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Wednesday Fulham Stuff (11/04/18)...

Started by WhiteJC, April 10, 2018, 09:59:04 PM

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WhiteJC

 
Results















Tuesday
Aston Villa
1 - 0 Cardiff
Bristol City
3 - 1 Birmingham
Burton
0 - 5 Hull
Fulham
1 - 0 Reading
Ipswich
1 - 0 Barnsley
Nottm Forest
0 - 1 Brentford
Preston NE
3 - 1 Leeds
QPR
4 - 2 She'd Wed
Sheff Utd
2 - 1 Middlesborough
Sunderland
1 - 1 Norwich
Bolton
0 - 2 Millwall

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-0 Reading


Stefan Johansen's eighth league goal of the season gave Fulham the lead before half-time

Fulham climbed up to second in the Championship as Stefan Johansen's strike saw them beat relegation-threatened Reading.

The Norway international's eighth league goal of the season came against the run of play in the first half as he finished a low Matt Targett cross.

Reading midfielder Leandro Bacuna was shown a late red card for a rash challenge on full-back Ryan Sessegnon.

Fulham are now unbeaten in 20 league games after a fourth straight win.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side move into the automatic promotion places with four games to play after Cardiff were beaten 1-0 at Aston Villa.

Fulham are a point ahead of the Bluebirds, but have played a game more than Cardiff.

Defeat for Reading still leaves them in danger of being drawn into the relegation zone. They remain five points above the bottom three in 19th, but third-from-bottom Barnsley have a game in hand on Paul Clement's side.

The Royals started the brighter of the two sides, but were punished when the ball broke kindly to Johansen inside the penalty area and he slotted in an effort Vito Mannone could not hold.

The midfielder spurned chances to extend his goal tally and Fulham's lead after the break when Mannone's fingertip save denied his well-placed shot from Sessegnon's cross.

Reading's chances of finding a late equaliser were further hit when Bacuna caught Sessegnon with a late tackle in stoppage time.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:

"The table's not important, the situation is still not under our control as Cardiff have one game more. This is the situation. We are not thinking so much about the position.

"On one hand we've guaranteed one target, the play-offs. The next step is the Brentford game and we will be aiming to win the game.

"I don't know how Cardiff feel. We've made our first target. We need to be ready for our next step. Everything is in their hands and we want to make it our job to put them under pressure."

Reading manager Paul Clement told BBC Radio Berkshire:

"If I reflect over my four games in charge, that's one of the best performances we have had, but we haven't got the result and played a much higher level of opposition.

"Up to the goal we are playing well. I am disappointed with the way it finished, going down to 10 men, as Leandro Bacuna isn't available now.

"We had the hardest fixture tonight, and we pushed a very good team close to the very end.

"If we play with that passion and will to win, we'll be good."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43624043

WhiteJC

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović believed his side showed great spirit to win 1-0 against Reading at home on Tuesday night.

Stefan Johansen's 25th-minute goal was the difference between the teams and this victory sees the Whites extend their unbeaten run to 20 straight matches.


"Reading arrived here with great energy and a desire to press us," the Fulham Head Coach said, "So we didn't create so many chances in the first 15 minutes.

"But we did well to be clinical in the first half; in the second half we created many more chances, but we didn't finish. We needed to be more clinical in the second half and more calm at the end of the game, but this is the Championship and it's not easy to win games."

When asked how that victory made him feel, Jokanović responded that, "I am a positive man. We showed ambition and we weren't scared. We had many organised attacks and my team showed a great desire to kill the game.

"I must give credit to my squad. We're going to get ready for the next step in a similar style.

"We had great chances to kill the game with a second goal, but we couldn't do it. But we did show great defensive concentration. We prevented Reading from creating chances and this is our fourth game in a row with a clean sheet. This is positive news for us."

These three points see the Whites move up to second in the table, but Jokanović insisted he is not looking beyond the next game.

"Everything is in Cardiff's hands," he said. "They still have one more game to play than we do. They must be under some kind of pressure.

"We have to be ready for the next step and that's it. It's not necessary to look any further and I am only getting the team ready for Brentford.

"My players and I are only focused on the next game. We cannot think about taking it more than one step at a time."

It was a fine old atmosphere at Craven Cottage and Jokanović took time to praise the home fans.

"The supporters were fantastic," the Head Coach said. "They've pushed us all season and I expect they'll create an excellent atmosphere for us this Saturday against Brentford."
"Our momentum is fantastic," Jokanović finished on. "The team's spirit is great and we all have to focus on doing our jobs."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/10/head-coach-reaction


WhiteJC

 
After impressive loan form should Tottenham Hotspur consider Aleksandar Mitrovic?

The Serbian will have plenty of interest after his brilliant 2018 on loan from Newcastle United at Fulham.

For the first time since making his move to England, Aleksandar Mitrovic is looking like the player Newcastle United hoped he could have been. Unfortunately for them, he is not showcasing his talents at St James' Park. Instead, he is in fine form for Championship side Fulham.

Since heading to Craven Cottage in January the Serbian has been on fire for the promotion-chasing Cottagers. Mitrovic has scored nine goals in his last nine games for the London club, and 11 in 10 including his international appearance in March.

In short, Mitrovic is finally on fire.

For the first time since making his move to England, Aleksandar Mitrovic is looking like the player Newcastle United hoped he could have been. Unfortunately for them, he is not showcasing his talents at St James' Park. Instead, he is in fine form for Championship side Fulham.

Since heading to Craven Cottage in January the Serbian has been on fire for the promotion-chasing Cottagers. Mitrovic has scored nine goals in his last nine games for the London club, and 11 in 10 including his international appearance in March.

In short, Mitrovic is finally on fire.

