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Title: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:30:59 PM
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Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:35:18 PM
Derby County 1-1 Fulham

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Wayne Rooney's Panenka penalty was his fourth goal for Derby

Aleksandar Mitrovic rescued a point for Fulham at Derby as Wayne Rooney marked his 500th appearance in English league football by scoring a Panenka penalty.

The Championship's top scorer coolly volleyed in Aboubakar Kamara's cross for his 22nd goal of the season to lift Fulham within two points of second-placed Leeds in the race for promotion.

It had looked like former England captain Rooney would take the headlines when he calmly clipped the ball past Fulham keeper Marek Rodak from the spot to give the Rams the lead after Tim Ream had been penalised for handball.

But, despite chances at both ends, neither team could find a winner, with Rodak making a number of fine saves to keep his side in the game.

Rodak's mistakes had been to blame for the Whites' surprise 3-0 home defeat by Barnsley last weekend but boss Scott Parker kept faith with the Slovakian keeper and was rewarded with a superb display as he saved six of Derby's seven on-target efforts.

With Rooney behind much of the Rams' best work, Rodak reacted superbly to keep out a flicked effort from Tom Lawrence and a shot by Matt Clarke on the stretch, before later pushing an angled Lawrence drive around the post.

He was only beaten when Rooney cheekily chipped in his penalty after Ream was adjudged to have used his hand to prevent Martyn Waghorn from going through.

However, after Mitrovic's opportunistic equaliser, Rodak then prevented Derby from finding a winner with a brilliant diving stop to keep out Max Bird's drive from 12 yards before diving backwards to palm away a late bundling effort by Curtis Davies from close range.

Fulham had chances to win it too with Bobby Decordova-Reid flashing an effort across the six-yard box, while substitute Ivan Cavaleiro curled a powerful shot narrowly over from 18 yards.

However, their failure to secure all three points hands Leeds the chance to open up a five-point lead over one of their promotion rivals when they entertain Reading on Saturday.

A second successive home 1-1 draw also does little for Derby's hopes of staging a late run to the play-offs, with the Rams now eight points off a top-six spot having now played a game more than the sides above them.

Rooney's Panenka penalty

Rooney admitted to Sky Sports after the game that he is "always nervous" before taking penalties but had opted to attempt a Panenka for the first time to "try something different".

Here's how his penalty went in in pictures...

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/3993/production/_110993741_rooney_pen_getty.jpg)
Rooney chips the ball off the penalty spot...

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/D5D3/production/_110993745_rooney_pen1_getty.jpg)
The ball gains height as it moves towards goal...

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/976/cpsprodpb/17F01/production/_110994089_rooney_pen_rex.jpg)
And the dink beats the dive of Fulham keeper Marek Rodak as the ball nestles in the net


Derby boss Phillips Cocu: "Tonight Wayne played in a more forward position as a number 10. He showed great skill, great vision, technical ability and he's important in all aspects tactically.

"He can adapt if any changes have to be made during the game and that's always a pleasure for a manager or coach to have somebody who can do that.

"Also what he brings to the club, he helps the young players develop. He talks a lot to individuals, most of the days before training he's in the coaches' office to see how we work. He gives his input and his opinion so he knows exactly how we work.

"He can help us during a game in this way as well so for me it's a pleasure to have a player of his ability and quality but also his personality in the team."

Fulham head coach Scott Parker: "Wayne's had a massive impact since he's been here, it's no surprise Derby's upturn in form has coincided with him coming to the club.

"I have no doubt, I don't know looking in from the outside, but when you bring in a player of Wayne Rooney's calibre, you're not just talking about his technique because that's there for everyone to see.

"But you bring a player into the building that has a mentality of knowing what it is about and driving standards every single day and he's probably scooping a few up along the way.

"That's what you get and obviously at times tonight you see his quality as well. He's had to adapt his game but you often find that the world-class players can do that."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51498741
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:36:37 PM
Head Coach press conference
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Scott Parker was satisfied on the whole to leave Pride Park with a point on Friday night.

Derby County have been ruthless on their own patch this season, but Fulham recovered from Wayne Rooney's penalty to take a draw back to London.

