Fulham 4 Notts County 0
By ANDREW DILLON
FOUR GOALS and four different scorers - so much for Roy Hodgson's goal-drought fears.
Fulham may have adopted The Good Housekeeping Guide's approach to football but it has put boss Hodgson and his boys one step from Wembley and a £2million bonanza in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Hodgson takes pride in Fulham's prudence and the club's refusal to overstretch itself financially.
The Cottagers are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and face a home tie against either Bolton or Spurs after hammering Notts County 4-0.
And a win then would give Fulham their first Wembley appearance for 35 years as the Cup semis are played there.
Boss Hodgson said: "We should seize the opportunity to achieve greatness.
"Getting to Wembley would be another major step forward for us.
"We'll be motivated and nervous about the quarter-final because we badly want a result."
Despite some attractive football from Notts County, Hodgson's team barely had to break sweat as they swept into the last eight with ruthless efficiency.
The money and the magic has disappeared from County - along with Sven Goran Eriksson.
After all, the Swedish lothario has clearly got much better things to do on Valentine's Day than watch his team, despite accepting a post as life vice-president at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies now have battles to fight with the taxman in court a week on Wednesday over an outstanding £600,000 bill and a push for promotion from League Two, which recommences this Wednesday against Grimsby.
For Fulham the cash is not yet rolling in - but the goals are.
Seven have been scored in the last two matches.
Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and new-boy Stefano Okaka made sure Fulham head into a crucial week on a high as they prepare to face UEFA Cup holders Shaktar Donetsk in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday.
Hodgson said: "Bobby has 13 goals now and that is a good return for the games he's played. We are also getting goals from people like Damien Duff.
"There are goals in the midfield, David Elm will chip in and hopefully Okaka will be scoring. This match was a real potential banana skin and I'm just happy we didn't slip up on it.
"I wasn't wrong to suggest they would give us a good game.
"It was important to set our stall out and pressurise. It worked well in the first half and gave us a two-goal cushion.
"It worked perfectly because we saw the game through and were able to rest players for the last 20 minutes with games on Thursday and Sunday coming up.
"It is nice to get four goals and be in the hat."
Fulham fans are already dreaming of a first return to Wembley since 1975 when Bobby Moore and Alan Mullery were part of the team beaten 2-0 by West Ham in the FA Cup final.
But cautious Hodgson said: "It's wrong to compare the mythical teams of the '60s and '70s or even the showbiz teams when Rodney Marsh, George Best and Moore were in the same team.
"We have to be more journeyman-like in our approach because staying in the league is so important.
"It's not a case of Marsh doing a few tricks or Best beating a man and having a rest for five minutes. That's just not possible."
What was possible was Fulham putting County - with all their baggage - to bed nice and early. Davies squirmed home a shot from the edge of the box from a good Danny Murphy through ball to put Fulham one up after 22 minutes.
Zamora was alert enough to latch on to the end of a three-man move, also involving Nicky Shorey and Swede Elm for a great finish to make it 2-0 four minutes before half-time.
Duff's goal from a tight angle with 17 minutes left merely ended any lingering hopes of a County fightback.
And on-loan Italy Under-21 striker Okaka scored his first goal for the club on 79 minutes by wrong-footing Neal Bishop and rolling the ball home.
County's credit rating with the bank might be low but with neutrals their stock is still high, as they stuck to decent football principles and went close through Craig Westcarr and Ben Davies.
DREAM TEAM
STAR MAN - SIMON DAVIES (Fulham)
FULHAM: Schwarzer 8, Baird 6, Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Shorey 7, Duff 7 (Riise 6), Murphy 7 (Greening 6), Elm 6, Etuhu 7, Davies 8, Zamora 7 (Okaka 7). Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Stoor, Smalling.
NOTTS COUNTY: Schmeichel 7, Thompson 6, Edwards 6, Hunt 6, Jackson 6, Westcarr 6 (Hawley 5), Bishop 6, Ravenhill 6, Clapham 6 (Rodgers 5), Davies 8, Hughes 6 (Hamshaw 3). Subs not used: Hoult, Lee, Fairclough, Akinbiyi.
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2852942/Fulham-4-Notts-County-0.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0fa32Tz2c (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2852942/Fulham-4-Notts-County-0.html?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football#ixzz0fa32Tz2c)
Goals from Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka booked Fulham's place in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup as the Whites secured a good win over Notts County.
