball appeared to go in off of McDonald's backside and into the back of the net. The opposition scoring off a pinballing shot in the box that ultimately rebounds in off of the backside of an opposing player pretty much sums up the season.

Not much else went on for Leeds during the rest of the half. A few decent balls between Hernandez and Saiz were the only real chances for Leeds, and despite a volley from Gaetano Berardi that appeared to go into orbit, Leeds looked fairly toothless going forward while Fulham looked in decent control for most of the half. Leeds trailed 1-0 at the half.

Leeds attempted to get something going in the first part of the second half, but once again the final ball seemed to once again let the team down. For all of the possession and passing, nary a chance on goal was created by Leeds as Fulham looked to contain the attack.

Sessegnon was denied a goal by Mitrovic, as the Serbian striker was somehow placed right in the way of the young England winger's shot. Sessegnon had another shot that was saved by Peacock-Farrell and out for a corner that Leeds broke out from, only for Alioski to be a few miles offside after Saiz dithered on the ball instead of passing it early.

Caleb Ekuban missed what absolutely was a glorious chance as Kalvin Phillips laid the ball out perfectly for Ekuban to strike home, but the striker could only hit the onrushing keeper. Fulham broke out perfectly for the counter attack, and Tom Cairney made Leeds pay by playing a neat 1-2 with Alexander Mitrovic that the Serbian slotted home.

Both Jay-Roy Grot and Pierre-Michel Lasogga were brought on in the 72nd minute for Gjanni Alioski and Caleb Ekuban, in a vain attempt for Leeds to try and get back into the game.

Grot did nothing to quell his critics after a perfect pass from Saiz found both Lasogga and Grot completely unmarked in the six-yard box, only for the Dutchman to miss an impossibly easy header. Literally, any player on the pitch except for Grot would have scored from that header. Leeds, once again, totally failed to convert an easy chance.

Saiz won a free kick in stoppage time, but even Hernandez couldn't salvage at least a goal out of this mess. Leeds would go on and fail to get even a point against Fulham after missing some excellent chances and falling victim to a fluke goal and a perfectly timed counter-attack.

Fulham picked up three vital points in their race for automatic promotion spots while Leeds are once again left to pick up the pieces and make the long journey back to Yorkshire.


https://throughitalltogether.sbnation.com/2018/4/3/17193948/match-recap-leeds-united-lose-2-0-on-the-road-to-fulham-18-match-unbeaten-streak

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Fulham 2-0 Leeds: Aleksandar Mitrovic on target as hosts keep pressure on Cardiff

Fulham kept alive their automatic promotion hopes and stretched a remarkable unbeaten run to 18 games with a 2-0 win over Leeds at Craven Cottage.

Kevin McDonald scored a freak first-half opener and Aleksandar Mitrovic - just moments after Caleb Ekuban had spurned a glorious chance to equalise - added a crucial second in the 63rd minute as the hosts closed the gap on Cardiff to five points.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have played a game more than Neil Warnock's men but will look to their rivals' looming games against Wolves - live on Sky Sports - and Aston Villa, as well as their own continued hot streak as they seek to swerve the nerve-fraying finale of the play-offs.

Leeds - who have now won just two of their last 16 games - might long have been tucked in mid-table but Paul Heckingbottom vowed his side were out to upset those retaining ambitions and Stuart Dallas fired a first-minute warning, albeit into the crowd.

But Fulham soon settled into their rhythm. Familiarly slick build-up saw Mitrovic sweep wide and see a header smartly saved, as well as linking up with Ryan Sessegnon in a one-touch move that Floyd Ayite could only finish against a post.

Stefan Johansen had a chance of his own when Ayite darted down the right but the breakdown came in unexpectedly scruffy fashion in the 33rd minute when Matt Targett's corner, having been flicked on by Mitrovic, bounced off the back of an unwitting McDonald.

Leeds, who had carried only fleeting threat from set-pieces, might have gone further behind had Mitrovic not got in the way of Sessegnon's goalwards sweep, nor Bailey Peacock-Farrell stretched to deny the teen after a fierce drive with his right boot.

But Fulham did extend their lead during a minute that proved pivotal. Ekuban, set free by Gaetano Berardi, lashed straight at Marcus Bettinelli and, straight up the other end, Mitrovic served punishment by slotting low after exchanging passes with Tom Cairney.

The hosts continued to attack, Ryan Fredericks firing into the side netting, while Leeds had a penalty appeal rightly waved away after Dallas went down with a flourish under a challenge from Bettinelli.

Heckingbottom's side competed more gamely after the break but their night was summed up when substitute Jay-Roy Grot headed over from just yards out following Samuel Saiz's late cross.

Man of the match - Aleksandar Mitrovic
The on-loan Newcastle man took his tally to eight goals in as many games but his endeavour, clever lay-offs, and aerial threat made for a fine all-round performance.

"Link play, aggression, work rate... Fulham were missing a true centre-forward and he's filled the void brilliantly," said co-commentator Andy Hinchcliffe.

