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Play-Off Results

Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham


Fulham thoroughly outplayed Cardiff City and scored two brilliant first-leg goals to take total control of their Championship play-off semi-final.

An evenly contested first half saw the hosts twice go close to taking the lead before Fulham captain Tom Cairney clipped the post with a curling long-range effort.

Josh Onomah then produced a moment of magic early in the second half, dancing his way past three statuesque Cardiff defenders before firing into the bottom corner.

Fulham were utterly dominant from that point, controlling possession to such an extent that Cardiff barely got a whiff of the ball, before Neeskens Kebano added a second in injury time with a beautiful free-kick.

That was the least Scott Parker's side deserved, and a place at Wembley is now within touching distance ahead of Thursday's second leg at Craven Cottage.

As for Cardiff, they will need to summon every bit of the spirit which has seen them fight back from several trying situations under Neil Harris this season if they are to have any hope of setting up an all-Welsh final against rivals Swansea City, who lead Brentford 1-0 in the other semi-final.

The Bluebirds are not quite out of contention but there can be no doubt that Fulham have seized control in the battle between two sides aiming for an instant return to the Premier League.

Fulham in the driving seat
Despite missing out on automatic promotion, Fulham had gathered momentum towards the end of the regular season with a seven-match unbeaten run.

Having finished fourth in the table, eight points ahead of Cardiff, Parker's team were regarded by many - including Harris - as the favourites for this tie.

However, they were dealt a blow before kick-off when the Championship's top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic was ruled out with what Parker described as a "slight problem" which he hopes will not keep him out for the second leg.

Fulham had won each of their three games during Mitrovic's recent suspension but, in his absence on this occasion, their attacks initially lacked a focal point.

For all the visitors' early long spells of possession, they offered little in the way of cutting edge until the final few minutes of the first half.

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Fulham had beaten Cardiff 2-0 at Craven Cottage earlier in July

Onomah had their first effort on target, sliding in and forcing Alex Smithies into a fine sprawling save, before Cairney hit the outside of the post with an arcing strike from 25 yards.

Those were warning signs for Cardiff, which they did not heed.

Four minutes into the second half, Onomah picked up the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area, turned Marlon Pack and swivelled past Cardiff's static centre-backs, Sean Morrison and Curtis Nelson, before applying an assured low finish.

Fulham's players, substitutes and coaches celebrated exuberantly, and the goal rather knocked the stuffing out of their opponents.

Cardiff could barely lay a glove on Parker's men as they passed the ball around at will, almost toying with the home side as they took a firm grip on the tie.

Former Cardiff forward Bobby Decordova-Reid was close to adding to their lead, his fierce half-volley fizzing narrowly over the bar.

A 1-0 win would not have done Fulham's second-half dominance justice, and Kebano was on hand to ensure that would not be the case, curling his injury-time free-kick delicately over the wall and into the net to double Fulham's delight.

Cardiff's long road back
This was a chastening evening for Cardiff, who came into this fixture the third best record in the Championship since the season's resumption last month, winning six and losing only two of their nine post-lockdown games to finish fifth in the table.

However, one of those defeats came at the hands of Fulham, who Harris was eager to describe as the favourites for this tie because of their more expensively assembled squad.

There might have been a little mischief - an attempt at mind games perhaps - on Harris' behalf but to say the pressure was on Fulham was also a way of galvanising his own players, and of retaining the underdog tag they so often seem to relish.

When Harris took over in November, Cardiff were languishing in 14th place but, with a subtle evolution of their playing style, the former Millwall boss had made the Bluebirds promotion contenders once more.

Those tweaks to the Bluebirds' approach were evident as they started positively against Fulham, moving the ball swiftly and creating two early chances.

Right-back Leandro Bacuna pushed forward to fashion the first, cutting inside and hitting a powerful left-footed shot which Marek Rodak could only parry into the path of Robert Glatzel, who looked destined to tap in before Michael Hector intervened with a superb sliding tackle.

The hosts threatened again three minutes later. Lee Tomlin conjured the opportunity out of nothing, jinking past three Fulham defenders before finding Junior Hoilett, who set up Glatzel, but his shot was straight at Rodak.

Those were promising signs but, once Fulham took the lead, Cardiff could not find a way back into the game.

They tired in the second half as they were forced to chase their opponents or, in reality, chase shadows as Fulham asserted their superiority.

Cardiff City manager Neil Harris:
"It's a real kick in the nuts. In the first 25 minutes we were very good but we have to take our chances when we're on top.

"In the second half we never really got going. We didn't build any sustained pressure and we made three changes to get some impetus, but by then we were 1-0 down.

"With the first goal you are thinking it's goal of the season if you're the Fulham lad, but I think it's too easy. I'd like to see us lay a glove on him.

"The second goal is a great free-kick but is it a foul? The referee has given me a response I can't believe. In the first half Hector fouled Tomlin but he didn't give a free-kick. He said he ran into him. I asked him did Cairney run into Sean Morrison? He said 'two wrongs don't make a right' so he's admitted he's wrong both times."

Fulham manager Scott Parker:
"Overall it was a good performance. We weathered the storm early on and got a foothold in the game.

"I think we're well worthy of the two-goal lead at this stage.

"We worked our socks off and our foundation was built on concrete, but it will be another huge battle on Thursday. This is only halfway through and we'll stand up to the challenge."

On Aleksandar Mitrovic's injury, Parker added: "He's picked up a little bit of a hamstring knock. We went into this game knowing it is over two legs and we made a decision for the team.

"Hopefully we can get him fit for Thursday."


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53508322

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was delighted with the quality of display put in by his Fulham side on Monday evening in Cardiff.

Second half goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano have put the Whites in a strong position in our Play-Off Semi-Final with the Bluebirds, but Parker is well aware there is no room for complacency.


"Overall it was a very, very good performance for us, a strong performance," he stated. "We weathered a little bit of a storm early on in the game, but we understood what we were coming into and we knew what we had to do.

"We got a foothold in the game, we had a real control about us, kept the ball very, very well.

"We probably lacked a little bit of an impetus, certainly in the first half, so we changed things around a little bit second half in terms of our positioning and looked to be more of a threat and cause Cardiff some problems.

"Second half we executed that plan very, very well. We showed a real quality about us and were well worthy of the two goal lead.

"This tie is only halfway through. There's still a lot of football to be played. I also understand that what got us the result today was a team that worked their socks off, a team that was organised out of possession and nullified them to very few chances.

"That's what you saw second half, there was a foundation about us that was built on concrete today. And from that you see players' skill, you see a fluidness about us, and we need to do that again in the next game. We need to understand it's only half done, we need to be professional."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/27/head-coach-press conference

Cardiff 0-2 Fulham: Stunning Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano goals see Cottagers take control
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final first leg at the Cardiff City Stadium

Fulham took control of their Championship play-off semi-final as super goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano earned them a 2-0 first-leg win at Cardiff.

Onomah struck in the second half and Kebano added a second via a free-kick in stoppage-time to earn dominant Fulham victory in South Wales, leaving Cardiff with a lot of work to do to if they want to reach the play-off final at Wembley - which is a 7.45pm kick-off on Tuesday, August 4.

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Neeskens Kebano celebrates after scoring his fantastic free-kick

The second leg takes place at Craven Cottage on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm. While kick-off is at 7.45pm.

Fulham take control after dominating first leg
In a cagey first half it was Cardiff who went closest on 13 minutes. Leandro Bacuna hit a stinging drive that was kept out by Marek Rodak, but Michael Hector did brilliantly on his own goal line to get ahead of Robert Glatzel and deny the striker the opportunity to turn home the rebound.

Fulham, who were missing Golden Boot-winning striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, looked to be lacking a little cutting edge early on, but there were no signs of that just after half-time as Onomah scored a quite wonderful opener.