Such form is what was expected when Mitrovic was brought to England. He had long been linked with a host of the Premier League's top clubs.

So should one of those teams look at him again? Namely, Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs were linked with Mitrovic when he was banging in the goals with Anderlecht, as reported by the Express. How much truth was in those rumours is unknown. But Tottenham should still be keen on his signature.

Prior to his Newcastle struggles, where some will say he was misused and simply had a discipline problem, he was a top goal-getter in Belgium. Mitrovic had scored 44 goals in 90 games at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium. Tottenham fans will also know what he can do. In his two appearances against Spurs, he has scored two goals and Newcastle won on both occasions. When it comes to playing against Spurs, he is something of a boogeyman.



https://tbrfootball.com/impressive-loan-form-tottenham-hotspur-consider-aleksandar-mitrovic/

WhiteJC

 
Paul Clement tasted his second defeat as Reading FC boss against Fulham FC

LEANDRO Bacuna saw red and Reading FC were made to pay for lacklustre finishing as Fulham FC claimed a deserved 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Forwards Bodvarsson and Barrow both fluffed their lines at the vital moment as Reading missed two clear-cut opportunities to take the lead.

And Reading were punished when Stefan Johansen pounced on a delightful Matthew Target cross to put the hosts in front.

Royals continued to ask question but in truth the home side dominated the majority of the game and could have easily scored three or four on the night.

LEANDRO Bacuna saw red and Reading FC were made to pay for lacklustre finishing as Fulham FC claimed a deserved 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Forwards Bodvarsson and Barrow both fluffed their lines at the vital moment as Reading missed two clear-cut opportunities to take the lead.

And Reading were punished when Stefan Johansen pounced on a delightful Matthew Target cross to put the hosts in front.

Royals continued to ask question but in truth the home side dominated the majority of the game and could have easily scored three or four on the night.

The Cottagers now move up to second spot in the Championship as they edge closer to the Premier League.

Paul Clement made just one change to the side which beat Preston North End last Saturday as Dave Edwards returned from his one-game suspension to replace John Swift, who was relegated to the bench.

High-flying Cottagers were brimming with confidence ahead of kick-off knowing a win could move them into the automatic promotion hunt and nearly forced an early opening through wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon.

The 17-year-old span around Royals skipper Chris Gunter and accelerated into the box but his delivery was superbly dealt with by Liam Moore.

Bodvarsson then squandered a glorious opportunity to put Clement's side ahead with five minutes played.

The Icelandic striker's deft flick beat the on-rushing Marcus Bettinelli but was hacked away by Cottagers' Tim Ream with Edwards ready to pounce.

But it was Modou Barrow who squandered the most gilt-edged opportunity to score when he miss-hit Bodvarsson's cross from the right with the goal-mouth gaping.

Barrow eventually picked out Kelly inside the area but the midfielder's powerful drive cannoned off of a defender and away from harm.

Royals' positive start continued and they almost fashioned another chance when Barrow's teasing cross was hooked away for a corner with 16 minutes gone.

But Royals were made to pay for their lacklustre finishing when Matthew Targett's left-footed cross split Reading wide open and fell perfectly for Stephan Johansen to put the home side ahead after 25 minutes.

Johansen's strike lifted the hosts' spirits and Slavisa Jokanovic's men continued to pile forward through Tom Cairney and former Royal Lucas Piazon.

Aleksandar Mitrovic rose highest to get on the end of a Johansen free-kick and came within inches of doubling Fulham's lead with 33 minutes gone.

Royals struggled to recapture their early momentum and squandered several passing opportunities as a frustrated Clement watched on from the sidelines.

Mitrovic missed another header on the brink of half-time as the hosts continued to pile pressure on Royals' full-backs.

Barrow snaked his way into the box and very nearly picked out Dave Edwards in the centre but Fulham defended well and went into the break a goal ahead.

Royals came flying out of the blocks and a neat Leandro Bacuna pass nearly set Dave Edwards through on goal shortly after the restart.

The hosts hit Reading on the break immediately afterwards but Ryan Fredericks' cross was over-hit and trickled out for a throw-in.

Fulham soon got back into their stride and continued to pin Reading into their own half. Liam Kelly and Bacuna did well to play their way out of trouble with the pressure mounting in the final third.

Edwards made way for playmaker Swift after 58 minutes as boss Clement tried to inject more urgency into Royals' attacking play.

Kelly's whipped free-kick almost fell kindly to Tiago Ilori but the defender was just inches away from a tap-in.

Johansen then fluffed his opportunity to bag a brace when he miss-controlled a delicate flick from Fredericks inside the six-yard box.

He came within inches of scoring again just seconds later but shot-stopper Vito Mannone was alert and palmed away the strike.

Barrow's lung-busting sprint almost helped him get on the end of a risky Kevin McDonald cut-back but Bettinelli was on hand to smother the ball with 67 minutes on the clock.

Strikers Yann Kermorgant and Chris Martin were both thrown into the game with Reading desperately trying to find a way back into the tie.

Midfielder Kelly could have slipped Martin through on goal after cutting out a sloppy pass but the 21-year-old stalled on the ball before being tackled.

Neeskens Kebano almost settled the tie seconds after being introduced when he danced his way into the box and flashed a right-footed shot beyond Mannone's far-post on 82 minutes.

Captain Gunter then had to hook Mitrovic's effort off of the goal-line with Kebano creeping in at the back-post.

Fulham continued to pile pressure on Royals' back-line into added time and Bacuna earned a straight red card for a lunge on Sessegnon, making him the third player to see red in Clement's four games in charge.

The break in play sparked a miniture pitch invasion and the hosts went on to claim a priceless victory to move them a step closer to the Premier League.

