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Millwall 0-3 Fulham


Clinical Fulham ended Millwall's 17-game unbeaten league run to return to the automatic promotion places and dent the Lions' Championship play-off bid.

After the hosts had the better chances in an electric but goalless first half, Fulham were terrific after half-time.

Ryan Sessegnon tucked in just after the restart, before Kevin McDonald's screamer made it 2-0 and Aleksandar Mitrovic found the top corner late on.

Fulham moved two points above rivals Cardiff, who have two games in hand.

The victory extended the Cottagers' own unbeaten streak to 22 games, stretching back to 16 December, but this felt like one of their most impressive and important.

They kept the pressure on Cardiff and ruled out the possibility of the Bluebirds clinching promotion before Fulham's next game, against Sunderland on Friday, 27 April.

Millwall, themselves also flying in the league since Christmas, could have led early on in a typically-energetic local derby, but Jake Cooper's header was touched on to the bar and George Saville's effort was disallowed because of an earlier foul.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side had controlled possession without really threatening, until Matt Targett clipped the bar moments before half-time.

Yet, within 40 seconds of the restart, they were ahead as 17-year-old Sessegnon - who picked up a trio of English Football League awards last Sunday - netted from a rebound.

McDonald's stunning strike made it two as Fulham came forward frenetically, and Mitrovic sealed it with his 13th goal in 13 games in the closing stages.

The Lions stay sixth, having played at least one game more than all of their rivals, but still have to face two other sides currently occupying play-off places - Middlesbrough and Aston Villa - in their final two games.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43748344

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović said that he "must be proud" of his team for how they performed in the 3-0 victory over Millwall.

Second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin Mcdonald and Aleksandar Mitrović ensured that the Whites return to the Cottage with three very important points.


"I must be proud about how my team played," the Head Coach said. "In the first 45 minutes, Millwall were strong and used their weapons, but we showed we could be solid. In the second half, we scored early and moved the ball a bit better. We stuck to our style and played a brilliant second 45 minutes.

"It's not easy to play football in this place. The last time Millwall lost at home was in November."

It was a tense game, as the home team tried to negate the Whites' passing movement with physical pressure.

"We normally trust our style and dominate possession of the ball," Jokanović said. "We showed great ambition and desire and stuck to our plan. I must be satisfied because my team followed the game plan and played with confidence. We deserved this result.

"We didn't surprise them and they didn't surprise us. We knew what to expect. They pushed hard—they're a physically strong team.

"My team showed confidence, solidarity and found a solution. We did a great job."

Jokanović also praised his team for their spirit and was happy with how they bounced back after last weekend's draw against Brentford.

"I trust my players and they trust me. Sometimes a plan works well. They are professional."

Even though it was a complete team performance, the Head Coach made sure to praise Sessegnon when prompted—the teenager's goal came at the perfect time to kickstart Fulham's second-half flurry.

"Everything Sessegnon touches in the box usually ends up in the back of the net," Jokanović said with a smile.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/april/20/head-coach-reaction-millwall

 
Derby County's play-off rivals Millwall beaten by Fulham

Rams remain just a point behind the Lions ahead of their Championship clash with Middlesbrough

Fulham did Derby County a favour by beating Millwall 3-0 at The Den on Friday night.

While the result took Fulham back into the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship, it also had big implications for the teams battling it out for the play-off places below them.

Sixth-placed Millwall missed the chance to pull away from Derby, who remain seventh, just outside the play-off zone.

The Rams are only a point behind the Lions going into their crunch clash with fifth-placed Middlesbrough at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Victory over Boro would see Gary Rowett's men regain fifth spot, with a game in hand over their closest rivals.

Fulham did Derby County a favour by beating Millwall 3-0 at The Den on Friday night.

While the result took Fulham back into the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship, it also had big implications for the teams battling it out for the play-off places below them.

Sixth-placed Millwall missed the chance to pull away from Derby, who remain seventh, just outside the play-off zone.

The Rams are only a point behind the Lions going into their crunch clash with fifth-placed Middlesbrough at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Victory over Boro would see Gary Rowett's men regain fifth spot, with a game in hand over their closest rivals.

Teenage wonder kid Ryan Sessegnon put the visitors in front just after half-time, following up after goalkeeper Jordan Archer had failed to hold a shot from Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Kevin McDonald doubled the lead shortly afterwards with a long-range screamer.

Mitrovic rounded things off with a late strike at Fulham extended their own unbeaten run to 22 league games.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/millwall-fulham-derby-middlesbrough-championship-1484379

 
Report: Millwall 0 Fulham 3: Lions suffer first league defeat since New Year's Day to dent promotion hopes

Millwall's play-off hopes were dealt a huge blow after losing 3-0 to Fulham at the Den this evening.

It was the Lions' first league defeat in 18 games thanks to second-half goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Neil Harris' side had a goal controversially disallowed and an effort cleared off the line in the first-half.

The result leaves Millwall in sixth place with their promotion rivals playing tomorrow.

Harris kept faith with the same starting line-up that rescued a point against Sheffield United last weekend.

Coming into the game, it was unbeaten league run versus unbeaten run - Millwall's 17 against Fulham's 21.

Millwall could have taken a shock four-minute lead when Jake Cooper's header crashed against the crossbar. Shaun Williams was able to get his head to the rebound, but Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli comfortably gathered.

The Lions' forwards and midfielders were constantly hounding the Cottagers' backline in the opening stages - and the hosts were unlucky not to be in front on 15 minutes.

Lee Gregory was adjudged to have fouled Tim Ream when heading back to Saville, who slotted home confidently. The harshly disallowed goal seemed to wake Fulham up. Mitrovic headed over with the visitors' first attempt on goal before Sessegnon's dangerous cross-shot was cleared off the line by Cooper.

Millwall went so close to scoring for a second time when Ream somehow got back in time to clear Jed Wallace's close-range strike off the line after Bettinelli tipped Marshall's cross into his path.

Towards the end of an action-packed first-half, Wallace's superb reverse pass found Morison in the box, but his cross was too high for Gregory.

Morison was in the thick of it again as Marshall's inviting delivery was headed over by the Millwall captain.

While the Lions would have felt hard done by with Saville's disallowed goal, they were counting their lucky stars after Matt Targett's powerful drive clipped the crossbar.

Millwall, who have been so quick out the blocks in halves this season, got off to the worst possible start by conceding within seconds of the restart.

Jordan Archer spilled Mitrovic's long-range effort into the path of Sessegnon, who scored his 15th goal of the season.

It would get even worse as Fulham doubled their lead ten minutes later through McDonald's stunning 20-yard curling strike.

With no response from Millwall, Sessegnon could have made it three on the hour mark, however, Archer was equal to his effort.

Harris threw on Tom Elliott to give Millwall more height up front in the 64th minute. He won his headers, but Fulham continued to dominate possession to nullify his threat.

Sessegnon, who was the Whites' best player on the day, continued to pose danger when his shot was inches away from finding the bottom left corner.

The Lions were unable to match the intensity shown in their first-half performance as Tomas Kalas powered through midfield to set up Mitrovic, who added a third one minute from time to maintain their top-two push.

Millwall XI: Archer, Romeo (O'Brien 87), Hutchinson, Cooper, Meredith (Cahill 77), Wallace, Williams, Saville, Marshall (Elliott 64), Morison, Gregory.

Subs not used: Martin, Shackell, Tunnicliffe, Onyedinma.



http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/millwall/16174688.Report__Millwall_0_Fulham_3__Lions_suffer_first_league_defeat_since_New_Year___s_Day_to_dent_promotion_hopes/

 
Millwall 0-3 Fulham: Ryan Sessegnon scores again as Slavisa Jokanovic's side climb above Cardiff into second in the race for the Premier League

    Fulham continued their push for promotion with victory over Millwall on Friday
    Ryan Sessegnon opened scoring for the visitors from close range on 46 minutes
    Kevin McDonald scored a screamer to double Fulham's lead in the second half
    Aleksandar Mitrovic added gloss to the scoreline in the final minutes on Friday

Ryan Sessegnon silenced the boo boys of Millwall on Friday night as Fulham's teenage sensation struck to send them back into the top two of the Championship.

The 17-year-old scored the 15th league goal of his remarkable season before Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic completed the rout, taking Slavisa Jokanovic's side to 22 games unbeaten.