Team Line Ups
Fulham
* Zamora
* Elm
* Duff
* Murphy
* Etuhu
* Davies
* Baird
* Hangeland
* Hughes
* Shorey
* Schwarzer
* Hughes
* Davies
* Bishop
* Ravenhill
* Clapham
* Westcarr
* Jackson
* Hunt
* Edwards
* Thompson
* Schmeichel
Notts County
Notts County
Fulham Substitutions
player off icon player on icon
Zamora Okaka 74
Duff Riise 74
Murphy Greening 69
Substitutes not used
Zuberbuhler
Nevland
Stoor
Smalling
Notts County Substitutions
player off icon player on icon
Westcarr Hawley 83
Hughes Hamshaw 83
Clapham Rodgers 60
Substitutes not used
Hoult
Lee
Fairclough
Akinbiyi
Fulham booked their place in the Quarter Final of the FA Cup with a professional display against Notts County at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. Simon Davies opened the scoring for the Whites in the first-half and his goal was followed by a powerful strike from Bobby Zamora. Second-half goals from Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka capped off a good display from Fulham.
The Whites crafted a fine scoring opportunity in the second minute when Chris Baird rolled a smart pass into the path of Bobby Zamora in the Notts County penalty area. Zamora turned past his marker and fired a low shot just wide of the far post; a good start for the Whites.
David Kevan elected to start with a 4-5-1 formation, no doubt hoping to stifle Fulham in the midfield area. Roy Hodgson maintained the front two pairing of Zamora and Elm, and the two certainly started the game well.
Fulham looked comfortable on the ball in the opening exchanges with Baird in particular impressing with some accurate passing from right-back. The Northern Ireland international twice found Zamora with superb long-range passes and also maintained his composure is tight quarters.
Notts County soon began to work their way back into the match and a sustained spell of pressure from County culminated in Ben Davies stinging the palms of Mark Schwarzer with a long-range effort, which the Fulham keeper pushed over.
Simon Davies put Fulham in the lead on 22 minutes with a fine finish after being found by a long pass from Danny Murphy. Davies did well to work some space for the shot from 18 yards, which he placed inside Kasper Schmeichel's right hand post.
Schmeichel did well to deny Damien Duff with a good save to his right after the Republic of Ireland international turned on to his left foot and tried his luck from inside the area.
Davies' goal appeared to subdue County whose attacks became less frequent as the first-half wore on. Whilst their formation was successful in providing resistance to Fulham's passing play in the middle of the park, their options were reduced when attacking in open play.
Craig Westcarr had by far the visiting side's best chance of the first-half when he found space on the edge of the six-yard box but his shot was superbly saved by Schwarzer.
Bobby Zamora doubled Fulham's lead in the 41st minute, finishing off a wonderful move from the Whites. Nicky Shorey started the attack with a direct run deep into Notts County territory before slipping a pass to David Elm who deftly flicked it to Zamora on the edge of the area who fired emphatically past Schmeichel.
The second-half got off to a slow start, with Fulham pressing Notts County well. The visitors certainly had the better of the half chances in the opening minutes with Ben Davies and Lee Hughes both getting their shots away as County looked to find a foothold in the game.
The Whites looked less active in terms of creating opportunities from open play and Notts County Manager, David Kevan looked press for a goal when he switched formation to a more conventional 4-4-2 line-up following the introduction of Luke Rodgers.
With one less man in midfield for County, Fulham were able to attack greater incisiveness and Simon Davies in particular was enjoying more time on the ball. Indeed, Davis could have netted a third for the Whites when he was put through, unfortunately his left-footed shot was blocked.
Danny Murphy was replaced by Jonathan Greening on 69 minutes, having put in a typically influential performance in the centre of the park.
Damien Duff netted Fulham's third goal of the afternoon when he beat Kasper Schmeichel at his near post on 73 minutes. The goal came after a Fulham attack appeared to lose some of its momentum but Bobby Zamora found Duff with an accurate pass to get the Whites moving again. Duff cut back on to his left foot and made sure of Fulham's place in the Quarter Finals with a crisp strike.