Reading FC: Mannone, Gunter, Moore, Ilori, Richards (Martin,74), Kelly, Edwards (Swift, 58), Bacuna, Barrow, Aluko, Bodvarsson (Kermorgant, 68).

Subs not used: Jaakola, Van den Berg, Clement, Holmes.

Fulham FC: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Sessegnon, Odoi, McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 88), Cairney, Ream, Piazon (Kebano,79), Targett, Mitrovic.

Subs not used: Button, Fonte, Christie, Kalas, Kamara.

Referee: Lee Mason

Yellow cards: Richards (32), Targett (59)

Red card: Bacuna (90)

Attendance: 19,272



http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/16149993.Fulham_FC__1_0_Reading_FC___Leandro_Bacuna_sent_off_as_Royals_are_made_to_pay_for_poor_finishing/

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-0 Reading: Cottagers leapfrog Cardiff into second place as Stefan Johansen fires hosts to victory

    Stefan Johansen opened the scoring after converting Matt Targett's delivery
    Promotion-chasing Cottagers took lead into half time after dominating
    Neither side could find another goal as the hosts secured important three points
    Fulham have overtaken Cardiff in second but Welsh side have game in hand

Fulham marked this fixture as their shot at 'Reademption'. And while they didn't dole out the thrashing of Reading that would have atoned for last season's play-off heartache, there was plenty of satisfaction.

The leapfrogging of Cardiff City into the second automatic promotion place, for one thing, and the extension of their mightily impressive unbeaten league run to a 20th match, of which 16 have been wins.

Craven Cottage went wild when news of Jack Grealish's stunning late winner for Aston Villa against Cardiff filtered through. 'The whites are going up,' they sang as thousands of cardboard clackers clacked.


Stefan Johansen celebrates scoring the first goal of the game with Ryan Sessegnon


The Cottagers went ahead after 25 minutes and deserved their lead in the game


Thanks to that, and Stefan Johansen's first-half winner here, Fulham now lead Cardiff by a point.

They have relentlessly hunted the Welsh side down in recent weeks and have emerged from the pack with perfect timing to steal in front with the finish line moving into view.

Cardiff do retain a game in hand, at Derby County on April 24, but that will be far from easy and there's no telling what psychological effect that eroded lead will have on them from here.

A Premier League return the straightforward way, rather than the lottery of the play-offs, would be Fulham's true redemption for 12 months ago, when Reading beat them 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

And while this was far from a vintage performance, they stride relentlessly onwards.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic continued to toe the party line when asked about promotion. 'The situation is still not under our control, it will depend on Cardiff.

'We are not thinking so much about this position at the moment. We catch our first target, we must be quiet and be ready for the next step.

'I am always thinking about short steps and this is where we are, looking back in this moment is not important. The past is not important. This team must try and follow the same philosophy.'

Fulham actually started sluggishly and could easily have fallen behind when Jon Dadi Bodvarsson stepped around keeper Marcus Bettinelli, only for Tim Ream to hack off the line.


Kevin McDonald congratulates the goal-scorer who took advantage of a Matt Targett cross

But, on 25 minutes, everything clicked for the hosts like a switch being flicked to allow electricity to flow.

Neat and tidy build-up on the left involving Ryan Sessegnon and Matt Targett, a recurring theme this season, led to the latter lifting a delightful ball beyond the Reading defenders into Johansen's path.

The Norwegian was just a few yards out and couldn't miss, though Vito Mannone did lay a glove on it. The midfielder's eighth goal of the campaign transformed the mood around the old place.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Championship's player of the month for March and the missing piece in Fulham's jigsaw this season, had four chances of varying degrees of difficulty between then and half-time.

And their possession count topped 70 per cent as they searched for a second goal after the break.


Aleksander Mitrovic was a constant menace for the Reading defenders to deal with


Fulham dominated the game and deserved their win that moved them to second


Mitrovic teed up Johansen but the composure shown earlier deserted him when one-on-one with Mannone. Johansen was then denied by the Reading stopper after Targett's cut-back.

Neeskens Kebano almost settled it moments after coming on but drilled across the face of goal, while Mitrovic fired wide when he should have done better.

Reading's night got worse when Bacuna was shown a straight red card for an ugly tackle on Sessegnon in stoppage time.

Royals boss Paul Clement said: 'We certainly didn't make things easy for them, I was pleased with our defensive shape and we didn't allow them time and space on the ball.

'In the second-half, the team fatigued but we were in it to the end. But it wasn't to be.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5600741/Fulham-1-0-Reading.html#ixzz5CKVSvukl
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-0 Reading PLAYER RATINGS: The Whites move into second place with victory at the Cottage

Fulham moved into second spot after beating Reading 1-0 at the Cottage this evening

A Stefan Johansen goal was enough to see Fulham rise into second spot after beating Reading 1-0.

Fulham took the lead after 25 minutes, despite being second best in the contest when Matt Targett's sublime cross split the defence, finding Johansen who made no mistake and poked it past Vito Mannone.

It should've been two in the 62nd minute when Fulham played their way through the Reading defence, but fluffed their lines when miscommunication meant that Johansen's strike was feeble from eight yards.

There wasn't much to write home about in the second half, with Johansen coming close again after some lovely football from the hosts, but a last ditch tackle denied the midfielder.

Leandro Bacuna was sent off in the dying moments for a nasty challenge on Ryan Sessegnon, but it was Fulham's night.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 6: A bit nervy at the start, but comfortable otherwise. Not as composed with his kicking tonight but didn't have a save to make.

Fredericks 7: Good first 45 as he got himself down the right and caused problems. Brilliant covering header in the 64th denied Reading a golden chance.

Ream 8: Solid showing again from the American. Composed at the back and dealt with the long balls well. I'm starting to run out of ways to describe his performances to be honest - consistently solid?