Sessegnon will not have had many nights like this as Millwall's supporters created the cauldron of noise that manager Neil Harris wanted for this London derby at The Den.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/20/21/4B5EE9F800000578-0-image-m-5_1524255849524.jpg)
Ryan Sessegnon continued his fine season as he scored in Fulham's 3-0 win at Millwall

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The teenager pounced on a loose ball to give the visitors the lead early in the second half

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Kevin McDonald doubled the visitors' lead with a stunning strike after 56 minutes on Friday

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The midfielder fired home a right-footed strike from outside the box to put Fulham 2-0 ahead

They had been giving Sessegnon the Cristiano Ronaldo treatment all game — booing his every touch — so he happily celebrated his goal by cupping his ears. He later turned conductor, leading the Fulham fans in their full-time celebrations and smacking the badge on his chest.

'This man is something special,' Jokanovic said. 'He's only 17 and his level is unbelievable. He is a good player, and he will only become better in the future.

'Is he World Cup ready? 'You know my opinion... I believe he can be there but it's not my job.'

Fulham are now two points clear of Cardiff but Neil Warnock's side have two games in hand. All the Cottagers can do is continue winning and cross their fingers.

This was a battle between the Championship's two in-form teams – Millwall were unbeaten in 17 heading into this, while Fulham were on 21.

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Aleksandar Mitrovic added gloss to the scoreline for the away side in the dying minutes

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Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic watches on as his side continued their push for promotion

In the first half, it seemed likelier that Jokanovic's side would leave as losers.

Millwall's Jake Cooper crashed a header against the crossbar in the fifth minute and they then had a goal ruled out by referee Andre Marriner.

George Saville had scored it and was already celebrating as the stadium's goal music was blasted out, but Marriner spotted a shove on Matt Targett by Jed Wallace.

Fulham's Tim Ream then heroically cleared off the line after a low shot by Wallace.

'Disappointed and frustrating,' Harris summed up. 'But I'm so proud of them. Fulham are a really good team, good players. We were better first half.'

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/20/21/4B5EE78800000578-0-image-a-14_1524255900704.jpg)
Lucas Piazon of Fulham battles for possession with Millwall's Jed Wallace on Friday night

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Fulham's Ryan Fredericks tries to win the ball off Ben Marshall during the Championship clash

A minute into the second half, a hopeful shot by Mitrovic was spilled by Jordan Archer and Sessegnon slotted the ball underneath the Millwall goalkeeper.

Fulham doubled their lead through McDonald as he unleashed a shot that hit the back of the net like a bullet.

As a few fans made their way to the exits, Tomas Kalas embarked a 50-yard run from his own half before setting up Mitrovic for Fulham's third.

Millwall's Tim Cahill was lucky to escape being sent for an early shower after an elbow on Ryan Fredericks as he showed his frustrations.

Jokanovic's side did their jobs. Now they just need to hope that Cardiff slip up.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5640187/Millwall-0-3-Fulham-Ryan-Sessegnon-scores-visitors.html#ixzz5DHh1b8Xz
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Fulham secure monumental win over high-flying Millwall to pile the pressure back on Cardiff City

Fulham secured a monumental win in their bid for automatic promotion after defeating play-off chasing Millwall on Friday night.

It was set to be the biggest test of Fulham's remaining fixtures on paper at The Den with Millwall heading into the London derby on the back of a run of 17 games unbeaten.

However, despite a dominant first-half from the hosts, Fulham took control in the second to secure all three points and to extend their own unbeaten run to 22 games.

Ryan Sessegnon fired in the opener with a rebounded effort just one minute after the break, McDonald doubled the visitors lead with a stunning long-range effort 10 minutes later and in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic rounded things off just one minute from time.

The win means Fulham temporarily move above promotion rivals Cardiff City, who can restore their one-point lead with a win against Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday night.

The Bluebirds will also have another game in-hand after the visit of Forest, with a trip to Derby County on Tuesday night. That fixture will finally even up the games played column ahead of the last two games.

Neil Warnock's men still have their fate in their own hands going into their last four games, but Fulham, who have just six more points to play for after this one, have done their bit and their back to winning ways.



http://www.insidewalessport.co.uk/fulham-give-chase/

 
Millwall 0 Fulham 3: Ryan Sessegnon on target as Slavisa Jokanovic's side leapfrog Cardiff into second place

(https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2018/04/20/21/sessegnon.jpg?w968h681)
Star man | Ryan Sessegnon scored his 15th Championship goal this season Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Ryan Sessegnon scored his 15th goal of the season as Fulham moved above Cardiff and into second place in the Championship table with a 3-0 victory at play-off chasing Millwall.

The 17-year-old, recently voted Championship player of the season, reacted first to a Jordan Archer fumble to consign Millwall to their first league defeat since New Year's Day.

Kevin McDonald doubled the visitors' lead with a sensational long-range strike before Aleksandar Mitrovic's effort late on moved Fulham two points clear of Cardiff, who have two games in hand.

The defeat keeps Millwall in sixth place, a point clear of Derby, who face play-off rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Millwall looked to assert themselves early on and almost had their reward after three minutes but Jake Cooper's free header at the back post cannoned off the crossbar.

The Lions thought they had the opening goal after 15 minutes when Jed Wallace headed down for George Saville to rifle home from close range but referee Andre Marriner adjudged Wallace had fouled defender Matt Targett.

It took 23 minutes for Fulham to finally come into the game and it was Sessegnon who was causing all the problems. The teenager did well down the left before driving in a low cross which just evaded Mitrovic.

Neil Harris' team were looking to cement their place in the top six and should have been in front in the 29th minute when Marcus Bettinelli pushed Ben Marshall's cross straight into the path of Wallace but the midfielder's effort was cleared off the line by Tim Ream.

Targett has scored once since arriving at Fulham on loan from Southampton in January and almost doubled his tally as his long-range effort clipped the bar.

(https://www.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/hero_tablet/public/thumbnails/image/2018/04/20/22/millwall-fulham.jpg)
(Getty Images)

Fulham needed a spark and they got it 45 seconds into the second half as Archer fumbled a long-range effort from Mitrovic into the path of Sessegnon who had the pace and the composure to thunder the ball underneath the goalkeeper.

Stefan Johansen almost doubled the lead two minutes later but the Norway international scuffed his effort wide after going through one-on-one with Archer.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side did not have to wait long for a second as midfielder McDonald created time and space to thunder a right-footed shot beyond Archer and into the top corner.

Mitrovic netted a third a minute from time as a driving run from substitute Tomas Kalas found the striker on the edge of the box and the Serbian smashed the ball home.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/millwall-0-fulham-3-ryan-sessegnon-on-target-as-slavisa-jokanovics-side-leapfrog-cardiff-into-second-a3819926.html

 
Spanish La Liga giants eyeing move for Fulham teenager – scouts watched

Barcelona have joined the race to sign Fulham's teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon, according to The Mirror.

The left-back, who can also play on the wing, has scored fourteen goals for the Cottagers this season, as well as registering six assists.

At Sunday's EFL Awards ceremony, Sessegnon won five Gongs in an impressive haul including the Young Player of the Year and Championship Player of the Year. Sessegnon also featured in the Championship Team of the Season  and has been named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The youngster broke into the Fulham first team last season, making thirty appearances and scoring seven goals. He has now made over seventy appearances in total for the London club and manager Slavisa Jokanovic is deploying him in a more attacking and advanced role on the left side of midfield.

It is being reported that Scouts from Barcelona have travelled to England to watch the teenager in action, but they would have to battle with top clubs around the world, with Tottenham Hotspur believed to be favorites to sign the Fulham man. Sessegnon's brother currently plies his trade with Spurs and Pochettino has already shown that he is willing to give youth a chance in the first team, by playing the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Winks.

Fulham turned down a number of offers for their prize asset in January. However, they may be resigned to losing Sessegnon if they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League come the end of the season.



http://the72.co.uk/100770/spanish-giants-eyeing-move-for-fulham-teenager/

 
Report: Monaco join Tottenham in the race to sign Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon

The Fulham ace will be in high demand this summer with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United amongst the interested parties.

According to a report from the Sun, Monaco have joined Tottenham, Manchester United and Barcelona in the race to sign Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon, having performed several scouting missions on the 17-year-old over the past couple of weeks.

According to the Telegraph, Spurs are, and have been for quite some time, leading the race to sign the Fulham teen, and are preparing an offer of around £35 million for his services in the summer.