Picking up the ball from Harrison Reed on the edge of the area. He turned Marlon Pack, glided past Sean Morrison and then shimmied away from Curtis Nelson before slotting low into the bottom corner.

Cardiff simply couldn't find a leveller after that as Fulham squeezed them out of the game, dominating possession and not giving their hosts a sniff of a chance. And they may have taken the tie beyond their opponents in the first minute of stoppage time as Kebano netted his third free-kick in as many games, swinging an effort over the wall and beyond the helpless Alex Smithies from the edge of the box.

Analysis: Is it too late for Cardiff?
No side has ever overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to reach the Championship play-off final, and Gary O'Neil believes that second Fulham goal may have taken the tie beyond them.

"It's a huge blow for Cardiff," he told Sky Sports. "At 1-0 down you feel like you're still in the game, but when that goes in it makes your job so much more difficult in that second leg. You feel almost out of it. It'll take a huge effort from Cardiff.

"I think the first goal is going to be crucial but the thing Cardiff need to hang on to is that 2-0 can be a tricky scoreline. You feel so comfortable but then as soon as the other team get one back, it feels an awful lot closer than it did before. The pressure is off them now so Cardiff go to Craven Cottage and have a free hit. If they can take their early chances and come out fast again, it could very easily turn around, so this tie is by no means done and dusted."

History may be against them but Cardiff boss Neil Harris believes his side still have a chance.

"We have to dust ourselves down and go again on Thursday," he said. "It's a quick turnaround and I said to the players that in the play-off finals I've made we've been losing at half-time, and Fulham were celebrating here like they've won the tie.

"But we go to Craven Cottage and we have to be positive and the first goal will be key. We saw Northampton versus Cheltenham in the League Two play-offs. Northampton turned around a two-goal deficit and went on to win at Wembley. It doesn't mean it's going to happen, but we do have to go and win at Craven Cottage."

Man of the Match - Josh Onomah
An incredible goal that capped off a brilliant performance. Onomah helped dominate Fulham dominate midfield virtually throughout the first leg, and provided a moment of magic that will live long in the memory.

"It was a fantastic goal," said Fulham boss Scott Parker to Sky Sports after the game. "Josh has been fantastic since he's come here. This was the position we were trying to get him in and from there his skill and his quality comes through. I'm so pleased for him. He really deserves what he's done."

What the managers said...
Cardiff's Neil Harris: "First half up to the drinks break we were the better team by miles. We had two great chances but the ball wouldn't go into the net. Then Fulham grew into the game.

"The first goal was a great goal but we have to defend better. We've not laid a glove on him around our own penalty area. We're frustrated [as we didn't think it was a foul] but it was a great free-kick."

Fulham's Scott Parker: "First and foremost, I'm very pleased with the result. We need to stay level in this moment. There's still a lot of football to be played and of course, we've put ourselves in a fantastic position in the sense of the result.

"Overall, we were outstanding. The game came to us after a fast start from Cardiff. After that, we had to fix things a little bit in the second half. We just had to adapt our positioning and second half I thought we were outstanding.

"The way we moved the ball, the patience we had, we had a real control about us and caused them a lot of problems. Out of possession too I see a real solid team and a real good performance. I'm very happy."

What's next?
Cardiff and Fulham will meet again in the second leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday July 30. Coverage gets under way on Sky Sports Football at 7pm; kick-off 7.45pm.

One of the two teams will advance to the play-off final at Wembley on Tuesday August 4.



https://www.skysports.com/football/cardiff-vs-fulham/report/426358

Fulham get upper hand with 2-0 playoff win at Cardiff

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Wonderfully taken goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano gave Fulham a 2-0 win at Cardiff City in the first leg of their Championship playoff semi-final on Monday.

The London side, relegated from the Premier League last season, will look to complete the job in the return leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday to earn a place in the final at Wembley.

Onomah collected the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal and sharply turned before jinking past two Cardiff defenders and calmly slotting home in the 49th minute.

Fulham grabbed firm control of the tie in stoppage time when Kebano superbly curled a free-kick from the edge of the box into the top corner.

The Cottagers, who finished fourth in the Championship table, were without their Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, the division's top scorer with 26 goals who was ruled out with injury.

But they are now strong favourites to make it to Wembley on Aug 4 for what is often-called the most lucrative game in football.

"I'm pleased with the result (but) we need to stay level and there is still a lot of football to be played," said Fulham manager Scott Parker.

"Overall we were outstanding, after a fast start where we were a little fortunate we fixed things a little bit. We had real control about us, caused them a lot of problems and Onomah's skill has come through," he said.

Cardiff manager Neil Harris said his team can still turn the tie around.



https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-england-cdf-ful-report/fulham-get-upper-hand-with-2-0-playoff-win-at-cardiff-idUKKCN24S2KZ

Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham: Josh Onomah scores wonder goal in big Championship Play-Off win for Scott Parker

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Fulham took control of their Championship Play-Off semi-final against Cardiff City after a moment of magic from Josh Onomah and a late Neeskens Kebano free-kick saw them take a comfortable 2-0 lead back to London ahead of Thursday's second leg.

Manager Scott Parker revealed before kick-off that he had taken a "calculated decision" to leave the Championship's top scorer, Aleksander Mitrovic, out after the striker had suffered a knock in the build up to the visit to Wales.

Parker's side rode their luck a touch early on, Marek Rodak forced to claw the ball off his line following an effort from Leandro Bacuna before being on hand to deny Robert Glatzel from close range after some fine work from Lee Tomlin had opened Fulham up.

The visitors survived and began taking hold of proceedings from there on, but without the presence of Mitrovic they were severely lacking in the final third.

They were growing before the break, though, Onomah seeing an effort turned behind at the far post before Tom Cairney collected from Cyrus Christie and saw his curling shot from 25 yards clip the far post.

When you've not got the focal point of Mitrovic, a new plan is needed. Having dominated the game late in the first half, Onomah delivered that spark minutes after the restart.

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Neeskens Kebano had driven down the left but saw his cross headed clear to the feet of Harrison Reed. A quick bit of footwork from the midfielder laid it short to Onomah.

The former Spurs man, from the edge of the area, spun Marlon Pack, before his next touch took him outside Sean Morrison, the next had him past Curtis Nelson and the third and final touch delivered the opener past Alex Smithies.

A wonderful moment of inspiration from Onomah, who bounded over to his manager to celebrate.

Cardiff had offered precious little going forward since their early chances, and Fulham sensed a chance to take a healthy advantage back to the capital. Bobby Decordova-Reid, back against his former club, fired one narrowly over the bar as Parker's side pushed harder and harder for a second.

The drinks break brought a moment of relief for Cardiff, but Fulham quickly wrestled back control, Reed breaking up the host's efforts to get forward before setting his own side going from the middle.

Just as it appeared Fulham would not leave with the two-goal cushion they deserved, captain Cairney came to life in midfield, turning and driving before being hauled down on the edge of the Cardiff box.

The free-kick was left to Kebano, who struck wonderfully to lift it up and over the wall leaving Smithies helpless and Cardiff hanging by a thread in this tie.

Fulham ended the first leg here playing free-flowing and confident football which will give them quite the lift ahead of the second. They now sit in the driving seat going into Thursday night, when Parker will hope to welcome Mitrovic back and further strengthen their push for an instant return to the Premier League.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/cardiff-city-vs-fulham-result-championship-playoff-semi-final-first-leg-2020-a4509931.html

Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham: Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano strikes give Bluebirds a mountain to climb in play-off second leg

The Bluebirds welcomed the Cottagers to Cardiff City Stadium for a huge encounter in the Championship play-off semi-final

Fulham will take a sizeable advantage into the second leg of the play-off semi-final tie after Cardiff City fell to a 2-0 home defeat.