Odoi 7: Comfortable in the air against his marker. Another good performance at centre half.

Targett 8: Brilliant ball to set up Johansen for the first goal. Solid and comfortable at left back again, another good showing from the loanee.

McDonald 6: Looked good in the anchor role, but a few loose touches and passes took the shine off the midfielder's performance somewhat.

Cairney 8: Dictated play in the middle and came into the game after the first goal when space started to open more.

Johansen 7: Well taken goal to give Fulham the lead. Linked defence to attack and drove Fulham forward. Could've had a hat-trick.

Sessegnon 8: Attacked down the left and caused his markers problems. Made a number of intelligent runs in behind and found good positions.

Piazon 6: Looked good on the ball and got in between the lines well. Didn't have as much impact in the second 45.

Mitrovic : A physical presence ensured the centre backs were in for a tough night. Should've scored at least one of his chances tonight.

Subs -

Kebano 7: Good impact and should've scored when he slalomed into the box. Good showing from the winger.

Norwood N/A: Didn't have enough time to impact proceedings.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-1-0-reading-player-14515095

WhiteJC

 
Johansen finish denies Royals at Craven Cottage

High flying Fulham only able to edge past battling

A wholehearted performance from the Royals was not rewarded with any points at Craven Cottage this evening as Stefan Johansen's first half finish proved the difference between Reading and a Fulham side who went into the top two with the win.

    Ream clears a Bodvarsson toe poke off the line early on
    Johansen sidefoots home from six yards out against the run of play
    Both teams go for the win but Fulham come closest to scoring a second
    Bacuna is sent off in injury time for what was adjudged to be a rash challenge.

Royals boss Paul Clement largely stuck with the eleven who earned victory over Preston North End at the weekend, making just one change to his teamsheet to reintroduce the eligible again Dave Edwards to the midfield.

The hosts began well, keeping possession nicely and Liam Moore had to hack clear a low Sessegnon cross into the six yard box from the left. But a better chance fell to Bodvarsson who ran onto a ball over the top, chested it down and got a toe to the ball before the onrushing Marcus Bettinelli - only for Tim Ream to slide in and clear the ball off the goalline.

And an even better opportunity fell Reading's way when Bodvarsson skidded a low cross from the byline into the box where Barrow miscued his right-footed swipe and Edwards' follow up strike from 12 yards out was charged down.

But very much against the run of play, the home side took the lead - Targett whistled a low left-footed cross into the Royals' box and Stefan Johansen was unmarked in the middle to calmly turn it home from six yards out.

With the crowd behind them, Fulham grew in confidence and Reading had to weather a storm - Mannone gobbling up a header from Mitrovic and the striker glancing just wide with ten minutes of the half remaining.

Gunter did well to get back and prevent Sessegnon from getting a shot away on the left side of the box and Mitrovic's follow up volley from just inside the area was too high to trouble Mannone.

Half time | Fulham 1-0 Reading

Reading began the second half as they had the first, on the front foot and in the ascendancy. Bettinelli had to take urgent action to race out and clear from the feed of Bodvarsson as the Icelander looked to take advantage of a short back pass.

Mitrovic turned his man and drilled against the base of the post just before the hour, but the offside flag had long been raised before he pulled the trigger.

Dave Edwards had not stopped running, so was replaced with John Swift soon after and Kelly won and whipped in a free kick that sailed across the six yard box and behind for a goal kick.

A sequence of headers in midfield from the Royals saw Bodvarsson lay the ball off for Kelly who looked to play the ball into Barrow but misplaced his first time throughball. And at the other end Johansen should have killed the game off when he was allowed to ghost onto a ball into the Reading box only to scuff his shot wide of the left upright.

And Mannone produced a very good low save to deny Johansen again moments later as the hosts looked for a second goal that would go a long way towards securing their win.

Yann Kermorgant and Chris Martin were both thrown on by Paul Clement as the Royals remained in the game against a side looking to end the evening in a top two spot.

And the game opened up with 15 minutes to go, Fulham nearly taking advantage on the counter atatck after Ilori had been dispossessed high up the field.

And substitute Kebano nearly wormed his way through to make it 2-0, dragging his effort across goal and wide of the left post. Mitrovic came close soon after, drilling low and inches wide of the same upright.

Reading were leaving spaces at the back as they threw caution to the wind, and the hosts were coming closer and closer to capitalising - Gunter sliding in to clear a Mitrovic effort that had beaten Mannone.

But Reading stayed in the game and continued to give it their all in search of a point. So much so that Moore was directed up front for the latter stages.

But Bacuna was penalised for what was adjudged to be a rash challenge in injury time, sent off with a straight red card in front of the dugouts and the Cottagers held on to the three points.

Results elsewhere were kind to Paul Clement's men, but they left Craven Cottage with nothing despite a performance which in parts promised more.

Full time | Fulham 1-0 Reading

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Sessegnon, Odoi, McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 89), Cairney (c), Ream, Piazon (Kebano 79), Targett, Mitrovic.
Subs: Button, Fonte, Christie, Kalas, Kamara.
Goals: Johansen 24
Yellow: Targett

Reading: Mannone, Gunter (c), Ilori, Moore, Richards (Martin 75), Bacuna, Kelly, Edwards (Swift 59), Aluko, Barrow, Böðvarsson (Kermorgant 69).
Subs: Jaakkola, Holmes, Van den Berg, Clement.
Goal:
Yellow: Richards

Referee: Mr L Mason
Attendance: 19,272 (1,065 away)



https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/match-report--fulham-vs-reading-april-2018/

WhiteJC

 
Johansen's goal puts Fulham second

Fulham 1 Reading 0


Stefan Johansen's goal moved Fulham above Cardiff into second place and assured them of at least a play-off spot with four games left.