The Sun claim that the Cottagers ace could be signed for around £30 million, however, and that asking price will spark a frenetic race for his signature at the end of the season.

How vital will it be for Tottenham to win the race for Sessegnon?
The 17-year-old is arguably the most exciting young prospect in world football.

He has chalked up an impressive 21 goals and 10 assists in 76 outings for Fulham thus far, with over half of those appearances coming from the left-back position.

Sessegnon has so much potential, and has already shown signs that he has the ability to go on and become one of the world's best players.

The teenager's playing style is remarkably similar to Gareth Bale's, and it would be no surprise to see him go on to emulate the Welshman.

He would be a fantastic signing for Spurs, and one that they should attempt to wrap up sooner rather than later, especially with Monaco now entering the race for the Fulham starlet's signature.



http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2018/04/20/report-monaco-join-tottenham-in-the-race-to-sign-fulhams-ryan-se/

 
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon sets up win over Millwall to boost promotion hopes

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Ryan Sessegnon celebrates after opening the scoring for Fulham at the Den. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA

This was a result to have the nerves jangling in a corner of south Wales. Fulham have returned to the Championship's top two, ousting Cardiff from the automatic places for 24 hours at least, with the rousing nature of this win an indication that their pursuit of promotion remains relentless. Millwall, outstanding themselves of late, had not lost in 17 league games. In the end even they appeared diminished.

The south Londoners would leave the pitch with their fans applauding their efforts, and their own ambitions to reach the play-offs apparently unfazed by defeat with two games to play but their manager, Neil Harris admitted this had been a reality check.

Fulham, now without a defeat in 22 league matches in a notoriously treacherous division, weathered the hosts' early storm and imposed themselves impressively after the break. They were untouchable at times. Few teams at this level can muster such a blend of zest and panache and much of their approach play was Premier League ready.

The pace of their passing and fluid movement up-field would grace the top flight with Ryan Sessegnon, at 17 the Championship's player of the season, truly a a gem of which the elite have long heard talk. It was his instinctive dart and finish, pouncing for a 15th goal this term after an indecisive Jordan Archer had only parried Aleksandar Mitrovic's long-range shot, which set the tone 41 seconds into the second half. "After that, we started to move better, finding more space," said the Fulham manager, Slavisa Jokanovic. "It was a brilliant second half."

The Serb's own assessment of Sessegnon's display included a nudge towards Gareth Southgate. "I believe Ryan can be there (at the World Cup)," he added. "But, if not this time, then in two years in another big tournament."

The teenager, the product of a fine academy, caught the eye but plenty excelled. Matthew Targett clipped the bar from distance. Mitrovic would thump in his team's third, and his 11th in his last 12 games on loan from Newcastle, after Tomas Kalas's run from deep, and Kevin McDonald, the unsung worker at the base of a dazzling midfield, would enjoy his own moment. With Millwall disoriented and the atmosphere momentarily deflated, he left George Saville on the floor and meandered inside to belt a shot which swerved viciously to pass inside Archer's post via the goalkeeper's fingertips.

If the hosts could curse Archer's uncharacteristic errors, their own evening degenerated into frustration as the cautions mounted up and Tim Cahill appeared to floor Ryan Fredericks with an elbow. Harris had not seen that incident, on the far side of the pitch, but was clearly unimpressed by Andre Marriner's display on a rare outing in the second tier.

"He did very well for the away team in the first half," said the Millwall manager, Saville having been denied an opening goal after Jed Wallace was penalised for a foul on Targett. "If I was the defender, I'd probably want the foul. But it was 50:50. There was a lot of protection for Fulham, though. But, as the referee told me at half-time, he thought he'd been 'excellent'."

Harris's team, too, had been excellent through that frenetic opening when their intensity knocked Fulham off their stride. Jake Cooper saw a powerful header turned on to the crossbar by Marcus Bettinelli from the game's first corner, with Tim Ream scrambling Wallace's close-range shot from the goalline. But the chances were not taken and, once Fulham found their rhythm, they proved more ruthless from the moment their hosts' tempo dipped even marginally.

The lead from Cardiff is a slender two points and the Welsh club can reassert control against Nottingham Forest and Derby in the next four days, but the pressure is on them. Jokanovic suggested he would watch his rivals' game with Forest on Saturday evening "if I don't find something more interesting to do". At present, as this game proved, there is little better than watching his own team in action.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/apr/20/millwall-fulham-championship-match-report

 
Lions unbeaten run at an end as Fulham claim victory

Our report from a sold-out Den...

Millwall's 17-match unbeaten run in the Sky Bet Championship ground to a halt at The Den on Friday night as Fulham defeated The Lions 3-0.

In front of a crowd of 17,614, The Lions had a goal disallowed and one cleared off the line, but two strikes in 10 second half minutes from Ryan Sessegnon and Kevin McDonald, along with Aleksandar Mitrovic's late effort, handed Fulham victory.

Neil Harris once more kept his starting XI and substitutes the same.

The Lions could have taken the lead just three minutes in, but Jake Cooper crashed a header from a corner-kick against the crossbar. From the rebound, Shaun Williams nodded into the arms of Marcus Bettinelli.

A highly controversial moment saw Millwall have the ball in the net on 15 minutes through George Saville, but referee Andre Marriner deemed there to have been a foul in the build-up, seemingly from Jed Wallace.

A sustained spell of pressure from Fulham followed as they attempted to gain a foothold in the game, with Mitrovic heading over from Matt Targett's cross, whilst a ball into box minutes later nearly presented a tap-in - however, a combination of Lions defenders managed to clear the ball to safety.

In a powder-keg atmosphere Millwall swung the pendulum shortly before the half-hour mark, but Tim Ream raced back to clear Wallace's shot off the line after Bettinelli flapped through pressure from Steve Morison.

Shaun Hutchinson blocked the lively Targett's shot on 31 minutes, whilst four minutes later a neat piece of play from Wallace saw Morison through on goal - his cross, however, was too hard for the awaiting Lee Gregory at the back post.

Shortly before half-time, solid work from Gregory allowed Marshall to cross - Bettinelli went for the punch, Morison beat him to it, but unfortunately he headed over the crossbar.

As the first-half drew to a close, dangerman Targett hit the target, but his shot clipped the bar and went over.

The second half was barely a minute old when Fulham took the lead. A long-range effort was parried by Jordan Archer into the path of Sessegnon, who slotted under the legs of the stopper to open the scoring.

One could - and maybe should - have become two minutes later, but Stefan Johansen dragged his shot wide with only Archer to beat. Tom Cairney then blasted over the bar and The Whites looked to double their lead.

With 56 minutes on the clock, Fulham did indeed extend their advantage in exceptional circumstances, as McDonald rounded Saville and struck a long-range effort past the despairing dive of Archer.

The 'keeper saved low down from Sessegnon's stinging effort on 63 minutes, before Millwall's first substitution of the night saw Tom Elliott replace Ben Marshall in a move that saw The Lions switch to 4-3-3.

Mitrovic had two wayward attempts at goal as the final 20 minutes approached, whilst Williams' low effort was gratefully accepted by Bettinelli on 73 minutes.

Tim Cahill's introduction in a deeper role more familiar to the younger version of the Australian attempted to inject new life into The Lions, but it was Fulham who nearly wrapped up the game six minutes from time as Sessegnon fizzed a shot past the post.

Late on, Mitrovic guided the ball home to complete the victory.

Millwall: Archer, Meredith (Cahill 77'), Hutchinson, Williams, Gregory, Romeo (O'Brien 87'), Wallace, Morison, Saville, Cooper, Marshall (Elliott 65'). Subs not used: Martin, Onyedinma, Tunnicliffe, Shackell.

Booking: Hutchinson, Wallace, Cahill, Gregory

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks, Sessegnon, Odoi, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Ream, Piazon (Kalas 82'), Targett, Mitrovic. Subs not used: Button, Kebano, Fonte, Norwood, Christie, Kamara.

Booking: Ream

Scorer: Sessegnon 46', McDonald 56', Mitrovic 89'

Referee: Andre Marriner

Attendance: 17,614 (2,287)



https://www.millwallfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/lions-unbeaten-run-at-an-end-as-fulham-claim-victory/

 
Millwall 0-3 Fulham PLAYER RATINGS: Sessegnon, McDonald and Mitrovic end Millwall's unbeaten run

Goals from Sessegnon, McDonald and Mitrovic end Millwall's unbeaten run

A solid second half display from Fulham saw Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic goals ended Millwall's 17-game unbeaten run with a 3-0 victory at The Den.