The managers
Slavisa Jokanovic: "It depends on [Cardiff]. We can do it, we can try and repair ourselves and be ready for our next game. It is our ambition to fight for three points every week. But everything depends on Cardiff, they must lose.

"They have five points and that is a big difference. We will try and do our job, it's a race, we will try and chase."

Paul Heckingbottom: "The big moments were the difference between the teams. We can take lots of things from that game: frustration, anger, pleasure, disappointment. Caleb needs to work

"Certain things went against us. Some pleasing things came out of the game but I'm getting frustrated. We more than matched them but they were good."

What's next?
The gruelling Championship schedule continues as Fulham travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, before hosting Reading on Tuesday. Leeds welcome Sunderland on Saturday, before heading to Preston.



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-leeds/report/375091

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Loan Round-Up

On Good Friday in League One, Stephen Humphrys played the opening 77 minutes for Rochdale in their crucial 3-1 win at home to promotion hopefuls Shrewsbury Town.

After conceding early on, Rochdale's equaliser came in the 12th minute of first half stoppage time through Oliver Rathbone.

Stephen Davies added the second with an overhead kick, and Shrewsbury had a chance to equalise late on.

Referee Richard Clark awarded Town a spot kick in injury time, however changed his mind after consulting the linesman.

From the resulting corner, Dale broke and Ian Henderson sealed the dramatic win in the 96th minute.

Rochdale stay in the relegation zone, 23rd in the table. However, those three vital points see the Dale four points off safety with two games in hand, plus a favourable goal difference to those teams above.

Shrewsbury since then beat Oxford United and have returned to the automatic promotion spots.

On Easter Monday also in League One, Marek Rodák's Rotherham United fell to a 3-1 away defeat to play-off rivals Charlton Athletic.

The Addicks stormed to a three goal lead before the Millers were able to respond with a consolation goal. Rotherham stay fourth in the table on 66 points, 15 points off the automatic promotion spots.

They are five points above Charlton in sixth, and Portsmouth in seventh.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/03/loan-round-up

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Fulham vs Leeds United: Slavisa Jokanovic's post match press conference as the Cottagers go 18 matches unbeaten

The match finished 2-0 to Slavisa Jovanovic's men

The gap to Cardiff and automatic promotion is down to five points after a solid 2-0 win from Fulham this evening.

Kevin McDonald opened the scoring, though he didn't know much about it until the ball was already in the net, while Mitrovic finished a scything counter-attack when Tom Cairney laid the ball off for him 12 yards out.

Losing to Sunderland seems a long time ago as Fulham remain in third place and two points clear of Aston Villa, who beat Reading 3-0.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/fulham-leeds-jokanovic-live-press-14488925

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Lucky goal helps Fulham beat Leeds

Fulham benefited from a freak goal from Kevin McDonald as they enhanced their Championship promotion chances with a 2-0 win over Leeds.

The third-placed Cottagers moved five points behind Cardiff in second after midfielder McDonald scored off his backside before in-form Aleksandar Mitrovic added a second.

Fulham, who have won six of their last seven matches, extended their record-breaking unbeaten league run to 18 matches.

The hosts opted to restore Ryan Sessegnon to their line-up after resting him for Friday's 2-0 victory at Norwich.

And it was the Cottagers who had the first significant chance of the game as Mitrovic fired wide from Matt Targett's cross from the left.

Fulham went even closer shortly afterwards as Floyd Ayite hit a post from another cross from the left, this time from Sessegnon.

Mitrovic was then denied by visiting goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell following his header from Tom Cairney's corner.

Leeds lost midfielder Eunan O'Kane, who was forced off through injury after just 23 minutes.

Fulham continued to offer the main threat with Ayite's shot deflecting wide and from the resulting 33rd-minute Targett corner took the lead in freak fashion.

Mitrovic's header down hit a stationary McDonald and trickled past a stranded Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Leeds offered a response just before the break with captain Gaetano Berardi shooting wide on the volley from Pablo Hernandez's corner.

Fulham started the second half well with Stuart Dallas heading straight over his own crossbar from Ryan Fredericks' threatening cross.

They went close again as Mitrovic inadvertently blocked a shot from team-mate Sessegnon, who then was denied by Peacock-Farrell after he had exchanged passes with Stefan Johansen.

Leeds offered the occasional scare for the hosts on the break with Ronaldo Vieira's 30-yard shot going wide.

They then missed an even better one after 63 minutes as Caleb Ekuban was denied by Marcus Bettinelli in a one-on-one – and Fulham went straight down the other end to score on the break.

On-loan Newcastle striker Mitrovic made it eight goals in as many games as he slotted home after exchanging passes with Cairney.

The hosts continued to attack, with Fredericks firing into the side netting, while Leeds had a penalty appeal waved away after Dallas went down under a challenge from Bettinelli.