It was a game which started so brightly for the Bluebirds, but fizzled out ever-so-quickly after the break.

Cardiff missed a number of gilt-edged chances early on and, ultimately, they paid the price when, just after the break, Onomah capitalised on some pretty ordinary defending to slot home.

Neil Harris' side then barely laid a glove on Fulham for the rest of the match and some late pressure from the Cottagers proved telling, when Neeskens Kebano whipped in a tremendous free-kick to hand Scott Parker's men a precious two-goal lead heading into Thursday's second leg.

The big news ahead of the match was that there was no Aleksandar Mitrovic for the visitors. The Serb was deemed unfit to play, with it as yet unknown whether he will be OK for the second leg.

In contrast, City's striker, Robert Glatzel, started like a train and enjoyed the best of the early chances.

The Bluebirds looked dangerous in the opening exchanges, with the likes of Junior Hoilett and Lee Tomlin linking brilliantly to feed the towering German forward.

But it was a strike from Leandro Bacuna which brought Glatzel his first big chance. The right-back's effort from 20 yards was parried by Marek Rodak, but only into the middle of the goal. Glatzel hared after it and slid to tap home from just a couple of yards out, but Michael Hector's desperate efforts just managed to clear it away from the goal line.

Not long after, Tomlin found Hoilett with a dinked ball into the box before the Canadian turned his man and squared it to the onrushing Glatzel, whose left-footed shot stung the palms of the Fulham goalkeeper - but it was straight at him.

The next chance for the City forward came on the half hour mark, when Marlon Pack found him with a stunning reverse pass before the striker cut inside and fizzed a low, drilled effort at goal. Again, though, Rodak coolly gathered.

But Scott Parker was left scratching his head a little, with Fulham's usual slickness and attacking endeavour just evading them.

Then, though, they started to feel their way into the tie. Neeskens Kebano dinked a brilliant ball to the back post, where Josh Onomah was sprinting in on the angle. The Cottagers man caught the ball sweetly on the half volley, but a terrific save from Alex Smithies kept him at bay.

It was the Cottagers who finished the half with a flourish, though, when Tom Cairney slapped a lovely, bending effort at goal from 25 yards, only to see it shave the post on its way out.

City would have been the happier of the two going into the break, but Fulham's threats were beginning to show.

And that soon told after half time. Although, truth told, it was pretty shoddy defending from Cardiff City.

Onomah picked the ball up on the corner of the box, just four minutes after the restart, before turning Marlon Pack all too easily, cutting inside Curtis Nelson and then slotting neatly past Smithies to put the Bluebirds behind.

That gave the visitors all the momentum and Cardiff struggled to gain a foothold in the second half.

At the second drinks break, Cardiff looked all at sea, they had barely seen the ball after the restart, and Neil Harris sought to make changes - three, in fact.

Danny Ward, Josh Murphy and Will Vaulks were all introduced to try to add impetus for the hosts, but it just didn't happen.

City lost their shape and Fulham capitalised. They almost made it two, too, when Pack was dispossessed just outside his own penalty box before Tom Cairney was played in, but the Scot made a hash of his effort.

The worst was to come for City. Sean Morrison was adjudged to have fouled Cairney on the corner of the box as the clocked ticked over into injury time.

Kebano stepped up, whipped it over the wall and that was that.

It was a pretty abject second-half performance for Cardiff, it must be said. They barely fired a shot.

And while this tie is not over yet, it will take a dramatic improvement at Craven Cottage to turn this around. Because that Wembley dream is now looking dim.

Cardiff City XI (4-2-3-1): Smithies; Bacuna, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett; Pack, Ralls; Mendez-Laing (Murphy 70), Tomlin, Hoilett (Vaulks 70); Glatzel (Ward 70).

Subs: Etheridge, Sanderson, Flint, Bamba, Smith, Paterson.

Fulham XI (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Onomah, Reed, Cairney; Knockaert (Kamara 81), Kebano (Odoi 90), Decordova-Reid.

Subs: Betinelli, Mawson, Sessegnon, Odoi, Le Marchand, McDonald, Johansen, Jasper.

Referee: Geoff Eltringham



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/cardiff-city-fulham-result-play-18666320

Fulham have one foot down Wembley Way after classy second half display at Cardiff

Cardiff City 0 Fulham 2

Play-off semi-final first leg

A moment of sheer class from Josh Onomah and a perfect injury-time free-kick from Neeskens Kebano has given Fulham a massive edge going into Thursday night's play-off second leg.

And they did it without their talisman, Aleksandar Mitrovic – the Championship's top scorer – who was left out as a precaution because of a slight injury.

He is expected to return for the second leg as the Whites aim to finish the job against a Cardiff side they beat 2-0 on home soil just a few weeks ago.

The Whites had to survive a few dodgy moments on the first half and only a couple of solid saves from Marek Rodak and a superb piece of defending from Michael Hector denied the Bluebirds a lead.

Yet, slowly, but surely, they warmed to the task, with Tom Cairney brushing the outside of a post before the break with a shot from outside the box.

The real game changer, however, was Onomah's fourth goal of the season four minutes into the second half, which gave Fulham the confidence to up the tempo and press on in search of a second.

The Fulham midfielder took delivery of the ball just outside the area after Kebano's cross had been half cleared. 

Harrison Reed, as industrious as ever, tapped him a short pass and after rolling around Marlon Pack, Onomah side-stepped two defenders before clipping the ball smartly home.

And with their tails up, Bobby Reid almost blasted home a second against his former club. 

The Whites always looked in charge and put themselves even more firmly in the driving seat at the death, with Kebano's sweetly-struck kick coming after Cairney had been chopped down on the edge of the area.

Victory made it eight undefeated games since those two defeats just after the restart and this polished display has left them a short step from Wembley.

Line-up: Rodak – Christie, Hector, Ream, Bryan – Reed, Onomah – Knockaert (Kamara 81), Cairney, Kebano (Odoi 90) – Reid. Subs not used: Bettinelli, Mawson, McDonald, Johansen, LeMarchand, Sessegnon, Jasper



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2020/07/27/Fulham-have-one-foot-down-Wembley-Way-after-classy-second-half-display-at-Cardiff

Match Report | Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham

Fulham take a two-goal advantage into the Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg after defeating the Bluebirds 2-0 at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday, July 27th, 2020.

Josh Onomah's individual effort early in the second half gave Scott Parker's side the lead before Neeskens Kebano scored the second with a direct free kick in added time.

The Bluebirds head to Craven Cottage for the Championship Play-Off Final Second Leg on Thursday, July 30th, 2020.

Neil Harris named an unchanged line-up from the team that defeated Hull City in the final league game of the campaign. 2019/20 Championship top goal-scorer Aleksandar Mitrović missed out through injury for the away side.

The first real chance of the match came the way of the Bluebirds after 12 minutes. Leandro Bacuna broke forward from right-back, and from the edge of the box struck at goal left-footed. Marek Rodák tipped the ball away, but into the path of forward Robert Glatzel. City's No.9 sprinted towards the rebound, but Michael Hector made a superb last second clearance to keep the game goalless.

Harris' side started strongly and had another opportunity three minutes later. Lee Tomlin found space wide on the right before playing an exquisite pass to Junior Hoilett over on the left. The Canadian international set the ball for Glatzel to strike, but Rodak gathered his shot at the second attempt.

As the half continued, Scott Parker's side grew into the game. In-form winger Neeskens Kebano's cross was diverted towards goal by Josh Onomah after 38 minutes, but Alex Smithies made a fine save. Fulham captain Tom Cairney tried his luck from distance just before the break, but curled just wide of goal from 25-yards.

Lively midfielder Onomah showed his attacking credentials in scoring against City in the league match earlier this month - and it was the former Tottenham man who broke the deadlock for Fulham four minutes into the second half. Onomah beat three players during an impressive individual run before slotting into the back of the net.