It was a frantic start that saw Millwall hit the bar before putting the ball in the back of the net, but much to the annoyance of the home fans and relief of the away players, the referee gave Fulham a free kick and ruled it out.

Tim Ream then made a fantastic goal-line clearance to deny Millwall again, after Aleksandar Mitrovic and Matt Targett both had efforts for the away side.

And it only took Fulham a minute after the break to get the lead when Jordan Archer didn't deal with Mitrovic's pot shot well enough, pushing it out to the arriving Sessegnon who put it away.

Fulham were in dreamland in the 56th minute when McDonald, obviously, left his man on the floor and unleashed a worldie of a strike into the top bin to make it 2-0.

Mitrovic got in on the act when Tomas Kalas fed the striker after a wonderful run, and the Serbian made no mistake to blast it into the top corner.

Here's how we rated the side:

Bettinelli 8: Brilliant save early on to deny the home side. Comfortable evening in goal pulling off some good saves.

Fredericks 8: Full of energy, the right back was a constant threat on the attack down the right.

Ream 9: Stunning goal line clearance to deny Millwall, which turned out to be huge. Another great game from the American.

Odoi 8: Struggled with the early Millwall aerial presence but grew into the game and looked solid in defence.

Targett 8: Found space down the left and played well defensively and in attack. A good display from the loan man once again who looked confident once more.

McDonald 9: Dominant display in the first 45 minutes and was key to keeping the scores level. Stunning strike to make it two.

Johansen 7: A decent performance, will feel he should've scored when the score was 1-0.

Cairney 9: Was battered in the middle of the park for the first 20 minutes but started to dictate the tie as the half progressed. A joy to watch this evening as he commanded the midfield.

Piazon 6: Struggled to get into the game at all in the first half. Had a better second 45 but it wasn't his best performance.

Sessegnon 8: Found space down the left and caused problems for Millwall, but without really threatening the keeper. Fantastic reading of the game to grab the goal.

Mitrovic 8: Cut a lonely figure in the first half as Millwall starved him of service. His hold-up play in the second half was fantastic and Millwall really struggled to deal with it. Great finish to make it three.

Subs -

Kalas 7: Lovely run through to set Mitrovic up for his goal.

Christie N/A: Not enough time to affect the game.



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/millwall-0-3-fulham-player-14557760

 
Fulham's Versatile Ace Attracting Ligue 1 Attention: Why Jokanovic Must Not Let Him Leave!

Fulham's 17-year-old wonderkid, Ryan Sessegnon has drawn heavy interests from multiple European sides and AS Monaco are the latest suitors to have joined in on the £30m race.The Ligue 1 outfit are planning to break the Paris Saint-Germain-dominance in the Ligue 1 and are prepared to make the investments necessary to make that happen.

However, where will that leave a youngster like Sessegnon?

The versatile wide man has struck gold in his debut season with the Fulham senior squad, scoring 14 and assisting 6 in 46 total appearances. Right making his first senior appearance on 9th August 2016 at the age of 16 years and 81 days only, the Roehampton-born player has slowly cemented a starting XI under Slaviša Jokanović. He has displayed great maturity and composure for a teenager and it would be fair to say that his abilities are far ahead of his years.

European sides have been on his tail for years but the youngster temporarily ended all speculative talks by signing a contract extension with the Lillywhites for another 2 seasons, which means he will be a free-agent in the summer of 2020.

Left wing or left-back, no one can really tell where is the best suited but the starlet's talents are boundless. He has already been capped 30 times for the England youth sides ranging from the U16s to the U19s. Even now he could breeze into the U21 squad but it would be fair for the FA to give other players more opportunities.

Fulham has also kept their promise of showing Sessegnon a promising future in England. The club has successfully edged themselves closer to the automatic promotion spot and will have to overcome Cardiff City within the last 3 games of the season. If the second spot is not achieved, they will still be the heavy favourites going into the promotion playoffs followed closely by Aston Villa.

(http://the4thofficial.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Fulham-v-Burton-Albion-Sky-Bet-Championship-1524217247-658x420.jpg)

Wherever he ends up going, Sessegnon's priority should be to find maximum game time as that will ensure his meteoric rise and a definitive future in the English national team. Seeing out his contract with the Cottagers will definitely aid in that prosperous journey but the gamble of a transfer could also pay out high dividends.

AS Monaco is a top side in Europe who brings with them UEFA Champions League football next season. They have lost key players in the last transfer window and have the cash to sign able replacements.

However, even they should not really threaten Sessegnon's future at Craven Cottage for the near future. At 17, the player has shown great promise but it needs to be converted into a feasible career.

Too much hype, too early in their lives could potentially ruin their future and we do not need a rerun of another 'could-have-been' stories.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/04/fulhams-versatile-ace-attracting-ligue-1-attention-jokanovic-must-not-let-leave/

 
Fulham back up to second after crushing Millwall

Millwall 0 Fulham 3

Fulham continued their promotion charge by winning a pulsating derby at The Den.

Ryan Sessegnon put them ahead in the first minute of the second half, Kevin McDonald doubled the lead with a terrific strike 10 minutes later, and Aleksandar Mitrović's late goal sealed the victory.

It extended Fulham's incredible unbeaten run to 22 matches and moved them back into second place above Cardiff City, who are at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Sessegnon pounced to score after keeper Jordan Archer had parried Mitrović's shot – the teenager's 15th goal of the season.

After collecting Matt Targett's pass and holding off George Saville, McDonald smashed a shot beyond Archer from near the edge of the penalty area.

And in the final minute, the fit-again Tomas Kalas, on as a substitute, burst forward and squared the ball to Mitrović, who slotted home.

Fulham were under pressure for much of the first half.

Whites keeper Marcus Bettinelli tipped Jake Cooper's early header onto the bar and Millwall had a goal disallowed after Jed Wallace fouled Targett while heading the ball down to Saville, who fired in off the underside of the bar.

As the Lions continued to press, Tim Ream produced an heroic goal-line clearance, sliding in to prevent Wallace's effort crossing the line.

Having weathered the early storm, Fulham finished the half strongly and the woodwork was rattled again moments before the interval when Targett's long-range strike hit the bar.

It was a sign of things to come as Millwall were outclassed in the second half and were fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men shortly before Mitrović's goal when a dire challenge by Tim Cahill on Ryan Fredericks went unpunished.

Mitrović's goal was his 11th since the striker's arrival on loan from Newcastle.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks (Christie 90), Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Piazon (Kalas 83), Mitrovic
Subs not used: Button, Norwood, Kebano, Fonte, Kamara.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-back-second-crushing-millwall

 
What Cardiff City now need to do to clinch promotion after Fulham beat Millwall 3-0 at The Den

This is how the promotion picture looks for the Bluebirds following Fulham's win over Millwall

Fulham leapfrogged Cardiff City into second place in the Championship table with a 3-0 win over Millwall at The Den.

Second half goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic proved enough for the Cottagers who extended their incredible unbeaten run in the Championship to 22 matches.

The Lions flew out of the traps and almost went ahead inside four minutes as Jake Cooper's header crashed off the crossbar.

Millwall thought they had taken the lead not too long after as George Saville lashed home from close range, but referee Andre Marriner disallowed the goal due to a foul by Jed Wallace in the buildup.

Matt Targett struck the framework of Millwall's goal with a rasping strike from 25 yards out in the second minute of additional time in the first half as the sides went into the break on level terms.

However, it took the visitors just 40 seconds to take the lead after the restart as Sessegnon smashed home from close range to give his side the lead.

(https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article14558311.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/JS149458809.jpg)
Fulham's Kevin McDonald celebrates scoring against Millwall

And McDonald's thunderbolt less than 10 minutes later double his side's advantage.

Mitrovic made it 3-0 at the death as Fulham returned to winning ways after being held to a 1-1 draw with Brentford last time out.

It all means that Slavisa Jokanovic's men currently occupy runner-up spot in the Championship with 85 points, two more than Cardiff who have two games in hand over the Cottagers.

The first of those matches sees the Bluebirds host Nottingham Forest at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday night while they travel to Pride Park to face Derby County three days later.

Despite Fulham's victory against the Lions, Cardiff's destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

Three wins from their final four matches against Forest, Derby, Hull City and Reading will be enough for the Bluebirds to seal automatic promotion into the promised land of the Premier League.