The midfielder finished off a clever cross from Matt Targett on 25 minutes as the Whites extended their club-record unbeaten run to 20 games.

Reading finished with 10 men after Leandro Bacuna was shown a straight red card in stoppage time for an abysmal challenge on Ryan Sessegnon, which sparked two fans to invade thr pitch.

The visitors had bossed the opening moments and Tim Ream had to clear a Jon Dadi Bodvarsson effort off the line before Aleksandar Mitrovic went close with two headers – one saved, one wide – after the breakthrough.

The in-form Newcastle loanee hit the post in the second half from an offside position before setting up Johansen for the first of two good chances to find a second goal.

But the Norwegian's eighth of the season was enough to move Fulham into the automatic promotion places after Cardiff, who still have a game in hand, lost at Aston Villa.
Fulham (4-3-3): Bettinielli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; McDonald, Johansen (Norwood 89), Cairney; Piazon (Kebano 79), Mitrovic, Sessegnon
Subs not used: Button, Kalas, Christie, Kamara, Fonte



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-go-second-victory-reading


WhiteJC

 
Championship roundup: Fulham leapfrog Cardiff City into second

Fulham have leapfrogged Cardiff City into second place in the Championship table.

The Cottagers claimed a 1-0 win over Reading to secure their fourth straight league victory, as well as extending their unbeaten run to 20 games.

Stefan Johansen's eighth league goal of the season came against the run of play in the first half as he converted a low Matt Targett cross.

Royals midfielder Leandro Bacuna, meanwhile, was shown a late red card for a rash challenge on full-back Ryan Sessegnon.

The Bluebirds, meanwhile, were beaten 1-0 at Aston Villa, with Jack Grealish scoring a dramatic late winner for the hosts to put them within five points of second place.

Neil Warnock's charges, who had been on a lengthy unbeaten run prior to losing against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, have now lost two games in a row and drop to third in the table.

In-form Millwall have surged into the Championship playoff spots thanks to a 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers, with Tom Elliott and Ben Marshall grabbing the goals for last season's League One playoff winners.

Birmingham City's relegation battle has suffered a blow in the form of a 3-1 defeat at Bristol City, but the Blues remain three points clear of the bottom three as the teams below them all dropped points.

Alongside Bolton's loss to Millwall, Burton Albion were hammered 5-0 at home to Hull City, Barnsley suffered a 1-0 defeat at Ipswich Town, and Sunderland drew 1-1 with Norwich City.

Elsewhere, Brentford ran out 1-0 winners at Nottingham Forest, Preston North End beat out-of-form Leeds United 3-1, Queens Park Rangers claimed a 4-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday, and Sheffield United won 2-1 against Middlesbrough.

Results in full: Aston Villa 1-0 Cardiff City, Bristol City 3-1 Birmingham City, Burton Albion 0-5 Hull City, Fulham 1-0 Reading, Ipswich Town 1-0 Barnsley, Nottingham Forest 0-1 Brentford, Preston North End 3-1 Leeds United, Queens Park Rangers 4-2 Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United 2-1 Middlesbrough, Sunderland 1-1 Norwich City



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/championship-roundup-fulham-up-to-second_323200.html

WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-0 Reading: Stefan Johansen sends hosts into second as Cardiff lose


Promotion push | Fulham are unbeaten in 20 games PA

Fulham moved into the Championship's automatic promotion spots as Stefan Johansen goal downed Reading at Craven Cottage.

A 20th straight game without defeat, coupled with Cardiff's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, means Slavisa Jokanovic's side hold second place by virtue of a solitary point.

Though Cardiff still have a game in hand momentum is with Fulham, whose fans were chanting "we are going up" as soon as Johansen had struck in the 25th minute.

Fulham dominated possession but struggled to find their way through a Reading side that pressed them high and often whilst maintaining a rigorous defensive shield.


(Getty Images)

On 11 minutes Reading had their chance, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson crossing low to an unmarked Modou Barrow just inside the area. The Royals forward connected with not much more than fresh air and Denis Odoi was on hand with the block.

Where Reading wasted their best chance, Fulham were far more incisive. One of the few slick passing moves they put together in the first 25 minutes ended with Matt Targett teasing in a low cross to the back post, where Johansen was on hand to tap home.

On three occasions before half-time Mitrovic went close with headers and perhaps should doubled the lead when he flicked Johansen's free-kick from the left channel just wide of goal.


(Getty Images)

The Serbian striker tried to make amends in the second half, slipping through his team-mate when most would have expected him to turn and shoot inside the area. Johansen certainly seemed to and was unable to react quickly enough to do more than poke a shot into Vito Mannone's arms.

Reading's goalkeeper would deny Johansen again seconds later, sprawling down to his left to parry a low shot from 12 yards out.


(Getty Images)

Fulham had the game completely under their control but could not apply the killer blow. Substitute Neeskens Kebano danced past defenders before firing wide of the post. Tom Cairney and Mitrovic both wasted chances just inside the box before Chris Gunter cleared the latter's shot off the line.

Ultimately Fulham held firm in defence, a late red for Leandro Bacuna ending Reading's hopes, to claim three hard-fought points that will have their fans dreaming of a return to the Premier League.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-10-reading-stefan-johansen-sends-hosts-into-second-as-cardiff-lose-a3810826.html

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What Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff City's results mean for the Championship promotion race

Cardiff's defeat at Aston Villa opened the door for Fulham to leapfrog them into second place

Cardiff City dropped out of the automatic promotion places following a 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Jack Grealish's strike was enough to consign Neil Warnock's side to a second consecutive defeat - meaning Fulham leapfrogged them into second place following their 1-0 win over Reading.