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"For large parts we had a real control about us and dominated," Parker said. "I felt like first half we had a lot of control but lacked a little bit of impetus.

"But in saying that, we're coming to a place where they've lost two all year, they're second in the league for home form, so we knew it would be a tough place.

"What we wanted to do was get a control and get hold of the ball and not let them have it that much, and quiet the crowd down, which I felt like we did.

"Their goal comes out of nothing really, and then after that my team showed unbelievable character, unbelievable mentality, something which we've struggled with this year at times when we've gone a goal down.

"But I saw a team that wanted to get back in the game, and then at 1-1 there's some big chances that fall our way, and it's a different story if they go in.

"Late on of course Derby come a little bit, get some corners and put us under a bit of pressure, but overall I'm pleased with the way it panned out.

"It's a point gained for us, we go into two home games now in a busy week, and I'm happy."

(https://ffcw001.azureedge.net/-/media/scott_parker/shutterstock_editorial_10559451ar.jpg?w=300&h=400)

After a below-par performance by his high standards against Barnsley last week, Marek Rodák delivered an imperious display between the sticks, making numerous saves to keep his side level.

And when asked for his verdict on his goalkeeper's performance, Parker replied: "Very good, top drawer.

"He had a bad afternoon on Saturday and made two errors, which is obviously unlike him. He's a young 'keeper, a young boy, but I knew he'd be fine because of the character of him.

"I often say to this team and these players that what we're trying to develop here is a mentality and a character and a belief, because ultimately I realise and I know that if you want to be successful as a team and as individuals, that's what you need.

"He had two options after the weekend; to go into his shell and sink, or he had an option to come in Monday morning and stand up, go again, be brave, take responsibility for the mistakes he made. And that's what he did, and that's why you get that performance tonight.

"I'm delighted with him and I'm delighted that he has that concrete head that means even during the little adverse times he had last week, he can front up and keep going, because that can sometimes be difficult in the world we're in."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/21/head-coach-press conference
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:41:05 PM
Derby County 1-1 Fulham: Alexander Mitrovic cancels out Wayne Rooney's panenka penalty as former England captain marks 500th English league appearance with stunning goal

    Wayne Rooney put Derby in front with a cheeky dinked penalty on 55 minutes
    Fulham equalised through Alexander Mitrovic's excellent finish shortly after
    Marek Rodak made a brilliant late save as Fulham held on to take a point

Wayne Rooney is still breaking new ground even after 500 games in English league football as the first 'Panenka' penalty of his career earned Derby a point against high-flying Fulham.

The former England captain marked his latest milestone by chipping in from the spot to give Derby a 55th-minute lead, which was cancelled out by Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic's volley with 19 minutes remaining – his 22nd league goal of the campaign. The result meant Fulham missed the chance to draw level with second-placed Leeds but they remain well placed in third to push for automatic promotion.

'I haven't done that (the Panenka) in my career,' said Rooney. 'I know goalkeepers study penalties, it is something different but it is a surprise to the keeper and thankfully it went in.

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Alexander Mitrovic's excellent finish saw Fulham nick a point in a 1-1 draw with Derby County

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Wayne Rooney's wonderfully-taken panenka penalty had given Derby the lead on 55 minutes

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Rooney's goal came on the night he made his 500th English league appearance


'There are still more games to come [after 500]. I feel fine, still enjoying the game. It is 500 but I'll celebrate when I finish playing.'

Nearly 18 years after Rooney made his Everton debut as a 16-year-old, the legs do not move as quickly as they once did but the mind is as sharp as ever.

He barely wasted a pass and as player-coach, his influence extends far beyond the pitch – a calming factor in a chaotic season off the field at Pride Park.

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Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak kept Derby at bay in the first half with several fine saves

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Rooney scored from the spot after Martyn Waghorn's run into the box was halted by Tim Ream

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Mitrovic levelled when he brilliantly fired home Aboubakar Kamara's cross on 71 minutes


Rams boss Phillip Cocu said: 'He is a link between the technical staff and the team. He helps young players and it is a pleasure to have a player of his ability, quality and also personality.'