And the visitors' evening was summed up when substitute Jay-Roy Grot headed over with the goal at his mercy following Samuel Saiz's late cross.



http://londonfootballnews.co.uk/fulham/lucky-goal-helps-fulham-beat-leeds-united/

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Fulham 2  Leeds United 0: Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic strikes keep up pressure on Cardiff

Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates doubling Fulham's lead  Credit: Getty images

Fulham extended their unbeaten league run to 18 games and kept up the pressure on second-placed Cardiff.

Neil Warnock's side are showing few signs of slowing down themselves and will move eight points clear of the Cottagers if they win their game in hand.

All Fulham can do is keep winning and they did so comfortably at Craven Cottage despite the good fortune which accompanied their opening goal. Leeds had earlier play-off aspirations of their own but have only won twice this year, consigning them to mid table.

Their young-side showed plenty of heart in the capital but were no match for Slavisa Jokanovic's side. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in the second half, adding to Kevin McDonald's earlier strike as Fulham dominated for long spells.

Mitrovic came close early on as Bailey Peacock-Farrell saved his header superbly from Matt Targett's corner whilst Floyd Ayite struck the post when he should have scored as Fulham laid siege to the Leeds goal. Ryan Sessegnon had earlier been nominated for both the Championship's player and young player of the season awards and lurked threateningly on the left flank, awaiting his opportunity.

Fulham took a deserved lead in fortuitous circumstances as Mitrovic again rose to meet Targett's corner and the ball diverted in of McDonald's hip, to the complete surprise of the Fulham midfielder.

Sessegnon came close to adding a second after the break, his goal-bound effort being blocked by Mitrovic after good work from Tom Cairney – also a nominee for the league's best player award.

The 17-year-old then popped up on the right side to fire in a shot which Peacock-Farrell did well to turn round the post. The pivotal moment came just after the hour mark when Caleb Ekuban missed an excellent chance to equalise for Leeds when he shot straight at Marcus Bettinelli. From the save, Fulham raced up the field and Cairney fed Mitrovic to make it 2-0.

The travelling supporters managed to retain their perspective. "Leeds are staying up," they sang in mock jubilation.



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/04/03/fulham-2-leeds-united-0-kevin-mcdonald-aleksandar-mitrovic-strikes/

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Aleksandar Mitrovic strike ensures Fulham keep up promotion pressure on Cardiff with impressive win over Leeds

Fulham 2 Leeds United 0: Kevin McDonald deflected in Aleksandar Mitrovic's header from a corner and the striker then finished off a flow counter-attack to seal the points


Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring Fulham's second Getty

With six games to go, Fulham know their chances of automatic promotion are almost out of sight. But it certainly hasn't stopped them doing everything they can in the meantime.

A lucky first-half deflection and a slick move on the counter helped them to a victory over Leeds they had to work for on Tuesday night.

The home side's stunning form is a force to to be reckoned with – they're still unbeaten at Craven Cottage since October and won all but one of their last 11 games here.

Positivity may be at its highest at Craven Cottage, or at least it may have peaked a few weeks ago, but they're still a seemingly unshakeable five points from Cardiff in second place – despite the Welsh side dropped two points at Sheffield United on Monday.

Chances came thick and fast early on for Floyd Ayite and Newcastle loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic, who hit the post and nudged a shot just wide respectively. The momentum was all white.

Leeds United fans had come down to London in force, and were far louder, until the first goal silenced them. The noise then shifted as the home crowd finally found their voices.

All the possession and the pressure from Fulham meant something had to give, and the moment eventually came just after the half-hour mark from a corner. The ball pin-balled around the Leeds penalty box, ricocheting off Kevin McDonald's lower back into the bottom corner. The midfielder hadn't noticed until he heard the cheering, but grinned cheekily as he realised.

Up until the hour, the scoreline didn't do the quality much justice with just the one goal to Fulham's name. They'd had over 10 chances to Leeds's two. Fulham were solid defensively, and although their distribution was getting sloppy at times in the middle, they had a clear grip on the game.


Matthew Pennington slides in for a tackle (Getty)

Ryan Sessegnon could have had a brace as he was allowed time and space down the left wing. If it weren't for Aleksandar Mitrovic getting in the way of one shot, and Bailey Peacock-Farrell getting his gloves behind another, the Fulham top scorer would have had more to celebrate than just his multiple nominations for Championship Player and Young Player of the Year.

Leeds had started to get more time on the ball in the second half, and when Caleb Ekuban was put through on goal he saw his golden chance to equalise. Marcus Bettenelli spread himself wide though, and the home side suddenly sprung into life. Fulham went straight up the field to double their lead. Mitrovic combining with Tom Cairney to complete a slick counter attack that left Ekuban with head in hands.

Fulham then maintained control, despite a few shaky moments towards the end. Stefan Johansen was lucky to stay of the field after making no attempt to get the ball in a serious challenge.

When substitute Jay Roy Grot then missed another sitter with 12 minutes to go. There was the feeling that it clearly just wasn't Leeds's night. Although they did make a fighting attempt to get back into the game, they just couldn't get past the Fulham back four.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-leeds-united-aleksandar-mitrovic-championship-match-report-a8287456.html