The Bluebirds looked to find a response with City boss Neil Harris bringing on Will Vaulks, Danny Ward and Josh Murphy. City's best chance of the second half came with two minutes remaining. Murphy's long ball into the box bounced off the outstretched leg of Sean Morrison at close range, with the skipper unable to get a real connection on the effort.

The Whites were given a late opportunity to add to their lead when Morrison was adjudged to have fouled Cairney one minute into added time. Kebano's direct free kick from 20-yards flew into the back of the net to give Fulham a two-goal advantage going into the second leg.

FIRST LEG FINAL SCORE: CARDIFF CITY 0-2 FULHAM

Cardiff City: Smithies, Bacuna, Morrison, Nelson, Bennett, Ralls, Pack, Tomlin, Hoilett (Vaulks 70'), Mendez-Laing (Murphy 70'), Glatzel (Ward 70'). Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Smith, Sanderson, Flint, Bamba, Paterson.

Fulham: Rodák, Hector, Kebano (Odoi 90'), Cairney, Ream, Decordova-Reid, Reed, Christie, Bryan, Knockaert (Kamara 80'), Onomah. Subs Not Used: Bettinelli, Maison, McDonald, Johansen, Le Marchand, Jasper.



https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/match-report-cardiff-city-0-2-fulham

Onomah and Kebano show class as Fulham take control of Cardiff tie

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Neeskens Kebano celebrates after grabbing a crucial late second goal for Fulham at Cardiff in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final. Photograph: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Scott Parker asked his players to rise to the occasion in the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic and how they delivered as superb solo strikes by Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano earned Fulham a two-goal advantage in their quest to reach the Championship play-off final.

Onomah tucked home after wriggling away from three defenders before Kebano continued his free-kick scoring streak by curling a delicious effort into the top corner. Worse still for Cardiff is that Mitrovic, the division's golden boot winner, is expected to return at Craven Cottage on Thursday, when Fulham hope to seal a spot at Wembley next week having shown their class to establish a healthy buffer.

Neil Harris, the Cardiff manager, accused Fulham of being overzealous in their celebrations – "it looked like they had won the tie," he said. But as Parker, who defended his players by saying he "didn't see anything that was over the top," pointed out they have every right to be cheerful after a comfortable win.

Fulham are in a rosy position but had to recover following an unconvincing start, with an outstanding piece of defending by Michael Hector ensuring the game was goalless at the interval. He miraculously scooped the ball off the line and away from danger as Robert Glatzel attempted to poke home after Marek Rodak parried Leandro Bacuna's shot; there is a reason some supporters have affectionately given him the moniker 'Virgil van Mike'. "When you come under a little bit of pressure, you need to withstand it," said Parker. "Heccy did very well and over the course of the second half our quality shone."

Mitrovic missed the trip to south Wales with a hamstring complaint but Parker, who said it was a "calculated decision" to omit the striker with the bigger picture in mind, is hopeful his 26-goal talisman will play a part in the return leg. Fulham, as they did during Mitrovic's three-match ban last month, coped but despite two excellent goals they lacked a focal point, with Bobby Decordova-Reid, the former Cardiff forward, isolated in attack.

(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/294fd846325e217f9d4368a46285c583f247b8f6/138_147_3111_1868/master/3111.jpg?width=620&quality=45&auto=format&fit=max&dpr=2&s=987645691b3c59adb611e98d1411f78a)
oshua Onomah scored a sensational solo goal to open the scoring in Wales. Photograph: James Marsh/BPI/Shutterstock

"Aleks has picked up a little bit of a knock, a little bit of an issue," Parker said. "We went into the game knowing this was going to be over two legs. We needed to make a decision that was best for the game and I think the right thing to do was to give him a few more days to hopefully get him ready for Thursday."

Lee Tomlin's early influence began to wane and Cardiff ran out of ideas when Fulham took the lead through Onomah, who eluded three defenders before tucking the ball beyond Alex Smithies. When he picked up possession on the edge of the box there seemed little danger but the midfielder proceeded to expertly swivel away from Marlon Pack, turn Sean Morrison and then jink inside Curtis Nelson before applying the finishing touch. It was a magnificent goal that spurred Fulham into life.

"He needed a bit of a home, a bit of love," Parker said of Onomah, who ran to his manager to celebrate. "He's got every facet. It was a fantastic goal."

Slowly Fulham began to sap Cardiff of any belief, passing them to death as they went in search of a second. It eventually came as full time loomed, but it was worth the wait. Kebano has developed into a trusty dead-ball specialist of late and here he scored his third direct free-kick in nine days, curling a delightful effort into the top corner to double Fulham's advantage and leave Cardiff with work to do.

"I told the players I have been in play-off finals where I have been behind, the first goal at Craven Cottage will be key," Harris said. "There was a 2-0 deficit in the League Two play-offs [which Northampton turned around against Cheltenham]. It does not mean it will happen for us but ultimately we need to be positive. Up to the first-half drinks break we were the much better team."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jul/27/cardiff-city-fulham-championship-semi-final-playoff-first-leg-match-report

Kebano With A 9.5/10, Onomah Also Impressive | Fulham Players Rated In Win Over Cardiff City

(https://the4thofficial.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cardiff-city-v-fulham-sky-bet-championship-play-off-semi-final-1st-leg-1.jpg)
CARDIFF, WALES - JULY 27: Neeskens Kebano of Fulham celebrates scoring his sides second goal infront of the steadicam during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi-final 1st Leg match between Cardiff City and Fulham at Cardiff City Stadium on July 27, 2020 in Cardiff, Wales. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Fulham edge closer towards securing promotion to the Premier League after sealing a 2-0 away win over Cardiff City in the first leg of the Championship Playoffs. It was an evenly matched contest in the first half, but inspired second-half goals from John Onomah and Neeskens Kebano helped the Cotaggers seal an important victory ahead of the second leg on Thursday.

Fulham Players Rated In Win Over Cardiff City

Marek Rodak 8/10

Marek Rodak made two very important saves in the first half to prevent Cardiff City from finding the opener. His second-half save was also important as Fulham muster a huge advantage.

Cyrus Christie 7.5/10

Cyrus Christie had an eventful first half, often going forward and joining Anthony Knockaert in the attack. He provided a lot of offensive support, but played in a deeper role in the second half in order to add more balance to the side.

Michael Hector 8.5/10

Michael Hector's incredible clearance in the first half was perhaps the most important moment in this fixture. Indeed, the game could have panned out differently if he was not present at that time. A solid defensive display from the ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man.

Tim Ream 8/10

Tim Ream provided Hector with some excellent defensive support throughout the course of the game. The New Zealander also looked composed on the ball, ultimately helping Fulham preserve the clean sheet.

Joe Bryan 8/10

Joe Bryan enjoyed an excellent game this evening. His forays down the flank caused a lot of problems for the Cardiff City defenders while he was also full of determination. A brilliant display.

Harrison Reed 7.5/10

Harrison Reed was everywhere on the pitch this evening. But mainly, the Southampton midfielder played a key role in the number six position, dropping deep when necessary and helping Fulham out in the build-up phases. Also went forward whenever it was required, helping his team dominate the game.

Tom Cairney 7.5/10

Tom Cairney had a relatively quiet first-half by his standards. However, the midfielder was one of the best performers after the restart as he received more freedom that allowed him to create chances in the final third. A top display.

Anthony Knockaert 6.5/10

Knockaert was a little off with his final ball today. The ex-Leicester City star tried to make things happen with his trickery on the far side, but he simply wasn't productive enough.

Josh Onomah 9/10

Josh Onomah had a quiet first half. But, it was his brilliant solo effort that led to the all-important opener. The ex-Tottenham forward also looked lively not only with the ball, but also without it as he made clever runs and occupied available spaces.