Remaining fixtures

Fulham: Sunderland (H), Birmingham City (A)

Cardiff City: Nottingham Forest (H), Derby County (A), Hull City (A), Reading (H)

Aston Villa: Ipswich Town (A), Derby County (H), Millwall (A)



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/millwall-fulham-cardiff-city-promotion-14558195

 
Millwall 0-3 Fulham: Ruthless Cottagers climb back to second

Fulham stretched their unbeaten run to 22 league games and climbed to second in the process as they beat Millwall 3-0 in the Sky Bet Championship on Friday evening.

The Lions took the game to their fellow Londoners in the first half and could count themselves unlucky to not take the lead into the break after raining down a barrage of first-half efforts on their uncharacteristically flat opponents.

But the hard work was undone inside a minute of the second half when Ryan Sessegnon mopped up after Jordan Archer could only parry Aleksandar Mitrovic's effort (46), before Kevin McDonald's stunner doubled the advantage (56).

Player ratings

Millwall: Archer (5), Romeo (6), Hutchinson (6), Cooper (6), Meredith (6), Wallace (6), Williams (6), Saville (6), Marshall (6), Gregory (5), Morison (5)

Subs: Elliott (5), Cahill (4), O'Brien (n/a)

Fulham: Bettinelli (6), Fredericks (6), Odoi (6), Ream (7), Targett (7), Johansen (6), McDonald (8), Cairney (6), Piazon (6), Sessegnon (7), Mitrovic (7)

Subs: Kalas (6), Christie (n/a)

Man of the match: Kevin McDonald

Mitrovic added a third in the final minute of normal time to lift Slavisa Jokanovic's team above Cardiff once more, leaving Millwall's play-off hopes in the balance with two games to play.

With the importance of victory clear, the Lions flew out of the traps and came within a hair's breadth of the opener when Jake Cooper's header was pushed onto the bar by the slightest of fingertip saves by Marcus Bettinelli.

Ten minutes later George Saville smashed home from close range, but had a goal chalked off after Jed Wallace fouled Matt Targett in the build-up. Fulham soon got to grips with the game and began to set their passing game into motion.

But Bettinelli was forced to come to his side's rescue when he pushed Ben Marshall's cross away from Steve Morison, before Tim Ream's sliding clearance kept Wallace's follow-up effort from crossing the line; Targett went close for the visitors when he struck the bar from range to conclude an eventful first half.

Less than 60 seconds after the restart, all the toils of the first half were lost when Mitrovic tried his luck for the first time; Archer got a hand to the strike but Sessegnon struck the killer blow from the rebound.

Team news

Both Neil Harris and Slavisa Jokanovic named unchanged starting lineups for the clash at the Den, with the former doing so for the 16th time this campaign.

Mere minutes before the hour mark, McDonald added to the extraordinary turnaround when he skipped past Saville and thundered an effort - his third of the season - into the back of the net from 20 yards.

The devastating nature of Fulham's style has been evident over the course of the unprecedented run and Mitrovic struck home Tomas Kalas' square ball to cap the result and reaffirm the automatic promotion ambitions of Jokanovic's side.

Man of the match - Kevin McDonald

A superbly taken goal and a performance to match. McDonald has been a vital component of the glue that holds together this Fulham side together and was typically dominant in the middle of the park at the Den on Friday evening.

The managers

---

Neil Harris: "I feel a little bit hard done by. The goal early in the second half put us on the back foot and the second goal was disappoiting - they were really poor goals to give away. It was my fault, really, as we were caught chasing the game and it was a disappointing result in the end.

"We've been on a terrific run, the boys have given so much and produced so many good performances. We've been beaten by a good side tonight, there's no doubting that. We've got two huge games left."

Slavisa Jokanovic: "I must be proud of my team, we showed character, we showed quality and we survived an intense first 45 minutes. Millwall try to use the weapons they have in this team - long ball, with direct play - we showed we can be solid. It's not an easy place to play football.

"In the second half we played brilliant, we dominated with our style. I'm excited because we are soon going to be fighting for another three points and we must rest and be ready for the next game. We're going to fight to the end and make our supporters satisfied."

What's next?

With the Championship reaching its conclusion, both promotion-chasing sides are in televised action next weekend. The Whites kick things off on Friday evening when they welcome Sunderland to Craven Cottage, while Neil Harris' men travel to the Riverside Stadium, where they will meet Middlesbrough. Both fixtures are live on Sky Sports Football.



http://www.skysports.com/football/millwall-vs-fulham/375143

 
Millwall 0-3 Fulham: Cottagers move to second in Championship with brilliant win over Lions

Man of the moment Ryan Sessegnon helped fire promotion-chasing Fulham to a 3-0 Championship win over Millwall on Friday night.

The teenager, who recently became the first player from outside the top flight nominated for the PFA's young player of the year award and then scooped five honours at the EFL awards, scored his 15th goal of the season just after half-time after keeper Jordan Archer spilled Aleksandar Mitrovic's shot.

Kevin McDonald's long-range strike doubled the lead, with Archer again culpable, and on-loan Newcastle frontman Mitrovic rounded off the win late on.

STAR MAN

It was a very professional display from Slavisa Jokanovic's side but the star man has to be Sessegnon.

His goal opened the game up nicely for Fulham and this was the decisive moment which led to their win.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

The first-half saw both sides have opportunities but the breakthrough goal did not arrive until the just after the break courtsey of Sessegnon.

However, the best moment of the game has to be Kevin McDonald's spectacular strike from distance which gave Jordan Archer no chance and effectively sealed the win for the Cottagers.

LINE-UPS

MILLWALL XI: Archer, Meredith (Cahill 77), Hutchinson, Williams, Gregory, Romeo (O'Brien 87), Wallace, Morison, Saville, Cooper, Marshall (Elliott 65)

Subs not used: Martin, Onyedinma, Tunnicliffe,Shackell

FULHAM XI: Bettinelli, Fredericks (Christie 90), Odoi, Ream, Targett, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Piazon (Kalas 83), Mitrovic

Subs not used: Button, Norwood, Kebano, Fonte, Kamara

NEXT FIXTURE

Middlesbrough v Millwall (Sat, April 28)

Fulham v Sunderland (Fri, April 27)



Read more at https://talksport.com/football/millwall-0-3-fulham-cottagers-move-second-championship-brilliant-win-over-lions#4U0fH7LkWB8mDqmi.99

 
Millwall 0-3 Fulham: Ryan Sessesgnon continues meteoric rise with match-winning display at Lions

Multiple award-winning winger Sessegnon's every touch was jeered by the Millwall fans in this huge top six tussle

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400700.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon celebrates after the Sky Bet Championship match at the New Den (Image: PA)

Ryan Sessesgnon continued his stunning season to silence the Millwall boo-boys and help fire Fulham back up to second.

Multiple award-winning winger Sessegnon's every touch was jeered by the Millwall fans in this huge top six tussle.

And the 17 year-old starlet cupped his ears in celebration after scoring the decisive opener with goal No.15 of his incredible personal campaign.

Kevin McDonald's stunner and Aleksandr Mitrovic's late third ensured Fulham were the ones with something to shout about as they emerged from the "cauldron of noise" Lions boss Neil Harris promised would await them the with a win that took them two points above Cardiff, though they have two games in hand.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400703.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
Fulham's Kevin McDonald (second left) celebrates scoring his side's second goal (Image: PA)

Victory extended their unbeaten run to 22 games as they ended Millwall's 17-game stretch without defeat to deal a massive blow to the Lions'promotion hopes.

It is now advantage Derby for the final play-off spot.

Millwall and Fulham kicked off as England's top two form sides and the pumped-up locals whipped up an ear-splitting atmosphere to try and rattle the visitors.

They almost cracked in the third minute but were saved by the bar when Jake Cooper met Ben Marshall's corner.

Millwall then had a George Saville goal controversially chalked off as their direct and in-your-face approach disrupted Fulham, who stuck to their passing guns but with little reward.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400704.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring his side's third goal (Image: PA)

And they needed Tim Ream to block Jed Wallace's effort on the line before they finished the first half on top and Matt Targett hit the bar.

They continued where they left off after the break to take an instant lead when Jordan Archer failed to deal with Mitrovic's speculative 46th minute effort and Sessegnon pounced.

The targeting of Sessegnon reflected the home fans fear of the wide boy who cleaned up at the EFL awards and became the first player outside the Premier League to make the PFA Young Player of The Year shortlist.