Stefano Okaka and Bjorn Helge Riise replace Duff and Zamora soon after the restart. And Okaka didn't have to wait long to open his Fulham account when he pounced on a defensive error to run clear through on goal and fire a shot through Schmeichel's legs and into the back of the net.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/FACup/NottsCountyHome.aspx#ixzz0fX6lxSDp (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/FACup/NottsCountyHome.aspx#ixzz0fX6lxSDp)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/feb/14/fulham-notts-county-fa-cup
Fulham hit four to end FA Cup dream for Notts County
FA Cup Fifth Round
Fulham 4 Davies 22, Zamora 41, Duff 73, Okaka 79
Notts County 0
Simon Burnton at Craven Cottage guardian.co.uk, Monday 15 February 2010 Article history
Stefano Okaka celebrates scoring Fulham's fourth goal against Notts County as they went through to the FA Cup quarter-finals. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The dream really is over now for Notts County, whose dalliance with fame and mysterious fortunes appears finally to have crumbled in the course of a week that sadly saw more drama off the pitch than they were able to produce on it.
The sale of the club to Ray Trew on Thursday and the exit of Sven-Goran Eriksson marked the end of a brief and, for all the hype, disappointing attempt to transform it into an unlikely football superpower. The FA Cup offered another shot at glory and that has now gone as well. All that remains is the less glamorous gruel of League Two, albeit with a decent chance of an escape from it when the season ends.
"We've thoroughly enjoyed our Cup run, make no mistake," their caretaker manager, Dave Kevan, said. "We had a fantastic day here and a fantastic day at Wigan [where they won in the fourth round] but our priority was always promotion and that's what we're fully focused on."
Few who saw this display would bet against it, despite the one-sided scoreline. County had won six of their previous eight games and were more than competitive for an hour of this one before, already two goals down, they collectively lost focus.
"They were fantastic," said Kevan of his players. "They worked tremendously hard, created some good chances. I'm very proud of how they played. Fulham thoroughly deserved their win but I thought the scoreline flattered them." Kevan added that Eriksson had phoned him before kick-off: "He said we could beat them."
"We had them watched and the reports were very good," said the Fulham manager, Roy Hodgson. "Their record recently has been quite phenomenal, so we knew their quality of football would belie their league position. They gave us a good game. This was a real banana skin and I'm delighted we didn't slip on it."
For the second successive year Fulham have reached the FA Cup quarter-final, though their progress has been aided by a succession of kind draws – when they play Tottenham or Bolton in the next round it will be the first time they have been forced to play a side from either of the top two divisions.
They started ominously, creating a decent chance within two minutes as Bobby Zamora collected Chris Baird's pass on the right of the penalty area and shot just wide of the far post. But County, encouraged by an impressive travelling support, quickly proved themselves organised and able.
They might themselves have scored a couple by half-time but Mark Schwarzer saved excellently after Craig Westcarr turned Baird rather too easily – twice – before shooting low across goal, and Lee Hughes twice missed presentable opportunities, shooting weakly when Jamie Clapham's shot deflected to him and heading high when found unmarked by Ben Davies's corner.
If Fulham only occasionally displayed their class, they invariably scored when they did. After 22 minutes Simon Davies made a run inside from the left, Danny Murphy chipped a pass perfectly into his path and Davies shielded the ball from John Thompson before surprising Kasper Schmeichel with an early and perfectly angled shot into the far corner. Then in the 41st minute David Elm prodded a first-time pass to Zamora, who controlled smartly on his chest before scoring with the outside of his left foot.
Their first-half efforts having gone unrewarded, County faded in the second half and offered little more than a succession of not particularly dangerous long-range efforts from Davies. Fulham relaxed and had started the process of replacing their more important players when Damien Duff cut inside Jonnie Jackson and shot through the full-back's legs and past Schmeichel. Five minutes later Stefano Okaka, who had only just replaced Zamora, raced through to add a fourth.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3102095
Fulham v Notts County
FA Cup Fifth Round
Sunday 14 February 2010 15.00
Score line
Final score Fulham 4 – 0
(HT 2 – 0)
Notts County
Davies 22
Zamora 41
Duff 73
Okaka 79
Fulham's Percentage Notts County's Percentage
Corners 5 45% 6 55%
Goal attempts 10 50% 10 50%
On target 6 60% 4 40%
Fouls 11 57% 8 43%
Offside 5 100% 0 0%
Fulham Mark Schwarzer, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Nicky Shorey, Aaron Hughes, Danny Murphy (Jonathan Greening, 69), Damien Duff (Bjorn Helge Riise, 75), Dickson Etuhu, Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora (Stefano Chuka Okaka, 75), David Elm
Notts County Kasper Schmeichel, Michael Edwards, John Thompson, Jamie Clapham (Luke Rodgers, 61), Stephen Hunt, Ricky Ravenhill, Neal Bishop, Ben Davies, Johnnie Jackson, Lee Hughes (Matt Hamshaw, 84), Craig Westcarr (Karl Hawley, 84)
Referee Wiley, A
Venue Craven Cottage
Attendance 16,132
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/facup/7215125/Fulham-4-Notts-County-0-match-report.html
Fulham 4 Notts County 0: match report
Read a full match report of the FA Cup fifth round game between Fulham and Notts County at Craven Cottage on Sunday Feb 14 2010.