Neeskens Kebano 9.5/10

Kebano was by far the most influential player this evening. Right from the start, the Fulham winger looked really lively, often trying to cut inside from the wide position in order to test the goalkeeper. He did that throughout the course of the game and at the end, his efforts paid off as the 28-year-old scored through a magnificent free-kick.

Bobby De Cordova Reid 8/10

Bobby de Cordova Reid's phenomenal work-rate throughout the game personified Fulham's style of play. From a tactical perspective, it was important in allowing more freedom to the likes of Onomah and Cairney. Reid was also close to scoring as well, but his effort went wide.
SUBSTITUTES

Aboubakar Kamara N/A

Replaced the ineffective Knockaert in the 81st minute as Scott Parker opted for fresh legs.

Denis Odoi

A late replacement for the MOTM Kebano. N/A



https://the4thofficial.net/2020/07/kebano-with-a-9-5-10-onomah-also-impressive-fulham-players-rated-in-win-over-cardiff-city/

Fulham's amazing record without Aleksandar Mitrovic and Scott Parker's key factor in Cardiff win

Scott Parker's team are in the driving seat of their play-off tie after a first leg win in Wales and they did it without the Championship's golden boot winner

How do you go about replacing Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Championship's golden boot winner?

It seems impossible. The Serbia international scored 26 of Fulham's 64 goals in the regular season, the only member of Scott Parker's squad to reach double figures, and is the most feared centre forward in the second tier.

So when it was confirmed an hour before their Championship play-off semi-final first leg away to Cardiff City that he would not be risked because of a minor hamstring injury, it was easy to fear the worst.

And yet their record without him this season is now six wins and a draw.

Fulham are undoubtedly a better team with Mitrovic up top and that record in his absence is more a testament to the defensive resilience Parker has emphasised over the course of the season than some sort of paradoxical freedom in their best player's absence.

Three of those wins have been 1-0 but more importantly they have kept five clean sheets.

Without Mitrovic Fulham can look a little toothless in the final third, the pretty passages across midfield not translating into enough end product and there were moments, such as when Neeskens Kebano sent in a teasing cross from the left 36 minutes in, when his physical presence was badly missed in south Wales.

Tom Cairney almost curled in a beauty from 25 yards on the stroke of half-time but up until that point there was little to lift fans off their sofas and in the end it was a pair of individual pieces of class that separated them from a dogged but limited Cardiff.

Josh Onomah's deadlock breaker four minutes after the interval, Fulham's first real attempt on goal, was as much the product of some fine control from the former Tottenham Hotspur player as a rarely seen defensive brain fart from Cardiff, while Kebano's late free kick was an absolute beauty and a killer blow.

Momentum is so often the deciding factor in play-off football and Fulham's seven-game unbeaten run entering these fraught encounters arguably gave them an advantage over the other three teams, including Brentford, who trail Swansea City 1-0 after their first leg.

Make it eight now. There is some way to go and Parker will no doubt be stressing the cliche of it only being half-time in this tie but, without their talisman, Fulham are in the driving seat before Thursday night's second leg at Craven Cottage.

Parker hopes that he will be fit for Thursday but confirmed at full-time that he stayed in London for treatment.

"He's picked up a knock and we understood it would be over two legs and needed to make a decision that was best for the team," the Fulham manager said.

"I felt the right thing to do was give him a few more days and get him right for Thursday. We're hoping come Thursday he will be ready."



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulhams-amazing-record-without-aleksandar-18673006

Christie features as Fulham take charge of Championship play-off semi-final

FULHAM TOOK CONTROL of their Championship play-off semi-final against Cardiff as Josh Onomah's superb strike inspired a 2-0 win in the first leg on Monday.

Onomah's moment of magic early in the second half was followed by a fine free-kick from Neeskens Kebano as Scott Parker's side dominated in south Wales.

Irish international Cyrus Christie played the full game at right-back for the London club, while Harry Arter missed out through injury.

Fulham will be firm favourites to advance to the final at Wembley when Cardiff visit Craven Cottage in the second leg on Thursday.

Fulham, who finished fourth after missing out on automatic promotion on the last day of the season, are now unbeaten in eight matches.

Relegated from the Premier League last season, Cardiff were 14th when Neil Harris replaced Neil Warnock as manager in November.

They eventually finished fifth, but failed to recapture the form that carried them into the play-offs in a disjointed first-leg performance.

Swansea beat Brentford 1-0 in the other semi-final first leg, with the second leg at Griffin Park on Wednesday.

Fulham were without the Championship's top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who Parker rested due to a "slight" injury problem.

Serbia striker Mitrovic, who has scored 26 league goals this term, was replaced by former Cardiff forward Bobby Decordova-Reid.

With Mitrovic sidelined, Fulham made a slow start as they chased promotion back to the Premier League after last year's relegation.

Cardiff went close to taking an early lead when Leandro Bacuna's drive forced an awkward save from Marek Rodak, but Robert Glatzel was unable to turn in the rebound after a superb tackle by Michael Hector on the goalline.

Lee Tomlin and Junior Hoilett combined to set up Glatzel moments later, but his shot was straight at Rodak.

Fulham eventually found their rhythm and Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies denied Onomah at the far post after the midfielder stretched to reach Kebano's cross.

Tom Cairney was inches away from breaking the deadlock in first half stoppage-time when the Fulham midfielder's curler clipped the outside of the post.

Onomah had scored in Fulham's win over Cardiff on July 10 and he tormented them again as the 23-year-old put Parker's team ahead in the 49th minute.

Harrison Reed found the former Tottenham trainee and he turned Marlon Pack, then weaved past Sean Morrison and Curtis Nelson before stroking a low finish into the bottom corner.

Congo winger Kebano capped Fulham's mature display in stoppage-time when he smashed his free-kick past Smithies from the edge of the area.



https://www.the42.ie/fulham-cardiff-championship-playoffs-5161521-Jul2020/

Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham, Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg: report, ratings and verdict

Fulham took a massive step towards reaching the Championship Play-Off Final with an impressive 2-0 win at Cardiff City.

The Cottagers started nervous with the home side looking to take advantage early on as Leandro Bacuna's thunderous strike was parried away by Fulham keeper Marek Rodak before a sensational Michael Hector tackle prevented Robert Glatzel from tapping home the rebound.

However, Fulham slowly began to settle and were very nearly rewarded with the lead just before half-time, with Tom Cairney attempting a trademark long range strike that fizzed an inch wide.

But four minutes into the second period the Cottagers did have their lead – a piece of individual magic from Josh Onomah saw him weave in and out of Cardiff's defenders in the penalty area before cooly slotting home.

From then on Fulham were in total control and Scott Parker's men finished the game off, and possibly the tie, in stoppage time as Neeskens Kebano curled in a sensational free-kick.

Key Points

Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below...
Key Moment

Michael Hector's perfectly timed challenge to prevent a first-half Cardiff lead gave a nervy looking Fulham much-needed confidence to grow into the game.
Moan of the Match

Cardiff had an early flurry in the opening period but lacked any attacking rhythm and creative outlet Lee Tomlin was frustrated by a lack of movement from his front line.
Talking Point

Fulham boss Scott Parker took a calculated risk to rest Aleksandar Mitrovic in the hope of his return for the second leg – will his return now be delayed until the final?
Man of the Match

Josh Onomah – a faultless performance throughout and a goal that will certainly be remembered for a long time – simply perfect.
Tweet of the Match

Outstanding all round team performance tonight! How important was Hectors world class clearance! Incredible goal by Josh! Cairney was much better 2nd half! Kebano proving me wrong! tempo was higher... & Credit to SP got it spot on tonight! #ffc #UTF

— Dan Green (@DanGreen141) July 27, 2020

Referee Watch

Geoff Eltringham (County Durham) – a good display from the experienced man in the middle, doing well to control such a high pressure game.
Atmosphere

A bouncing Cardiff City stadium would've helped boost the Bluebirds in their biggest game of the season, but instead the eerie empty stands serves as another reminder of the current climate.
Verdict

Fulham have faced criticism in the past for their heavy reliance on talisman Mitrovic, but tonight's resounding performance without him proves they are more than just one player.



https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2020/07/27/cardiff-city-0-2-fulham-championship-play-off-semi-final-first-leg-report-ratings-and-verdict/

Onomah and Kebano put Fulham in the driving seat

An outrageous individual goal from Josh Onomah and another free-kick from Neeskens Kebano carved out a commanding cushion for Fulham to take to Craven Cottage on Thursday as Scott Parker's side seized control of their Championship play-off final by beating Cardiff tonight.