(https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article12400707.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/Millwall-v-Fulham-Sky-Bet-Championship-New-Den.jpg)
Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game (Image: PA)

But they gave up taunting him after realising the abuse had no effect.

The sting was truly taken out of the home crowd when Fulham doubled their lead nine minutes later after McDonald jinked past Saville and blasted a thunderbolt past Archer.

And Mitrovic applied the gloss for Fulham with a thumping finish after Tomas Kalas's 50-yard run from his own half.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/millwall-0-3-fulham-ryan-12400717

 
'Get him on that plane' – Fulham man impresses yet again as fans call for international recognition

Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon once again put in a superb display this evening as the promotion chasing Cottagers smashed three past Millwall to further enhance their push for the top two.

Sessegnon cleared up at the Football League awards earlier in the week, winning EFL Player of the Year among other awards, and he will now be looking to kick on and fire Fulham to the top flight in the next two games.

A lot will depend on how Cardiff and Aston Villa get on over this weekend, but the Cottagers and Sessegnon are right in the mix, and once again the footballing world was out in force calling for Sessegnon to be included in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad for this summer in Russia.

As always, we at FLW were intrigued to see what was being said about Sessegnon, and we took to Twitter to see just exaclty how football fans were reacting to yet another excellent display from the teenager...



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/get-him-on-that-plane-fulham-man-impresses-yet-again-as-fans-call-for-international-recognition/

 
Ryan Sessegnon on target again as Fulham put the pressure on Cardiff

Ryan Sessegnon scored his 15th goal of the season as Fulham moved into second place in the Championship with a 3-0 victory at playoff-chasing Millwall.

The 17-year-old, recently voted Championship player of the season, reacted first to a Jordan Archer fumble to consign Millwall to their first league defeat since New Year's Day.

Kevin McDonald doubled the visitors' lead with a sensational long-range strike before Aleksandar Mitrovic's effort late on moved Fulham two points clear of Cardiff, who have two games in hand.

The defeat keeps Millwall in sixth place, a point clear of Derby, who face play-off rivals Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Millwall looked to assert themselves early on and almost had their reward after three minutes but Jake Cooper's free header at the back post cannoned off the crossbar.

The Lions thought they had the opening goal after 15 minutes when Jed Wallace headed down for George Saville to rifle home from close range but referee Andre Marriner adjudged Wallace had fouled defender Matt Targett.

It took 23 minutes for Fulham to finally come into the game and it was Sessegnon who was causing all the problems. The teenager did well down the left before driving in a low cross which just evaded Mitrovic.

Neil Harris' team were looking to cement their place in the top six and should have been in front in the 29th minute when Marcus Bettinelli pushed Ben Marshall's cross straight into the path of Wallace but the midfielder's effort was cleared off the line by Tim Ream.

Targett has scored once since arriving at Fulham on loan from Southampton in January and almost doubled his tally as his long-range effort clipped the bar.

Fulham needed a spark and they got it 45 seconds into the second half as Archer fumbled a long-range effort from Mitrovic into the path of Sessegnon who had the pace and the composure to thunder the ball underneath the goalkeeper.

Stefan Johansen almost doubled the lead two minutes later but the Norway international scuffed his effort wide after going through one-on-one with Archer.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side did not have to wait long for a second as midfielder McDonald created time and space to thunder a right-footed shot beyond Archer and into the top corner.

Mitrovic netted a third a minute from time as a driving run from substitute Tomas Kalas found the striker on the edge of the box and the Serbian smashed the ball home.



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483175

 
Fulham's Premier League push boosted by win at Millwall

LONDON (Reuters) - Fulham's relentless bid to reach the Premier League gathered more momentum on Friday as a rousing second-half performance earned them a 3-0 win at Millwall to thrust them into second place in the Championship.

After being largely outplayed in the first half, a rejuvenated Fulham emerged to score within a minute of the restart through their outstanding 17-year-old prospect Ryan Sessegnon.

Ten minutes later, midfielder Kevin McDonald hammered home a fine speculative shot from 25 metres and Aleksandar Mitrovic finished the job with a clinically-taken third in the 89th minute.

It sealed another accomplished victory for Fulham, who have now won 17 of their last 22 league matches in an extraordinary unbeaten sequence.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side also ended Millwall's 17-match unbeaten streak in the league to dent their London rivals' bid to gain promotion from England's second-tier league.

In the battle to earn the second automatic promotion place to the Premier League, with runaway leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers having sealed their spot, Fulham are second on 85 points from 44 games.

The win threw down the gauntlet to Cardiff City, who are on 83 points but the Welsh side have two games in hand, and can regain second spot if they beat Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday.

Millwall retained sixth spot, the last in the playoff zone, on 69 points.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-liv-henderson/europe-will-not-detract-from-liverpool-league-focus-idUKKBN1HR15D?rpc=401&

Three-star Fulham pass Millwall test
by Dan on April 20, 2018

Fulham returned to winning ways in emphatic style in south London this evening as they put a shaky first half display behind them to inflict Millwall's first defeat since New Year's Day by scoring three second half goals without reply at the New Den. Slavisa Jokanovic's side were put under real pressure as the Lions made most of the early running, roared on by their passionate home crowd, and could have easily been behind by the break but the Whites showed the kind of resilience that has typified their club record unbeaten run as goals from Ryan Sessegnon, a superb strike from Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic's after the interval transferred the pressure back onto Cardiff in the race for second place.

The Whites knew they would be in for a severe test at the Den this evening with Neil Harris having taken his unfancied side from a relegation battle earlier in the season to the cusp of the Championship play-offs in one of the division's most remarkable managerial jobs. The home side set about their visitors from the off, perhaps eager to examine whether there was any hangover from remaining from Fulham's failure to cling onto all three points against Brentford last weekend. Millwall, with the physical threat of their potent front two – Steve Morison and Lee Gregory to the fore – were making inroads almost immediately and might have mustered the dream start with a little more fortune.

Marcus Bettinelli did magnificently to touch a Jake Cooper header from Ben Marshall's deep corner onto the crossbar, but Fulham looked rattled by Millwall's incessant pressure. They looked especially vulnerable when Marshall was able to whip balls in with his right foot from the left and only escaped shortly afterwards when referee Andre Marriner disallowed George Saville's goal for a foul by Jed Wallace on Matt Targett. Another Marshall cross bent wickedly away from Bettinelli and Fulham were indebted to Tim Ream who cleared from just in front of his own line when Wallace seemed to set to give the Lions the lead.

Those narrow escapes seemed to briefly galvanise the visitors. Mitrovic headed a difficult chance over the bar from a Targett cross and, from Fulham's first sustained spell of possession, Stefan Johansen sent Sessegnon clear down the left but his low cross was scrambled away from Mitrovic by the covering Cooper. Fulham's presence in the Millwall box was fleeting and it might well have been unjust had Targett's rising drive flew under the crossbar rather than clipping it in the last minute of stoppage time, as the home side squandered further chances before the break with Morison heading over another dangerous delivery from Marshall.

Fulham recovered their composure during the half-time interval and needed no more than forty seconds after the restart to take the lead. Mitrovic found a rare pocket of space in front of the Millwall back four that gave him the time to spin and fire a speculative shot goalwards. Jordan Archer spilled the Serbian's effort and haring in was Sessegnon to steer home his fifteenth goal of the season in the blink of an eye.

The Whites sensed blood and moved quickly in for the kill. Johansen passed up a glorious chance to double the lead when he was sent through on goal moments later, but the vital second goal arrived, albeit from an unlikely source. Scottish midfielder Kevin McDonald, more lauded for his crucial interventions at the other end of the pitch than his goalscoring prowess, was allowed to drift onto his right foot 25 yards out and curl home a superb effort to double Fulham's lead. It might have been three when Sessegnon surged away from the Millwall defence but sent a first time narrowly wide of the far post.

With Fulham keeping the ball impressively in the Millwall half, Harris' side struggled to match the ferocious intensity of the first period. Tom Elliott and Tim Cahill were thrown in as the home side sought a foothold in the contest, but although Elliott won a few headers, Cahill's contribution matched Millwall's increasing frustrations. The Australian veteran was fortunate not to see a straight red for swinging an elbow at Ryan Fredericks before being booked for a late challenge on Tom Cairney.