By Telegraph staff
Published: 4:00PM GMT 14 Feb 2010
Double trouble: Bobby Zamora scored Fulham's second goal 19 minutes after Simon Davies had given his side the lead Photo: PA
Fulham romped into the FA Cup quarter-finals with an emphatic 4-0 win over League Two team Notts County on Sunday.
Roy Hodgson's side raced into a two-goal lead before half-time at Craven Cottage thanks to strikes from Simon Davies and Bobby Zamora.
The magic of the FA Cup Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka added further goals in the closing stages of the fifth round tie to keep Fulham on course for a first FA Cup final appearance since 1975 when they lost to West Ham.
With a Europa League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk looming on Thursday, Hodgson could have opted to rest his key players, but the Cottagers boss fielded a strong line-up.
For Notts County, the lowest ranked team left in the competition, the chance to take on Premier League opposition was a welcome distraction from another tumultuous week which ended with the cash-strapped club being sold for one pound to Ray Trew and Sven-Goran Eriksson resigning as director of football.
However, it quickly became clear that Fulham weren't going to allow their unheralded visitors time to get comfortable.
Zamora fired wide after latching onto Chris Baird's pass, then County keeper Kasper Schmeichel, son of former Manchester United star Peter Schmeichel, made a fine stop to keep out David Elm's effort.
County threatened briefly when Ben Davies forced Mark Schwarzer to tip over the crossbar and, from the resulting corner, Lee Hughes should have done better than shoot straight at the Australian goalkeeper.
Any thoughts that County would spring a surprise were dashed in the 22nd minute when Danny Murphy chipped a pass to Davies on the edge of the area.
Wales midfielder Davies had his back to goal but turned quickly and drove his shot past Schmeichel's far corner for his first goal of the season.
Craig Westcarr tested Schwarzer moments later when he met Hughes's flick with a goalbound shot.
But former West Ham forward Zamora finished off a move that emphasised Fulham's extra quality as he collected Elm's backheel and lashed past Schmeichel in the 41st minute.
County threw caution to the wind after half-time in a bid to get back in the match and Davies flashed two efforts wide in quick succession.
With the visitors leaving more spaces at the back, Hodgson's side picked them off in the closing stages.
Republic of Ireland winger Duff turned in Zamora's cross in the 74th minute before Okaka, on loan from Roma, drove a powerful shot past Schmeichel three minutes after coming off the bench.
Notts County Photo Special
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NottsCountyPhotoSpecial.aspx
Hodgson's FA Cup Reaction
Sunday 14th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Speaking after Fulham's FA Cup Fifth Round win over Notts County at the Cottage on Sunday, Roy Hodgson gave his post-match assessment.
The victory saw Fulham draw either Bolton or Tottenham at home in the Quarter Final of the Cup and Hodgson looked ahead to the prospect of being within touching distance of the Final.
"It would mean a lot to us," said Hodgson. "It would be another major step forward with the progression at the club. We'll be highly motivated and nervous about the Quarter Final because we badly want a good result.
"It was a real potential banana skin today and I'm just happy we didn't slip up on it. I wasn't wrong to suggest they would give us a good game.
"There have been fewer winners of the FA Cup since the inauguration of the Premier League. It's wrong to compare the mythical Fulham teams of the 60s and 70s or even the showbiz teams when Rodney Marsh, George Best and Bobby Moore.
"We have to be more journeyman-like in our approach because staying in the league is so important. It's not a case of Rodney Marsh doing a few tricks or George Best beating a man and having a rest for five minutes. That's not possible.
"Success is probably a continued presence in the Premier League, if we could go one step further that would be fantastic.