The Cottagers now sit on 81 points in second place, a point ahead of Cardiff. But Neil Warnock's side do still have a game in hand - with the rearranged match against Derby more important than ever.

Fulham are now unbeaten in 20 matches with a home game against Brentford coming up next.

Villa, following their win, move just three points behind Cardiff in fourth place.

As things stand, 14 more points from their final five matches will be enough to secure promotion for Cardiff for definite - which quite simply means five wins from their remaining five games.

Drop a point somewhere along the line and they are relying on Fulham to slip up somewhere.

Destiny is just about still in their hands - but only just.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/what-fulham-aston-villa-cardiff-14515796


WhiteJC

 
Fulham 1-0 Reading: Stefan Johansen fires Cottagers into second

Fulham moved into the Sky Bet Championship top two after a nervy 1-0 victory over Reading saw them leapfrog Cardiff, who failed to win at Aston Villa.

Stefan Johansen's first-half strike was enough to help the club extend their club-record unbeaten run to 20 games.

Fulham were expected to provide the early running but it was struggling Reading who made the brighter start as Tim Ream cleared off the line to deny Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, while Dave Edwards saw an effort blocked.

The hosts had made a sluggish start but from their first chance of the game after 25 minutes they took the lead. Johansen had the simple task of tapping home from four yards out for his eighth goal of the season following Matt Targett's low cross from the left.

That settled Fulham who came close to a second when Aleksandar Mitrovic headed straight at Vito Mannone from Targett's corner.

Mitrovic was unfortunate again as his diving header from Johansen's free-kick went just wide of the post. The on-loan Newcastle striker was seeing plenty of the ball and blazed over on the half-volley after some fine play by Ryan Sessegnon had set up the chance.

Mitrovic then headed over off-balance from Targett's cross from the left in the final action of the first half.

Fulham started the second half in similarly quiet fashion to the first 45 minutes as Reading did their best to frustrate the hosts. Mitrovic hit the post from 20 yards but the referee blew for offside and it would not have counted.

The visitors were struggling to create chances of their own with no-one able to reach Liam Kelly's free-kick. At the other end, Johansen lost his footing in front of goal after Mitrovic had flicked on Tom Cairney's pass.

Johansen went close again when his left-footed drive from Targett's cross was saved by Mannone with a flag for offside preventing Mitrovic from converting the rebound.

The tension was increasing around Craven Cottage as a chested back pass by Ream nearly let in Modou Barrow for the visitors.

Lucas Piazon's 30-yard free-kick for Fulham was then saved by Mannone at the second attempt as the hosts strived for a second goal.

The chances continued to come for the Cottagers with sub Neeskens Kebano unfortunate not to score after a mazy run inside the area.

Leando Bacuna was then sent off for the visitors in injury time for a lunge on Sessegnon.

The managers

Slavisa Jokanovic: "The table's not important, the situation is still not under our control as Cardiff have one game more. This is the situation. We are not thinking so much about the position. On one hand we've guaranteed one target, the play-offs. The next step is the Brentford game and we will be aiming to win the game.

"We are really satisfied. We had a lot of desire but were not clinical enough. We showed our ambition to win the game. We know we must be ready for the next step."

Paul Clement: "I'm disappointed with the red card. We lose a very good player for the next games, we have some very important games. You could see with the body language he's disappointed. But we're all disappointed. We've lost someone important.

"I thought the challenge was reckless and showed some frustration we weren't going to get the result. It's a strange statistic that I've had three red cards in four games and I did not have any at my two previous clubs. I thought it was a good, competitive game. Congratulations to Fulham as there was a lot of pressure on them."



http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-reading/report/375115

WhiteJC

 
Championship round-up: Fulham up to second after Johansen sinks Reading

• Slavisa Jokanovic's side go above Cardiff after 20th match unbeaten
• Cardiff lose at Villa and Millwall win 2-0 at Bolton to go sixth


Stefan Johansen pounces to maintain Fulham's unbeaten record and move them up into second spot. Photograph: Javier Garcia/BPI/Rex/Shutterstock

Fulham climbed into the automatic promotion places at the expense of Cardiff, thanks to Stefan Johansen. The Norway midfielder's 25th-minute strike was enough to beat Reading 1-0 at Craven Cottage and stretch Fulham's unbeaten run to 20 matches. Leandro Bacuna was sent off in stoppage time for the visitors.

Millwall made it 16 games unbeaten to leap into the play-off positions with a 2-0 win at Bolton. Ben Marshall set up the first for Tom Elliott to head home and then rifled in the second after a lightning counterattack.

Middlesbrough were the team to slip out of the top six after they were beaten 2-1 at Sheffield United. Lee Evans scored twice before Daniel Ayala pulled one back for Boro, who played for 65 minutes with 10 men after Grant Leadbitter was sent off.

Bristol City kept their top-six hopes alive with a 3-1 win over struggling Birmingham. Marlon Pack, Bobby Reid and Matt Taylor were on target with Lukas Jutkiewicz replying for the Blues.

Henrik Dalsgaard's goal nine minutes from time gave Brentford a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, while another side still harbouring play-off aspirations, Preston, beat visiting Leeds 3-1. Kemar Roofe fired Leeds ahead but Paul Gallagher's penalty and goals from Sean Maguire and Alan Browne secured the three points for Preston.

Two goals from Kamil Grosicki, one from Harry Wilson, a David Meyler penalty and Will Keane's tap-in secured a 5-0 win for Hull that all but banished their relegation fears and shoved hosts Burton closer to League One.

Ivo Pinto's late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw for Norwich at second-bottom Sunderland. Aiden McGeady missed a penalty for Sunderland, who had led through George Honeyman.