With a possible EFL points deduction hanging over Derby for breaches of spending rules – a charge they are contesting – Cocu's men need to gather as many as possible, and they would have had all three were it not for Marek Rodak's brilliant display in goal for Fulham. The Pole made superb stops from Matt Clarke, Tom Lawrence and Craig Forsyth. 

Instead, after Rooney had scored from the spot when Tim Ream handled to stop Martyn Waghorn in his tracks, Fulham moved up a gear and levelled when Mitrovic eluded Curtis Davies to volley substitute Aboubakar Kamara's cross beyond Ben Hamer.

Fulham manager Scott Parker said: 'We dominated for large parts and their goal came out of nothing. We showed unbelievable character to get back into the game.'

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/02/21/21/25039164-8030585-image-a-50_1582321767770.jpg)
Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak made a wonderful late save to ensure Fulham held on



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8030585/Derby-County-1-1-Fulham-Alexander-Mitrovic-cancels-Wayne-Rooneys-panenka-penalty.html
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:42:27 PM
Rams Shine Under The Lights But Forced To Share Points With Fulham

Derby County fought to the final whistle, but were forced to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw with Fulham under the lights at Pride Park Stadium.

After a dominating first-half with a handful of chances that couldn't produce a goal, the Rams took the lead in sensational fashion through Wayne Rooney in his 500th appearance in English football.

The Derby captain stepped up to the penalty spot after a handball by Tim Ream and chipped the ball down the middle of the goal as the Fulham keeper dived.

However, the visitors equalised midway through the half through Aleksandar Mitrovic's clinical finish. Despite a valiant effort and a fight until the end, the Rams were unable to find the winning goal.

It was a positive start for the Rams under the lights as they piled the pressure on Fulham defence from the opening whistle with Tom Lawrence leading the charge.

The first and second of those opportunities came just after the ten-minute mark after Derby's pressure in the Fulham half. Max Bird won the ball back on the edge of the box after Graeme Shinnie's shot was deflected back out to a crowded area. The midfielder fed the ball out to Lawrence who had space in the left side of the box. The winger adjusted and rifled a goal-bound shot which was deflected wide.

Rooney sent the resulting corner to the near post which was cleared back to his feet. He sent the ball back across goal and Lawrence rushed to flick the ball in but Marek made the save.

Back-to-back chances came again the minutes later for the Rams who continued to apply the pressure. Bird fed to Rooney to the left of the area who cut back to Craig Forsyth. The full-back flashed a strong ball across the goal but it had slightly too much power for Martyn Waghorn to direct in.

Just two minutes later, Derby were awarded a free-kick in the middle of the visitor's half which was sent to Matt Clarke who was open in the left side of the area. He stretched to get his toes on the ball before chasing the ball down by the near post and struck from close range, only to be denied by a great strong save by Rodak.

Fulham's first opening came after 25 minutes. Anthony Knockaert sent a cross in from the right toward the Championship's leading scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the Rams' centre-backs covered him well and Curtis Davies headed the ball away for Bird and Jason Knight to combine to clear the ball.

Mitrovic had another opportunity from a cross in minutes later, but the close-range header was a comfortable save for Ben Hamer.

Lawrence had one more chance, and his best of the half. The chance was again worked by the Rams' persistent pressure, this time with Waghorn winning the ball back in Fulham's half. The ball was worked to Lawrence inside the area and his low effort was palmed wide by Rodak.

Derby deservedly went ahead ten minutes into the second-half. Waghorn looked flicked the ball up in the area and turned, but Tim Ream handballed and Darren Bond blew his whistle for a penalty.

Rooney stepped up to the spot and outrageously chipped the ball down into the middle of the net to break the deadlock.

Fulham looked to quickly level the score when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, but Mitrovic's effort towards the top left corner was saved by Hamer.

Their equaliser came in the 71st minute through Mitrovic. Lawrence did well to block Harry Arter's initial shot, but the ball deflected to Aboubakar Kamara who crossed in from the right for the striker sweep into the bottom corner.

Derby pushed to end the night with three points and came close in the 83rd minute as Lawrence broke down the middle of the park. Andre Wisdom ran alongside him down the channel and received the ball and flashed it across goal to Rooney who's effort was deflected over.

Moment's later, after another fast break, Bird rifled the ball which Rodak batted away and it was sent out for another corner.