Bettinelli didn't have to make a save of any note in the second half and Fulham's confidence was so high by the end of the evening that Tomas Kalas, introduced to strengthen their defence, found himself striding deep into Millwall territory with the ball at his feet. The Czech centre half had travelled more than 30 yards by the time he laid it off to Mitrovic and the Serbian picked his spot in the top left corner of Archer's net. This was a performance ruthless enough to make Jokanovic purr with satisfaction – and Fulham will now be hoping Cardiff will stumble with the finish line in sight.

MILLWALL (4-4-2): Archer; Romeo (O'Brien 87), Meredith (Cahill 77), Hutchinson, Cooper; Williams, Saville, Wallace, Marshall (Elliott 65); Morison, Gregory. Subs (not used): Martin, Shackell, Tunnicliffe, Onyedinma.

BOOKED: Hutchinson, Wallace, Cahill, Gregory.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Bettinelli; Fredericks (Christie 90), Targett, Odoi, Ream; McDonald, Johansen, Cairney; Piazon (Kalas 82), R. Sessegnon, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Button, Norwood, Kebano, Fonte, Kamara.

BOOKED: Ream.

GOALS: R. Sessegnon (46), McDonald (56), Mitrovic (89).

REFEREE: Andre Marriner (Birmingham).



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/three-star-fulham-pass-millwall-test/

 
Sessegnon scores 15th as Fulham equals Man City unbeaten mark

Fulham equalled the longest unbeaten run in the English top four tiers this season as it defeated sixth-placed Millwall 3-0 on the road to increase its streak to 22 games without a loss and moving the club into position for automatic promotion.

The Whites have not lost since December 16th when they fell 1-0 to relegation-threatened Sunderland. The unbeaten streak matches Manchester City's run of 22 games to start the Premier League campaign before a 4-3 loss to Liverpool in mid-January broke the spell.

Highlighting the match was the game's opening goal from 17-year-old Ryan Sessegnon, the young defender's 15th goal of the Championship season. Just a week ago, Sessegnon was named a finalist for PFA Player of the Year alongside Harry Kane, Leroy Sane, and Raheem Sterling. Also scoring in the win was Newcastle loanee Aleksandar Mitrovic who has bagged 11 goals in 15 matches since moving to Craven Cottage on Deadline Day of the winter transfer window, sparking talk of a possible permanent move should the Whites find themselves promoted at the end of the season. Fulham has not trailed a single second since he stepped on the field for his club debut.

Manager Slavisa Jokanovic has the team firing on all cylinders, outscoring opponents 49-14 during the unbeaten streak and racking up 56 out of a possible 66 points, with just five draws blemishing an otherwise perfect record. The club has scored first in 15 straight matches, and has not trailed since drawing level in the closing minutes of a 2-2 draw with Hull City on December 30th. The only teams in the top four leagues to score more goals than Fulham since Jokanovic took over are Liverpool and Manchester City.

USMNT defender Tim Ream has been arguably the club's most valuable player during the streak, locking down a defense that has picked up 11 clean sheets during the unbeaten run. Ream has played in all but two league matches this season, completing the full 90 minutes in all 41 of his appearances thus far. He has been voted Man of the Match five times this season by the fans on the team's official website, most recently in a 1-0 victory over Reading on April 10th. He also grabbed the award in a 2-0 win over Championship title winners Wolves on February 24th, a game that saw the Whites out-possess and out-shoot the league champions. Ream had this stunning goal-line clearance in the victory over Millwall on Friday, saving Fulham's bacon with goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on the ground after an acrobatic save.

Fulham still has work to do in the Premier League promotion picture, despite the spectacular form. They sit in 2nd position as it stands, leading Cardiff City by two points, but Cardiff has yet to play this weekend, giving them a massive two games in hand. Fulham could ultimately be done in by a slow start to the season that saw them win just twice in the first nine matches of the season as the squad adjusted to a host of new additions. In addition, Fulham suffered a disappointing draw last time out against Brentford as the Bees scored in the 94th minute to deny Fulham all three points, a massive blow to their automatic promotion hopes. Still, Fulham would be considered favorites in any potential playoff run, with Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Millwall currently the other teams in playoff positions.

There's plenty on the line for the club over the next few weeks. Should Fulham fail to gain promotion, it could be a massive blow to the club as Sessegnon could be lured away from Craven Cottage, with Jokanovic and playmaker Tom Cairney also likely to garner speculation of a departure over the summer if the club was to remain in the Championship.



http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2018/04/20/sessegnon-scores-15th-as-fulham-equals-man-city-unbeaten-mark/

 
Slavisa Jokanovic proud at how Fulham handled visit to the New Den

Three second half goals ensured Fulham made it 22 games unbeaten and ended Millwall's run in the process

Slavisa Jokanovic was proud at how his side went about coming through a tough tie at The Den against Millwall.

Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Kevin McDonald and Aleksandar Mitrovic ensured Fulham ended the Lions unbeaten run and extended their own to 22 games.

The win also saw the side back into second, although that could only be for a night if Cardiff City were to win their game tomorrow against Nottingham Forest, but Jokanovic insists he's satisfied with the win.

He said: "I must be proud about how my team played. The first 45 minutes, Millwall were strong and used their weapons, but we showed we could be solid. In the second half, we scored early and moved the ball a bit better.

"We stuck to our style and played a brilliant second 45 minutes. It's not easy to play football in this place. The last time Millwall lost here was in November.

"We normally trust our style and dominate possession of the ball. We showed great ambition and desire and stuck to our plan. I must be satisfied because my team followed the game plan and played with confidence. We deserved this result.

"I said nothing special. It's important for us to be focused and wait for our moment and it arrived at the right time, then we completely controlled the situation.

"I trust my players and my team trust me. Sometimes a plan works well, sometimes a plan doesn't work perfectly. They are professional.

"Everything Sess touches in the box, usually ends up in the back of the net.

"We didn't surprise them and they didn't surprise us. We knew what to expect. They pushed hard - they're a physically strong team. My team showed confidence, solidarity and found a solution. We did a great job."



https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-proud-how-fulham-14558382

Jokanovic 'proud' of Fulham's 'solidarity'
by Dan on April 20, 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic lavished praise on his players after Fulham came through a serious test of their promotion credentials at Millwall tonight by passing with flying colours.

The Whites were distinctly second best in a first half that Neil Harris' men dominated but got the perfect start to the second period when Ryan Sessegnon fired them ahead within forty seconds. A stunning second from Kevin McDonald put the visitors further in front and what became a comfortable victory was sealed by Aleksandar Mitrovic's measured finish following a sublime forward run from Tomas Kalas. Jokanovic told his post-match press conference that he was delighted with how Fulham handled the pressure of a big fixture at the New Den:

    I must be proud about how my team played. The first 45 minutes, Millwall were strong and used their weapons, but we showed we could be solid. In the second half, we scored early and moved the ball a bit better. We stuck to our style and played a brilliant second 45 minutes.

    It's not easy to play football in this place. The last time Millwall lost here was in November. We didn't surprise them and they didn't surprise us. We knew what to expect. They pushed hard – they're a physically strong team. My team showed confidence, solidarity and found a solution. We did a great job.

    We normally trust our style and dominate possession of the ball. We showed great ambition and desire and stuck to our plan. I must be satisfied because my team followed the game plan and played with confidence. We deserved this result.

The Fulham head coach insisted he didn't provide stirring words of wisdom during the interval, but reminded his team to stick to the footballing philosophy that has underpinned their outstanding unbeaten run since mid-December.

    I said nothing special. It's important for us to be focused and wait for our moment and it arrived at the right time, then we completely controlled the situation. I trust my players and my team trust me. Sometimes a plan works well, sometimes a plan doesn't work perfectly. They are professional.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/jokanovic-proud-of-fulhams-solidarity/

 
Fulham boss proud of players after derby triumph

Slavisa Jokanovic was full of praise for his players after their 3-0 win at Millwall.

Jokanovic's Fulham side are now 22 matches unbeaten in the Championship and their victory at The Den moved them back up into second place above Cardiff City, who play Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

"I'm very proud with how my team played," Jokanovic said. "The first 45 minutes was tough but we showed that we can be confident and solid.

"In the second half we scored early and then we started to move a bit better and we created more space.

"We stuck with our style and played brilliantly in the second half and we deserved the victory.

"This place is not easy to play football. They hadn't lost in 17 matches so it's not easy for anybody to play Millwall, especially here.

"We trust in our own style and keep possession. We showed great ambition and desire to stay with our philosophy.