The Londoners were largely nullified in a first half where the clearest chances fell to Cardiff, but Fulham underlined their promotion credentials with an improved display after the break – playing on the front foot, at a higher tempo and looking threatening in the final third. That two terrific goals were allied with another miserly defensive display leaves the Whites in pole position ahead of the second leg when they will hope that talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic, omitted as a precaution this evening, will be available to lead the line.

The enormity of the play-offs created a nervy affair and it was Cardiff who settled quickest. The Bluebirds first sight of goal came through a powerful drive from just outside the box by Leandro Bacuna, which surprised Marek Rodak, who could only palm the ball clear. Robert Glatzel looked favourite to roll home the rebound from close range, but Michael Hector produced a wonderful piece of defending, diving in to beat Glatzel and hook the ball clear from underneath his own crossbar. The German striker should have opened the scoring moments later when a clever turn and pass from Junior Hoilett left him free in the centre of the goal ten yards out, but his shot was straight at Rodak.

There was even time for Glatzel to spurn a third opening inside the first half hour, shooting straight at Rodak once more after Marlon Pack had prized open the Fulham defence with a lovely little reverse pass. Cardiff were sharper in possession and showing more movement in the final third than Fulham who, despite dominating the ball, struggled to break down Neil Harris' well-drilled defence. Fulham's first serious opening came when the lively Onomah ghosted onto Kebano's lofted cross, but Alex Smithies dashed off his line to block the shot. They nearly went in ahead at the break when Cyrus Christie surged down the right and teed up Tom Cairney, whose trademark curler from 25 yards grazed the outside of the post.

Some stern words from Parker seemed to inspire Fulham after the interval. They were far more assertive in their play and the goal that broke the deadlock was breathtaking in its brilliance. There was a touch of Argentinian flair from yesteryear about the way Onomah took it, spinning around Pack effortlessly, slaloming between the Cardiff backs a la Maradona and tucking away a nonchalant finish low at the near post as he gave Smithies the eyes. It brought to mind Ricky Villa's magic at Wembley from all those years ago – and, given how Onomah has made a midfield place in this side his own after a slow start, there was no more fitting a scorer.

A narrow lead in a crucial game seems to be made for Parker's streetwise side. Fulham have lost just six points from winning positions all season – and never seriously looked like sacrificing their advantage here. Harris sent on Danny Ward, Josh Murphy and Will Vaulks to try and prompt a home revival, but the greater danger came at the other end. Onomah nearly laid on a second for Bobby Decordova-Reid but the former Cardiff forward's rising drive flashed fractionally over the bar. Cairney almost nicked a second when he dispossessed Pack but his eventual shot lacked conviction and was blocked.

Rather than protect their lead, Fulham sought a second. Parker introduced Aboubakar Kamara for the final ten minutes and the Whites always carried a threat. When Cairney was crudely blocked off by Sean Morrison in stoppage time, it presented Fulham with a promising free-kick just outside the box in a central position. The Fulham skipper could have taken it himself, but played decoy for Kebano, who curled a majestic effort into the top corner. It was the Congolese winger's third free-kick in as many games and topped off a perfect night in south Wales for the Cottagers.

CARDIFF CITY (4-2-3-1): Smithies; Bacuna, Bennett, Morrison, Nelson; Pack, Ralls; Mendez-Laing (Murphy 70), Hoilett (Vaulks 70); Glatzel (Ward 70). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Sanderson, Paterson, Bamba, Flint, B. Smith.

BOOKED: Hoilett, Bacuna.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Bryan, Hector, Ream; Reed, Onomah, Cairney; Knockaert (Kamara 81), Kebano (Odoi 90), Decordova-Reid. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Mawson, Le Marchand, S. Sessegnon, Johansen, Jasper.

GOALS: Onomah (49), Kebano (90).

REFEREE: Geoff Eltringham (County Durham).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/onomah-and-kebano-put-fulham-in-the-driving-seat/

Harris | An uphill battle but we'll go there with spirit

Neil Harris spoke following Cardiff City's first-leg defeat to Fulham in the Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.

The Bluebirds will have to overcome a two-goal deficit at Craven Cottage this Thursday evening if they are to progress to Wembley.

Whilst expressing his disappointment in the result, Harris underlined that there is plenty of football still to be played in the tie.

"In the first 25 minutes we were excellent," he began. "I thought we moved the ball really well but we've got to take one of our opportunities.

"In Play-Off games, when you're on top, you've got to take your chances. After the drinks break, Fulham adjusted their shape and were better.

"Then we never really got going in the second half. They pressed much better and made it difficult for us.

"The first goal is a great goal, but it's too easy for him to get into that position. I'd like to see us lay a glove on him around our own box. The second – great free-kick. Is it a foul? Why is it not a foul on the half-way line when Glatzel pushes the ball past Hector?

"It's an uphill battle but we'll go there with spirit. We've been written off time and time again and we've come back stronger.

"It's a quick turnaround and the first goal is going to be key on Thursday. Mentally, we prepare and recover from this. With the players and camaraderie we've got, we're capable of clawing this back."

Ex-Tottenham Star Onomah Scores Brilliant Solo Goal As Fulham Beat Cardiff City

Fulham have one foot in the Championship playoff final after beating Cardiff City 2-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Cottagers, relegated from the Premier League in 2018-19,  reached the playoffs after finishing in fourth position in the regular season.

Both teams retreated to the dressing room at half-time with the score goalless, however, Nigeria-eligible midfielder Josh Onomah had a chance to break the deadlock at minute 39 but goalkeeper Smithies was quick to get off the line to deny him at the back post.

The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes after the restart when Onomah scored a brilliant solo goal, ghosting past three defenders before side-footing home.

It was his fourth goal of the season but his third in July, having netted against Birmingham City and Cardiff City in the regular season.

In injury time, Neeskens Kebano gave Fulham a two-goal advantage when he curled home a sublime free-kick.

Onomah has 13 games under his belt in the English Premier League, earned during his time with Tottenham Hotspur.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=36881

Parker predicts 'huge battle' – but Fulham are in control after first-leg victory

Scott Parker expects a "huge battle" in Thursday's second leg – but Fulham are within touching distance of Wembley after a 2-0 win at Cardiff.

They dominated the Championship play-off semi-final first leg in Wales, where Josh Onomah's superb individual goal and Neeskens Kebano's injury-time free-kick put them in control of the tie.

Onomah evaded three defenders before firing into the bottom corner of the net four minutes into the second half.

And Kebano's brilliant goal means it would take a second-leg collapse for Fulham to miss out on another play-off final – two years after Tom Cairney's winner against Aston Villa at Wembley took the Whites up.

"It was a good performance. I think we're well worthy of the two-goal lead at this stage," said boss Parker.

"We worked our socks off and our foundation was built on concrete, but it will be another huge battle on Thursday. This is only halfway through but we'll stand up to the challenge."