In the final minute of normal time, Derby' best chance to grab the winner came as Rodak clawed the ball away at the last moment as Derby player's swarmed the back post.

Derby County: Hamer; Wisdom, Davies, Clarke, Forsyth; Bird, Shinnie; Knight (Jozefzoon, 78), Rooney, Lawrence; Waghorn (Marriott, 78)

Unused Subs: Roos, Martin, Lowe, Bogle, Sibley

Fulham: Rodak; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Cairney, Johansen (Kamara, 66), Arter (McDonald, 81); Knockaert (Cavaleiro, 66), Mitrovik, Decordova-Reid

Unused Subs: Bettinelli, Kebano, Christie, Sessegnon



https://www.dcfc.co.uk/news/2020/02/match-report-derby-county-v-fulham
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:44:00 PM
Mitrovic's goal earns Fulham a point at Derby

Derby 1 Fulham 1


Aleksandar Mitrovic's 22nd goal of the season secured a point for Fulham.

Wayne Rooney put Derby ahead with a Panenka penalty 10 minutes into the second half.

The former England captain cheekily tricked keeper Marek Rodák with his spot-kick after Tim Ream's handball.

The Whites, who would have gone level on points with second-placed Leeds had they won, equalised with 19 minutes remaining.

Mitrovic coolly volleyed home after being found by Aboubakar Kamara's cross.

Both teams had chances to score a second goal and Marek produced a number of fine saves to keep the hosts at bay.
Fulham: Rodák, Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan, Johansen (Kamara 65), Arter (McDonald 81), Cairney, Knockaert (Cavaleiro 66), Mitrovic, Cordova-Reid.
Subs not used: Bettinel, Kebano, Christie, Sessegnon.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovics-goal-earns-fulham-a-point-at-derby
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:44:40 PM
Mitrovic grabs point after Rooney nets penalty in 500th English league game

Wayne Rooney marked his 500th English League appearance with a cheeky penalty but Aleksandar Mitrovic hit back to give promotion-chasing Fulham a 1-1 draw at Pride Park.

Rooney converted after Tim Ream had handled early in the second half but Mitrovic expertly dispatched his 22nd league goal of the season to earn Fulham a point.

Both sides could have won it in the closing minutes, with Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak making two superb saves as Rooney drove Derby forward.

It was a special night for the former Everton and Manchester United forward, who played in a more attacking role in the absence of the injured Duane Holmes and had a big influence on the game.

Derby started well, forcing an early corner which was worked to Tom Lawrence just outside the box but his shot cleared the stadium roof.

His next effort was deflected behind and, when Rooney's corner was cleared, the former England skipper found Lawrence again but his shot lacked the power to trouble Rodak.

Fulham were having periods of possession but Derby were more threatening and it needed a smart save from Rodak when Rooney found Matt Clarke at the back post with a free kick in the 23rd minute.

The visitors twice went close in the 29th minute when Mitrovic just failed to connect with a cross and, when the ball was played back in, he headed straight at Ben Hamer.

Derby threatened once more in the 36th minute when Anthony Knockaert was caught in possession and Lawrence's low shot from the edge of the area was superbly turned behind by Rodak.

The home side went ahead in the 55th minute when Fulham played themselves into trouble and Tim Ream used a hand to stop Martyn Waghorn going through.

Rooney stepped up and coolly chipped a Panenka penalty into the net as Rodak dived the wrong way.

Fulham had lacked urgency and it was no surprise when they made a double change in the 65th minute, which paid off six minutes later.

Both subs were involved with Ivan Cavaleiro running across the edge of the box and, after his shot was blocked, Aboubakar Kamara whipped in a cross which Mitrovic volleyed past Hamer from 12 yards.

Bobby Decordova-Reid had a shot deflected behind and Cavaleiro fired over before Derby came close to regaining the lead in the 85th minute.

Florian Jozefzoon played the ball across and Max Bird hit a stinging shot which Rodak saved brilliantly.