"I just said [at half-time] to stay calm and be focused and wait for our moment. Our moment arrived early in the second half and after that we controlled the game."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/place-not-easy-fulham-boss-praises-players-victory-millwall

Millwall 0-3 Fulham: Player ratings
by Dan on April 21, 2018

Marks out of ten for Slavisa Jokanovic's men as Fulham ended Millwall's long unbeaten run with a big win at the New Den ...

Marcus Bettinelli: The only reason the Whites were in the game after the shakiest of starts in the south London cauldron was due to the Fulham number one's decisive keeping. His superb reflexes to push Jake Cooper's early header onto the woodwork proved absolutely vital and, looking vulnerable against some teasing Ben Marshall crosses, Bettinelli kept Jokanovic's men afloat until their passing game began to function. Another clean sheet. 8

Ryan Fredericks: The adventurous right back, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with Millwall back in 2014, found it difficult to get on the front foot initially as the Lions put their prey under serious pressure early on. He had to be defensively disciplined as Marshall's excellent crosses posed a serious threat, but bombed with great success once Jokanovic's men took control in the second 45 minutes. Fredericks is such an asset at both ends of the pitch and will be sorely missed if Fulham fail to make it back to the top flight. 8

Matt Targett: Another splendid showing from the Southampton loanee. Offered width and a rare chance to get forward in a first half were Fulham's forays into attacking territory were few and far between. Fashioned the first chance with a floated cross that found Mitrovic and clipped the top of the bar on the stroke of half-time with fine drive from distance. Had little serious defending to do after the break but oozed Premier League quality as he has since January. 8

Tim Ream: The former Bolton centre back was as commanding as ever at the heart of the Fulham defence looked unflustered by the raucous Den atmosphere that has tested many a top player in the past. The Whites were indebted to Ream for his terrific anticipation and agility as to clear off the line with Bettinelli beaten – another pivotal moment – and he was always on hand to distribute the ball with confidence from the back. 9

Denis Odoi: Outstanding at centre back, repelling the aerial threat of Morison and Gregory time and time again, which is no mean feat for a diminutive defender, who is more regularly seen at full back. Became more assertive as the evening wore on and relieved the pressure that the Fulham back four were under with a willingness to knock the ball around and carry it forward on occasions. 8

Kevin McDonald: The Scot's sensational strike from fully 25 yards showed that he certainly has the ability to produce a moment of magic usually credited to his midfield colleagues. McDonald's magnificent second gave Fulham the comfort of a two-goal cushion, which they never really looked like relinquishing, and capped an excellent night for the key man at the base of the visitors' midfield. His positional sense and calmness counted for plenty when the Whites were under the cosh during a difficult first half. 9

Stefan Johansen: The Norwegian's energy and verve helped Fulham survive Millwall's frenetic start and gradually gain a foothold in the contest. He played a lovely defence splitting ball to send Ryan Sessegnon in after Jokanovic's side had enjoyed their first serious spell of possession in the Millwall half, but will rue his lack of composure in front of goal when he snatched at a volley off his normally trusty left peg right. It mattered little – as the Whites went on to dominate regardless. 7

Tom Cairney: Had to come through the usual physical battering before being able to dictate his side's pretty passing football from his deep-lying midfield position, but the Fulham skipper is made of strong stuff. As soon as Cairney got on the ball, you could see his team-mates start to relax and his influence only increased once Sessegnon put the visitors in front seconds after the break. This wasn't a game where Cairney's importance as Fulham's creative hub was glaringly obvious but he managed proceedings brilliantly. 8

Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian was the only one in a Fulham shirt who failed to really impose himself on this encounter. Didn't have the pace to threaten a spirited Millwall side in behind and struggled to have much of an impact between the lines. You can't fault the Brazilian's desire or passion but it hasn't really happened for him since he came back into the side. 6

Ryan Sessegnon: The teenager found it tough to start with against Millwall's promising full back Mahlon Romeo, one of the few defenders in the division who looked like he might be able to match the seventeen year-old stride for stride. But Romeo's reactions were nowhere near as quick as Sessegnon's when Jordan Archer failed to hold Mitrovic's speculative shot and his fifteenth goal of the season was absolutely critical in the final reckoning. He could have scored twice more after that and the Den was reverberating to the Fulham fans singing his name following the final whistle. 8

Aleksandar Mitrovic: The Serbian had to feed off scraps in a first half where he was largely nullified by former Fulham defender Shaun Hutchinson, but he needed less than half a minute to make an impact in the second period. Just like against Brentford, there seemed little danger when he turned a hopeful pass forward into a shooting chance – and Sessegnon pounced to put the Whites ahead. Both Huchinson and Cooper failed to disrupt his fine hold up play to another degree after half time and the Newcastle loanee added a third before the end with an unerring finish into the top corner. 8

Substitutes:

Tomas Kalas (on for Lucas Piazon, 82): Brought on to ensure there would be no repeat of Fulham's folding from a winning position in their two previous London derbies, the on-loan Chelsea defender ended up making a real difference at the other end of the pitch. Nothing appeared to be on when he picked up the ball on the halfway line but Kalas' sense of adventure carried him to the edge of the Millwall box – where he had the presence of mind to slip in Mitrovic for the third. 7

Cyrus Christie (on for Ryan Fredericks, 90): Sent on to see out stoppage time with Fulham in front – a decision that went a little better than when Jokanovic tried it last week.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2018/04/millwall-0-3-fulham-player-ratings/

Fantastic to read all these reports, and so early in the day, too.  Great work, White JC - thanks, as always.

Quote from: WhiteJC on April 21, 2018, 07:11:58 AM

Spanish La Liga giants eyeing move for Fulham teenager – scouts watched

Barcelona have joined the race to sign Fulham's teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon, according to The Mirror.

The left-back, who can also play on the wing, has scored fourteen goals for the Cottagers this season, as well as registering six assists.

At Sunday's EFL Awards ceremony, Sessegnon won five Gongs in an impressive haul including the Young Player of the Year and Championship Player of the Year. Sessegnon also featured in the Championship Team of the Season  and has been named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The youngster broke into the Fulham first team last season, making thirty appearances and scoring seven goals. He has now made over seventy appearances in total for the London club and manager Slavisa Jokanovic is deploying him in a more attacking and advanced role on the left side of midfield.

It is being reported that Scouts from Barcelona have travelled to England to watch the teenager in action, but they would have to battle with top clubs around the world, with Tottenham Hotspur believed to be favorites to sign the Fulham man. Sessegnon's brother currently plies his trade with Spurs and Pochettino has already shown that he is willing to give youth a chance in the first team, by playing the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Winks.

Fulham turned down a number of offers for their prize asset in January. However, they may be resigned to losing Sessegnon if they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League come the end of the season.

When did his brother sign for SPurs?

Lazy reporting

Quote from: sunburywhite on April 21, 2018, 02:36:59 PM

Quote from: WhiteJC on April 21, 2018, 07:11:58 AM

Spanish La Liga giants eyeing move for Fulham teenager – scouts watched

Barcelona have joined the race to sign Fulham's teenage sensation Ryan Sessegnon, according to The Mirror.

The left-back, who can also play on the wing, has scored fourteen goals for the Cottagers this season, as well as registering six assists.

At Sunday's EFL Awards ceremony, Sessegnon won five Gongs in an impressive haul including the Young Player of the Year and Championship Player of the Year. Sessegnon also featured in the Championship Team of the Season  and has been named on the six-man shortlist for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

The youngster broke into the Fulham first team last season, making thirty appearances and scoring seven goals. He has now made over seventy appearances in total for the London club and manager Slavisa Jokanovic is deploying him in a more attacking and advanced role on the left side of midfield.

It is being reported that Scouts from Barcelona have travelled to England to watch the teenager in action, but they would have to battle with top clubs around the world, with Tottenham Hotspur believed to be favorites to sign the Fulham man. Sessegnon's brother currently plies his trade with Spurs and Pochettino has already shown that he is willing to give youth a chance in the first team, by playing the likes of Dele Alli and Harry Winks.

Fulham turned down a number of offers for their prize asset in January. However, they may be resigned to losing Sessegnon if they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League come the end of the season.

When did his brother sign for SPurs?

Lazy reporting

:doh:  :doh:  064.gif

The irony that Sunderland was the start of our unbeaten run, and Sunderland could be the end of it, preventing us overtaking Man City to set the record. Please no Fulhamish (more so for the 3 points than the record of course).