QPR scored three in the opening 15 minutes through Paul Smyth, Jake Bidwell and Idrissa Sylla on their way to a 4-2 home win over Sheffield Wednesday. Sylla added a fourth from the spot before Fernando Forestieri and Atdhe Nuhiu hit the goals for Wednesday.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/10/championship-roundup-fulham-reading-second-place

WhiteJC

 
Neil Warnock has a cheeky dig at Aston Villa, Wolves and Fulham after Cardiff City become 'hunter' rather than 'hunted'

'You would have thought they'd won the World Cup celebrating like that'

Neil Warnock has piled all the pressure on Cardiff City's promotion rivals Fulham after watching his side succumb to a second 1-0 defeat.

Jack Grealish's stunning volley secured victory for Aston Villa over the Bluebirds, the second time in four days Cardiff had lost courtesy of a long range strike, demoting them to third place in the Championship.

And while Warnock is not downhearted about the Bluebirds' promotion chances, he admitted it was nice to now be the 'hunter' rather than the 'hunted' as Fulham beat Reading to jump into second place.

He also took a cheeky dig at Aston Villa - and Wolves - and the way they celebrated a narrow win over Cardiff.

"You could see what it meant to Villa at the end, you would have thought they'd won the World Cup!" laughed Warnock.

"So we've come a long way when teams like Villa and Wolves celebrate like that against us, having been second bottom when I turned up.

"They were a credit to me tonight, the lads."

With the race for second place now anybody's game - Cardiff trailing Fulham by a single point with a game in hand - Warnock ensured Slaviska Jokanovic's side know they're in for a scrap.

He again cast his troops as the underdogs against the Cottagers, unbeaten in 20 games after their latest victory.

"I think it's nice to be the hunter rather than the hunted," added the veteran boss. "I thought they might have scored more than one goal tonight, Fulham, so it just shows you.

"Things are going to happen between now and the end of the season. (Fulham) are a very good team, they talk a good game as well. So we've just got to concentrate on ourselves and it's different when you're out front.

"But the striker they got on loan has been the best signing in the whole league. That's what they've been missing for the past few years and all credit to them."



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-warnock-cheeky-dig-aston-14516093


WhiteJC

 
Championship round-up: Fulham leapfrog Cardiff into second


Fulham extended their unbeaten run to 20 games on Tuesday evening.

Fulham climbed into the automatic promotion places at the expense of Cardiff thanks to a goal from Stefan Johansen.

The Norwegian midfielder's 25th-minute strike was enough to beat Reading 1-0 and stretch Fulham's unbeaten run to 20 matches. Leandro Bacuna was sent off in stoppage time for the Royals.

Cardiff, the long-time occupiers of second spot, lost 1-0 at Aston Villa thanks to a stunning 25-yard volley by Jack Grealish five minutes from time to slip out of the top two.

Millwall made it 16 games unbeaten to leap into the play-off zone with a 2-0 win over Bolton at the Macron Stadium. Ben Marshall set up the first for Tom Elliott to head home and then rifled in the second after a lightning counter-attack.

Middlesbrough were the team to slip out of the top six after they were beaten 2-1 at Sheffield United.

Lee Evans grabbed both Blades goals before Daniel Ayala pulled one back for Boro, who played for 65 minutes with 10 men after Grant Leadbitter was sent off.

Bristol City kept their top-six hopes alive with a 3-1 win over struggling Birmingham.

Marlon Pack, Bobby Reid and Matt Taylor were on target with Lukas Jutkiewicz replying for the Blues.

Henrik Dalsgaard's goal nine minutes from time gave Brentford a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest while another side still harbouring play-off aspirations, Preston, beat Leeds 3-1.

Kemar Roofe fired Leeds ahead but Paul Gallagher's penalty and strikes from Sean Maguire and Alan Browne secured the three points for the hosts.

Two goals from Kamil Grosicki, one from Harry Wilson, a David Meyler penalty and Will Keane's tap-in secured a 5-0 win for Hull to all but banish their relegation fears and shove Burton closer to League One.

Jonas Knudsen's header denied Barnsley the chance to climb out of the relegation zone as Ipswich ran out 1-0 winners at Portman Road, while Ivo Pinto's late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw for Norwich at second-bottom Sunderland.

Aiden McGeady missed a penalty for Sunderland but the Black Cats led through George Honeyman.

QPR scored three in the opening 15 minutes through Paul Smyth, Jake Bidwell and Idrissa Sylla on their way to a 4-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday. Sylla added a fourth from the spot before Fernando Forestieri and Atdhe Nuhiu hit consolations for the Owls.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11319400/championship-round-up-fulham-leapfrog-cardiff-into-second

WhiteJC

 
Win puts Fulham second in Championship as Aston Villa beat Cardiff

Fulham climbed into the automatic promotion places at the expense of Cardiff on Tuesday thanks to a goal from Stefan Johansen.

The midfielder's 25th-minute strike was enough to beat Reading 1-0 and stretch Fulham's unbeaten run to 20 matches as Leandro Bacuna was sent off in stoppage time for the Royals.

Cardiff, the long-time occupiers of second spot, lost 1-0 at Aston Villa thanks to a stunning 25-yard volley by Jack Grealish five minutes from time as they slipped out of the top two.

Millwall made it 16 games unbeaten to leap into the playoff zone with a 2-0 win at Bolton.

Ben Marshall set up the first for Tom Elliott, who headed home, and rifled in the second after a counter-attack.

Middlesbrough were the team to slip out of the top six after they were beaten 2-1 at Sheffield United.

Lee Evans grabbed both Blades goals before Daniel Ayala pulled one back for Boro, who played for 65 minutes with 10 men after Grant Leadbitter was sent off.