It was all done without top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was left out because of a minor injury but looks likely to be available for Thursday.

Parker explained: "He's picked up a little bit of a hamstring knock.

"We went into this game knowing it is over two legs so we made a decision for the team. Hopefully we can get him fit for Thursday."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/parker-predicts-huge-battle-but-fulham-are-in-control-after-first-leg-victory

Onomah and Kebano brilliance gives Fulham play-off advantage

Fulham gained a deserved advantage in their Championship play-off semi-final tie with Cardiff City thanks to two glorious goals.

Superb goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano gave Fulham a 2-0 win over Cardiff City in the away first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.

Cardiff were the better side in the opening stages and only a superb last-ditch challenge from Michael Hector prevented Robert Glatzel from prodding into an empty net.

Fulham went close to taking the lead in first-half stoppage time when Tom Cairney's curled effort from 25 yards clipped the outside of Alex Smithies' right-hand post.

They did forge ahead four minutes after the restart, Onomah waltzing past three Cardiff defenders inside the penalty area before coolly finishing past Smithies.

Kebano then whipped home a wonderful free-kick in stoppage time to give Scott Parker's side a healthy advantage ahead of the second leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday.



https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/onomah-and-kebano-brilliance-gives-fulham-play-off-advantage

Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Lead 2-0 After First Leg

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

n this episode, Emilo and Russ shared their initial reactions to Fulham taking a 2-0 lead after the first leg in the play-off semi- final against Cardiff City.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/7/27/21340999/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-lead-2-0-after-first-leg

Scott Parker: 'Fulham worthy of two-goal lead in playoff semi-final'

Scott Parker said Fulham are determined to finish the job after seizing a 2-0 first-leg lead over Cardiff in their Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final.

Superb strikes from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano put Fulham in a commanding position ahead of the return game at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

"Overall it was a good performance," said Fulham head coach Parker. "We weathered the storm early on and got a foothold in the game. I think we're well worthy of the two-goal lead at this stage.

"We worked our socks off and our foundation was built on concrete, but it will be another huge battle on Thursday.

"This is only halfway through and we'll stand up to the challenge."

Kebano's free-kick in stoppage time sparked huge celebrations on the Fulham bench.

Cardiff manager Neil Harris suggested the celebrations were excessive – "it looked like they had won the tie" he told Sky – but Parker rejected that claim with 90 minutes to come in west London.

"Neil has said a lot over the last week and few weeks, I just see a group of players," said Parker, who lost 26-goal top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic before kick-off with a slight hamstring injury.

"I didn't see anything that was over the top, I just see a professional team that understood that there is only half of this tie done.

"The players were pleased, and rightly so, to score two away from home, but at the end of the game I see a real professionalism from us."

Cardiff counterpart Harris described the second Fulham goal as a "right kick in the nuts", but insisted the Bluebirds are not out of the tie.

"The first 25 minutes we were excellent, but we have to take one of our chances then and get on top," Harris said.

"After the drinks break Fulham were better, but at half-time we were relatively happy. Second half, we never really got going.

"They pressed much better and made it more difficult to build attacks."

Harris was unhappy with the award of the late free-kick, which Kebano curled home to double Fulham's advantage.

But he said Cardiff had shown their resilience enough times this season, including when they fought back from a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 away to champions Leeds in December, to ensure that the tie was not over.

"The first goal (on Thursday) is going to be vital," Harris said. "If Fulham get it then it's going be really difficult for us.

"Fulham are huge favourites now but we are capable, with the players and the camaraderie we've got, of scoring goals.

"We are capable of clawing this back. We have the right character and mentality."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/cardiff-city/championship-promotion-race/news/scott-parker-fulham-worthy-of-two-goal-lead-in-playoff-semi-final_408180.html

Fulham boss Scott Parker insists 'only half the tie done' after first leg win


Scott Parker brushed aside Neil Harris' suggestion that Fulham celebrated their play-off semi-final first leg win at Cardiff City as if they were already at Wembley.

Bluebirds manager Harris felt Fulham went too far after their 2-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium.

But opposite number Parker was surprised by Harris' view.

"Neil's obviously said a lot over the last week and few weeks," said the Fulham boss.

"I didn't see anything that was over the top. Certainly at the end of the game I just see a professional team that understood there's only half this tie done to be honest with you.

"Regarding the goals and the celebrations, yeah of course I see players who were pleased, and rightly so, to score two goals away from home.

"I think at the end of the game I see a real professionalism about us. We understand this is only halfway through this tie and we know there will be a challenge on Thursday. We will brace ourselves for that.

"If Neil felt like that, I don't really know why."

Having weathered an early Cardiff storm, Fulham took control of the second Championship play-off semi-final thanks to memorable second-half goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kabano.

Harris, who had insisted in the build-up to the game that the pressure was on Fulham, felt the visitors over-celebrated after what was an impressive performance.

"We have to dust ourselves down and go again on Thursday," Harris told Sky Sports.

"I said to the players that the play-off finals I've made, we've been losing and we're at half-time and we're losing the game.

"Fulham are celebrating like they've won the tie. We have to go to Craven Cottage and we have to be positive and that first goal is going to be key in that game."

No team has ever come back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to win a Championship play-off tie, but Harris insisted his team are not finished yet.

He pointed to the fact that, in June, Northampton lost 2-0 to Cheltenham in the home leg of their League Two play-off semi-final, recovered to win the away leg 3-0 and went on to gain promotion.

"It's an uphill battle now, but we have been written off time and time again this season and come back," he added.

"Fulham are now huge favourites, but they have everything to lose and we have everything to gain.

"There was a 2-0 deficit in the League Two play-offs. That does not mean it will happen for us but ultimately we need to be positive."

The second leg takes place at Craven Cottage on Thursday, while Swansea City take a 1-0 lead to Brentford in the other semi-final on Wednesday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53562505

Scott Parker defends Fulham celebrations in Play-off win vs Cardiff after Neil Harris criticism

Scott Parker has hit back at Cardiff City manager Neil Harris after he accused Fulham's players of "celebrating like they'd won the tie" after a 2-0 win in the Championship Play-off semi-final first leg.

Two wonderful goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano have put Parker's side in the driving seat ahead of the second leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday night.

The goals were celebrated wildly in South Wales, something which didn't sit well with Harris, who had tried to pile the pressure on Fulham before the first leg.

Parker, however, insists his side know the task ahead is still a difficult one.

"Neil has said a lot over the last week and few weeks," Parker said.

"I just see a group of players. I didn't see anything that was over the top, I just see a professional team that understood that there is only half of this tie done.

"Regarding the goals and the celebrations, of course, they were pleased and rightly so to score two away from home but at the end of the game I see a real professionalism from us.

"We understand the job that is to be done here, this is only halfway through this tie and we know there will be a challenge coming on Thursday. [If] Neil felt like that then I don't know why but that is it from my point."

Fulham managed the win without golden boot winner Aleksandar Mitrovic, who missed the game following a slight hamstring problem, though Parker is hopeful he will be back for the second leg.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-scott-parker-defends-celebrations-play-off-win-vs-cardiff-neil-harris-criticism-a4509986.html

'Poch destroyed his confidence': Some Spurs fans laud 23-year-old's display yesterday

Tottenham fans on Twitter raved about Josh Onomah's goal for Fulham yesterday during their 2-0 win against Cardiff in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg encounter.

Early in the second half, Onomah, with his back to goal, made a mazy run inside the penalty area, beating a couple of players before putting the ball into the back of the net.

The 23-year-old moved to Craven Cottage from Spurs last summer and he will be hoping to make a return to England's top-flight in these coming weeks.

His side have a good chance of making that return because if they can avoid defeat in the second leg then they are into the play-off finals at Wembley – and Fulham are well aware of what it takes to win at the home of football.