Derby came again and Rodak made another great save to claw a Jack Marriott shot off the line before Kevin McDonald blocked the follow-up.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/mitrovic-grabs-point-after-rooney-nets-penalty-500th-english-league-game
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:45:06 PM
Rodak redeems himself

Marek Rodak redeemed himself by making a string of fine saves as Fulham fought back to claim a point at Derby County this evening. The Slovakian goalkeeper, who endured an error-strewn afternoon as bottom of the table Barnsley romped to victory at Craven Cottage last weekend, made three outstanding stops to prevent Philip Cocu's side from adding to a lead supplied by a cheeky paneka penalty from Wayne Rooney, making his 500th league appearance in English football.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, as he so often does, came to Fulham's rescue – reviving a rather timid performance with a stroke of magic to guide in Aboubakar Kamara's cross for the equaliser. The Serbian's 22nd Championship goal of the season set up a grandstand finish during which either side could have won it, but both ultimately had to settle for what was a frustrating point. The result means Scott Parker's side are two points behind second-placed Leeds, who host Reading tomorrow afternoon.

It could have been much worse for the visitors who, despite enjoying the lion's share of the possession against another of the division's footballing sides, struggled to create clear-cut chances. It was Derby, far more incisive in the final third, who fashioned the game's better openings. Rodak was called into action first on eleven minutes when a clever Rooney cross was diverted goalwards by Tom Lawrence, who had incredibly shot out of the stadium when presented with the evening's first chance.

Lawrence, playing wider than he would prefer to order to accommodate Rooney, then saw a 20-yard drive deflected agonisingly wide. The home side were growing in confidence and one majestic move saw Rooney release full back Craig Forsyth into the inside-left challenge but his low cross only just eluded Martyn Waghorn in the middle. Rodak then made a wonderful save at full stretch to preserve parity when Matt Clarke reached a free-kick at the far post and looked to have turned it home at full stretch.

Fulham's brightest moments involved Mitrovic, who still seemed far too isolated to be a regular threat. He was denied by an intelligent piece of defending from Curtis Davies but, after a sweeping break, nearly diverted Anthony Knockaert's cross goalwards before heading a Bobby Decordova-Reid delivery straight at Ben Hamer in the Derby goal.

It was Cocu's team that finished the first period on the front foot. Waghorn battled to win the ball back for Derby inside his own half and the hosts probed patiently for an opening before Lawrence unleashed a low drive from just inside the box that Rodak palmed aside.

The game followed a similar pattern after the restart with Derby looking the more lively in front of goal as Fulham's rather ponderous passing seemed to be leading nowehere. Andre Wisdom wasted a glorious opportunity on the edge of the Fulham box, blazing wildly over when he could have chosen to pass to one of three team-mates in good positions, but Derby weren't ruing their defender's lack of composure for too long.

The opening goal arrived ten minutes after the break – and through a mess of Fulham's own making. The visitors attempted to play their way out from the back with another short goal kick but Joe Bryan's risky pass went astray. Waghorn turned Tim Ream in the area and referee Darren Bond penalised the American centre back for what seemed a rather harsh handball. Rooney, a regular scourge of Fulham over the years, impudently chipped home the penalty over a helpless Rodak.

That setack did at least serve to enliven Fulham. Mitrovic floated a free-kick towards the top corner that Hamer plucked out of the air and the Serbian couldn't quite get to another inviting Bryan cross with Hamer doing his best to put him off. Parker sent on Kamara and Ivan Cavaleiro in a bid to find a leveller – and the changes worked within five minutes. Both substitutes were involved in the move that led to Mitrovic produced a wonderfully controlled volley into the bottom corner from Kamara's rather speculative cross, with Cavaleiro's purposeful run and shot rebonding kindly for the Frenchman.

Fulham might have had a second with seven minutes to play when Kevin McDonald's searching forward ball sent Kamara haring towards the Derby box. The ball fell nicely for Cavaleiro, who should have done better than lash over the bar from the edge of the area. Derby weren't content to shut up shop and settle for a point – Odoi blocked a Rooney strike before Rodak made outrageous stops to first keep out a rocket from young Max Bird and then readjust in the nick of time to bundle Davies' attempted finish away from behind him as it looked certain to nestle in the net. The young goalkeeper even scrambled across his line to keep out Lawrence's corner in stoppage time to preserve parity.