Bristol City kept their top-six hopes alive with a 3-1 win over struggling Birmingham.

Marlon Pack, Bobby Reid and Matt Taylor were on target, with Lukas Jutkiewicz replying for the Blues.

Henrik Dalsgaard's goal nine minutes from time gave Brentford a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest while Preston, another side still harbouring play-off aspirations, beat Leeds 3-1.

Kemar Roofe fired Leeds ahead but Paul Gallagher's penalty and strikes from Sean Maguire and Alan Browne secured three points for the hosts.

Two goals from Kamil Grosicki, one from Harry Wilson, a David Meyler penalty and Will Keane's tap-in secured a 5-0 win for Hull to all but banish their relegation fears and shove Burton closer to League One.

Jonas Knudsen's header denied Barnsley the chance to climb out of the relegation zone as Ipswich ran out 1-0 winners, while Ivo Pinto's late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw for Norwich at second-bottom Sunderland.

Aiden McGeady missed a penalty for Sunderland but the Black Cats led through George Honeyman before Pinto struck.

QPR scored three goals in the opening 15 minutes through Paul Smyth, Jake Bidwell and Idrissa Sylla on their way to a 4-2 home win over Sheffield Wednesday.

Sylla added a fourth from the spot before Fernando Forestieri and Atdhe Nuhiu hit consolations for the Owls.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/english-league-championship/story/3451746/win-puts-fulham-second-in-championship-as-aston-villa-beat-cardiff

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Stefan Johansen fires frantic Fulham into second place


Stefan Johansen settles Fulhams' nerves in the 25th minute Credit: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Fulham's 20th successive unbeaten league game saw them creep into second place at ­Cardiff's expense.

There were far from their best, but Stefan Johansen's 25th minute goal was enough to secure the vital win and put the pressure back on Cardiff, who have a game in hand.

The stakes were high for both teams. Though he won't admit it, Slavisa Jokanovic is desperate to avoid the lottery of the play-offs where he lost out last season, to Reading.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson threatened to upset the script in the first five minutes and Fulham's Tim Ream was needed to clear the Icelander's shot off the line. Somewhat against the run of play, they scored with their first chance, as Matt Targett's low cross ran right across the area to Johansen, who bundled it home via a touch from Vito Mannone.

The goal breathed new life into Fulham and they began to resemble the team that had spent the ­previous 19 games unbeaten.

The edginess returned to Fulham in the second half and the natives were getting restless.

Targett and Johansen again ­combined to bring a sharp near post save from Mannone. Clement introduced Chris Martin for the ­final 15 minutes to vociferous boos from the home crowd.

Substitute Neeskens Kebano should have made the win more comfortable, but skewed wide of the far post, before Leandro Bacuna receiving a red card for a lunge.

Match details

Fulham (4-3-3) Bettinelli; Fredericks, Odoi, Ream, Targett; Johansen (Norwood 89), McDonald, Cairney; Piazon (Kabano 80), Mitrovic, Sessegnon.
Subs Button (g), Fonte, Christie, Kalas, Kamara. Booked Targett.

Reading (4-1-4-1) Mannone; Gunter, Moore, Ilori, Richards (Martin 75); Bacuna; Aluko, Kelly, Edwards (Swift 59), Barrow; Bodvarsson (Kermorgant 69).
Subs Jaakola (g), Van Den Berg, Clement, Holmes. Booked Richards. Sent off Bacuna.

Referee Lee Mason (Lancashire).



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/04/10/stefan-johansen-fires-frantic-fulham-second-place/


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Smith eyes 'mouth-watering' clash with Fulham after Bees win

Brentford boss Dean Smith is looking forward to a mouth-watering clash with promotion rivals Fulham after a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest sustained their hopes of making a late charge for the top six.

An 81st-minute goal from Henrik Dalsgaard was enough to see the Bees snatch all three points, on a night when Aitor Karanka's Reds had been denied by the woodwork twice, as well as seeing Daniel Bentley make a string of saves.

It was enough to leave Brentford four points off the play-off places with four games left to play.

And Smith is hopeful that is side can keep up the pressure on the sides above them.

"That's three 1-0 wins on the spin – and it shows a lot of character," he said. "Our game management was excellent.

"We're only four points from the top six, but there's some teams up there on unbelievable runs – including Fulham who we play on Saturday. All we can do it approach each game and try to win it.

"Fulham will be a mouth-watering game now, but we feel we're a good team now and we're five unbeaten."

Smith admitted his side had to work hard for the win – but was pleased for match-winner Dalsgaard.

"We started keeping the corners away from Costel Pantilimon and we got the goal from the last one," he said. "A first goal has been a long time coming for Henrik, he's had a couple of chances but I'm pleased he's scored."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/smith-eyes-mouth-watering-clash-fulham-bees-win

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Fulham go second with win, McCarthy leaves Ipswich

LONDON (Reuters) - Fulham moved up to second in England's second-tier Championship as Stefan Johansen's first-half goal gave them a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Reading on Tuesday.

The London club moved above Cardiff City, whose promotion push suffered a blow when they lost 1-0 at fourth-placed Aston Villa after Jack Grealish volleyed an 85th-minute winner.

Fulham have 81 points from 42 games and are a point clear of Cardiff, who have a game in hand. Villa are four points further back.

Leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are eight points clear of the chasing pack, host Derby County on Wednesday.

None of the bottom six teams won, with Sunderland missing a penalty and conceding a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at home to mid-table Norwich City.

Ipswich Town won 1-0 at home to Barnsley before their manager Mick McCarthy announced he was leaving the club with immediate effect.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-championship/fulham-go-second-with-win-mccarthy-leaves-ipswich-idUKKBN1HH3GE?rpc=401&;