Onomah was a highly-regarded player at Tottenham, but it just didn't work out for the player in North London.

During his time at the club, he tried to break into the senior side, but to no avail. He was sent out on-loan on a number of occasions to the likes of Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, but he didn't exactly pull up trees.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/07/28/poch-destroyed-his-confidence-some-spurs-fans-laud-23-year-olds-display-yesterday/

 Classy finishes put Fulham in pole position for play-off final
Championship play-off semi-final, first leg: Cardiff City 0-2 Fulham

Wonderful goals from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano gave Fulham a 2-0 win at Cardiff City in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final last night.

The London side, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker, were relegated from the Premier League last season, and will look to complete the job in the return leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday to earn a place in the final at Wembley.

Onomah collected the ball on the edge of the box with his back to goal and sharply turned before jinking past two Cardiff defenders and calmly slotting home in the 49th minute.

Fulham, who had Ireland international Cyrus Christie playing at right-back, then grabbed firm control of the tie in stoppage time when Kebano superbly curled a free-kick from the edge of the box into the top corner.

In the other semi-final, Swansea City will defend a 1-0 lead at Brentford heading into their second-leg tomorrow night.

"Second half we came out sharp. After the first 10 minutes we knew we were going to score, and thankfully I got the goal," Onomah said afterwards.

"Credit to Cardiff, once I scored I think that lifted our spirits and I think that gave us a bit of composure then.

"We believe we can go all the way. Morale is high and we just have to keep going until the next game on Thursday. We just have to keep thinking about the next game and getting the win there to take us through to the final."



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/classy-finishes-put-fulham-in-pole-position-for-play-off-final-39403127.html

Josh Onomah feels right at home as Fulham take giant stride towards Wembley play-off final

Scott Parker hailed Josh Onomah's resilience after the midfielder played a starring role as Fulham put one foot in the Championship play-off final in Cardiff on Monday night.

Onomah's delightful opener, clipped past goalkeeper Alex Smithies after a weaving run through the penalty box, ensured Fulham did not miss the presence of Championship Golden Boot winner, Aleksander Mitrovic, who was absent with a hamstring problem.

Parker, who worked with Onomah during his time as a coach in the Tottenham academy, brought the midfielder to Craven Cottage at the start of this season and has been delighted with his recent upturn in form. Tuesday's solo effort was his third goal since the restart and came before Neeskens Kebano's late free-kick gave the Cottagers a two-goal cushion to take back to the capital.

Onomah suffered a sluggish start to the season before a knee operation stunted him further in February, however, with lockdown allowing him the chance to get back to fitness, he has now settled at Fulham.

"He has scored some big goals," said Parker. "Josh is a young player who needed an arm around him, needed developing. He has had a few who recognised his talent like I did, I had him as a baby. I often say to players, when you are developing players a lot of it is a mentality as well."

After breaking through at Tottenham, Onomah was sent out on loan to Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday before Ryan Sessegnon's move to north London saw the midfielder go the other way on a permanent deal.

"He needed a bit of love and a home," said the Fulham boss. "I feel like he feels like this is his home. Sometimes you have loans and you do not really feel that it is your home. When he has needed an arm around him, which he did early on... and I keep going on about that in terms of how he struggled. Because it is that struggle is why he is here now.

"It makes me so happy for him, I am so proud of him in that sense. He really deserves what he has done. Because he could have folded at times to be honest. But he stood up and I know he will become even better than what we are seeing."

Fulham are firmly in the driving seat ahead of Thursday's second leg at Craven Cottage, when Parker hopes to welcome back Mitrovic.

Cardiff boss Neil Harris, who had spent the build-up to the first leg tagging Fulham as favourites, hit out at Parker's side, accusing them of over celebrating "as if they'd won the tie". Parker, however, insisted his players won't rest on their laurels despite a 2-0 advantage.

"Neil has said a lot over the last week and few weeks," said Parker. "I didn't see anything that was over the top, I just see a professional team that understood that there is only half of this tie done.

"Regarding the goals and the celebrations, of course, they were pleased and rightly so to score two away from home but at the end of the game I see a real professionalism from us. We understand the job that is to be done here. If Neil felt like that then I don't know why but that is it from my point."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/josh-onomah-fulham-giant-stride-wembley-playoff-final-a4510076.html

Fulham take control of play-off semi-final with 2-0 win at Cardiff City

Cardiff City manager Neil Harris admits his side's failure to take their chances proved costly their Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

The Bluebirds lost 2-0 to Fulham on Monday after strikes from Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano put the Londoners in a commanding position ahead of the return game at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

There appeared to be no danger to Cardiff four minutes after the restart with Onomah 18 yards out and his back to goal.

But the former Tottenham midfielder turned Marlon Pack and rounded both Sean Morrison and Curtis Nelson before slotting past goalkeeper Alex Smithies.

It was no more than Fulham deserved as Scott Parker's men underlined their reputation as the best passing side in the Championship and Cardiff - who finished one place and eight points worse off than the visitors in the regular season - struggled to lay a glove on them.

Fulham were weakened by the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Championship's top scorer, and Parker explained pre-match that he had to make a "calculated decision" to keep the 26-goal Serbia international in contention for the rest of the play-offs.

Cardiff were unchanged from the side that secured a play-off spot by beating Hull - a third successive victory that meant the Bluebirds were the form team heading into the play-offs.

Manager Neil Harris would also have been buoyed by his play-off record as a manager: two appearances and two finals during his time at Millwall.

It was a lively start from both sides, but Cardiff carried the greater attacking intent in what was an open contest.

Leandro Bacuna's swerving shot proved too hot for Marek Rodak to handle, but the Fulham goalkeeper was saved by brilliant defending from Michael Hector.

Robert Glatzel looked as if he would prod in the rebound, but Hector got there first with an outstretched leg and somehow managed to scoop the ball away in the same movement.

Glatzel would hit the target twice in the first half, but the German's efforts lacked the power to ruffle Rodak.

Fulham slowly settled into their rhythm and Cardiff switched off at the far post to leave Onomah unmarked from Kebano's cross.

But Smithies came to Cardiff's rescue by flying off his line and spreading himself to save.

There was another escape for Cardiff in first-half stoppage time when Tom Cairney found space 20 yards out and shaved a post with a curled effort.

Fulham started the second half as they finished the first and, buoyed by Onomah's marvellous solo effort, went close again when Decordova-Reid rifled just over from 20 yards.

Bluebirds boss Harris responded with a triple substitution at the second drinks break in an attempt to prevent being completely overrun.

Danny Ward, Josh Murphy and Will Vaulks were sent on and Cardiff responded to fashion a golden chance before Morrison's control let him down.

That was to prove costly as Morrison body-checked Cairney and Kebano curled home the resulting free-kick from 20 yards, handing Fulham a significant advantage before the return leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Cardiff boss Harris described the second Fulham goal as a "right kick in the nuts", but insisted the Bluebirds are not out of the tie.

"The first 25 minutes we were excellent, but we have to take one of our chances then and get on top," Harris said.

"After the drinks break Fulham were better, but at half-time we were relatively happy. Second half, we never really got going.

"They pressed much better and made it more difficult to build attacks."

Harris was unhappy with the award of the late free-kick, which Kebano curled home to double Fulham's advantage.

But he said Cardiff had shown their resilience enough times this season, including when they fought back from a three-goal deficit to draw 3-3 away to champions Leeds in December, to ensure that the tie was not over.

"The first goal (on Thursday) is going to be vital," Harris said. "If Fulham get it then it's going be really difficult for us."

"Fulham are huge favourites now but we are capable, with the players and the camaraderie we've got, of scoring goals."

"We are capable of clawing this back. We have the right character and mentality."



https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-07-28/fulham-take-control-of-play-off-semi-final-with-2-0-win-at-cardiff-city