DERBY COUNTY (4-2-3-1): Hamer; Wisdom, Forsyth, Davies, Clarke; Shinnie, Bird; Knight (Jozefzoon 78), Lawrence, Rooney; Waghorn (Marriott 78). Subs (not used): Roos, Lowe, Bogle, Sibley, Martin.

GOAL: Rooney (pen 54).

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Bryan, Hector, Ream; Arter (McDonald 81), Johansen (Kamara 65), Cairney; Knockaert (Cavaleiro 66), Decordova-Reid, Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Christie, S. Sessegnon, Kebano.

BOOKED: Arter.

GOAL: Mitrovic (71).

REFEREE: Darren Bond (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 25,442.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/02/rodak-redeems-himself/
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:47:05 PM
Phillip Cocu explains what denied Derby County victory against Fulham

Derby County news | The Rams had to settle for a point in their 1-1 draw at Pride Park Stadium

Phillip Cocu says his Derby County team was denied a victory by the excellent performance of Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

Skipper Wayne Rooney's cheeky penalty put the Rams ahead in the second half but they were pegged back by Alexsandar Mitrovic's equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Pride Park Stadium.

After the Championship clash, Cocu said: "Fulham are a team who play very well, they have a lot of quality. If you see the subs who came on, that is the quality they have in their squad.

"But if you look at the total of chances created on goal, we created much more than they did. Only their goalkeeper had an excellent day. He made some great saves, and I think he saved a point for Fulham.

"I think the part of the game we scored a goal, they (Fulham) pushed forward even more and that was maybe the part of the game we struggled more defending and we couldn't really play out of their press.

"After they scored and we made some changes, we got back in the game and we could have scored the winner but their goalkeeper made two more excellent saves."



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/derby-county-fulham-cocu-rodak-3875611
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 21, 2020, 11:47:55 PM
Parker praises 'top drawer' Rodák after Fulham draw

Scott Parker praised keeper Marek Rodák for "top drawer" performance against Derby.

Rodák produced a number of fine saves in the 1-1 draw at Pride Park, where Aleksandar Mitrovic's equaliser earned Fulham a point.

It was the perfect response from the Whites keeper to a poor display in the recent home defeat by Barnsley.

Boss Parker added: "He had a bad afternoon on Saturday and made two errors, which is obviously unlike him.

"He's a young keeper, a young boy, but I knew he'd be fine because of the character of him."

A win would have taken Parker's side level on points with second-placed Leeds.

But they remain very much in the race for automatic promotion and Parker was pleased with their efforts.

"Overall I'm pleased with the way it panned out. It's a point gained for us," he said.

"My team showed unbelievable character – something we've struggled with at times this year after going behind."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-praises-top-drawer-rodak-after-fulham-draw
Title: Re: Saturday Fulham Stuff - 22/02/20...
Post by: WhiteJC on February 22, 2020, 10:53:50 AM
The Lowdown: Southampton U18s
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The Under-18s travel to Southampton hoping to move back to the top of the U18 Premier League South.

The game is being played at Southampton's Staplewood Training Complex with an 11am kick-off.
Form:

Southampton:

The Saints have won just once in their last five league games, the win an emphatic five goal swing against Swansea. Defeats to Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham alongside a draw to Aston Villa make up their last five.

Fulham:

The minor blip at Spurs remains as the only league defeat this season with wins at Reading and Leicester coming since. The exit in the FA Youth Cup at the hands of Man City the most recent fixture.
Last Time Out:

A rampant Fulham side put five past The Saints at Motspur Park in September with Sylvester Jasper, Terry Ablade, Fabio Carvalho and Mika Biereth getting on the scoresheet.
He Said:

Jean-Pierre Tiehi is keen to put the Youth Cup exit behind him to mount a push at winning the Premier League title.

"We're ready for this game and every game that will come up; they are all important and we are going at Southampton to win. The squad is very strong, and we are very confident to be ready for Saturday's game.

"Obviously, we were very disappointed after the Man City game, for some people it was the last time that they going to play an FA youth cup game, but we learn from everything. Big teams lose sometimes we just need to put it right Saturday to show that we are still alive and have a stronger mentally than ever. The Youth Cup game is gone now so we are focused on our last games of the season."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/february/22/southampton-u18s-preview