"For the teams left, they won't regret three of the traditional top four in the country not being there," the Manager added. "We think we have as good a chance as the others."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NottsCountyReaction.aspx#ixzz0fXsXZYp3 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/NottsCountyReaction.aspx#ixzz0fXsXZYp3)
From the Other Side
Sunday 14th February 2010
Fulham FC News
Speaking following Sunday afternoon's FA Cup tie at Craven Cottage, Notts County Manager David Kevan gave his post-match reaction:
"The players were fantastic and worked tremendously hard," the Notts County Manager said. "We created some good chances in both halves so I'm proud how they played. They can take credit for that.
"They have to take that performance and transmit it into League Two football.
"We felt the scoreline flattered Fulham, it was a bit harsh on us. They were more clinical, as you'd expect."
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/KevanReaction.aspx#ixzz0fXsriIy6 (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/KevanReaction.aspx#ixzz0fXsriIy6)
FA Cup Quarter Final Draw
Sunday 14th February 2010
Fulham FC News
The draw for the Quarter Final of the FA Cup was made on Sunday afternoon. Following Fulham's victory over Notts County at Craven Cottage, the Whites were drawn at home against Bolton or Tottenham.
Draw in full
Chelsea v Manchester City or Stoke City
Fulham v Bolton Wanderers or Tottenham Hotspur
Reading or West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace or Aston Villa
Portsmouth v Birmingham City
Ties will be played over the weekend of 6 and 7 March 2010.
Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/FACupSixthRoundDraw.aspx#ixzz0fXt5iUEW (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/February/FACupSixthRoundDraw.aspx#ixzz0fXt5iUEW)
http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/02/14/fulham-clinch-fa-cup-quarter-final-spot-with-easy-win-82029-25834385/
Fulham clinch FA Cup quarter-final spot with easy win
Feb 14 2010
By Yann Tear
Fulham 4-0 Notts County
FULHAM have earned themselves quarter-final shot against either Bolton or Spurs at Craven Cottage after easing past League Two Notts County.
Simon Davies gave the Whites the lead with his first goal of an injury-ravaged season to set Roy Hodgson's men on their way on 22 minutes and Bobby Zamora's 13th of the campaign just before the interval effectively ensured there would be no fairytale visit to the Capital for the lowest ranked team left in the competition.
County, who this week parted company with Sven Goran Eriksson as director of football and dreams of a cash-fuelled assault on the league, had their moments.
Both Craig Westcarr – who scored twice against the Whites for Kettering in a fourth round tie last season – and former Ipswich midfielder Jamie Clapham went close.
But ultimately, naïve defending betrayed their lower league status.
When Davies turned onto a Danny Murphy chip and clipped the ball inside the far post, County skipper John Thompson was at fault for not closing down the Welshman.
And although the well-supported visitors were less culpable for the second goal on 41 minutes when Zamora finished off a slick move involving Nicky Shorey and David Elm, they did not have the know-how to restrict the Premier Leaguers.
Damien Duff bagged the third when keeper Kasper Schmeichel allowed the winger to beat him with a low drive to his near post on 74 minutes and defender Stephen Hunt should have cut out a Davies pass to sub to Stefano Okaka which led to the Roma striker's first for the club.
Okaka, on for Zamora in the 76th minute, had only been on three minutes when he advanced unhindered and rolled the ball under Schmeichel for the fourth.
As County's pace and chances dried up, they brought on a striker who looked a Mini-Me version of fellow striker Lee Hughes. Poor Lee Rodgers earned the ribbing of the home fans for his resemblance to the character from the Austin Powers films and for manhandling the towering Brede Hangeland to the ground during a failed attack.
The mis-match between County's diminutive forward and the Fulham central defender more or less summed up the contest.
http://fulham.theoffside.com/team-news/fa-cup-sweet-16loaner-report.html
FA Cup Sweet 16/Loaner Report
By: timmyg | February 14th, 2010
Notts County didn't really deserve that. Nor did they deserve any of the hullabaloo that has been going on there all season. At least Portsmouth (and their numerous) owners admitted to being broke. But no one had, or still has, any clue who Qadbak Investments actually were.
The questions Tom Dunmore raised on his great blog Pitch Invasion in July remained unanswered, and probably never will be. For all we know it could have been the New Day Co-Op.
There's not too much to analyze in today's 4-0 comprehensive cup victory. County mildly threatened, but were simply outclassed. Which isn't too surprising considering they sit 7th in League Two, albeit with about 5 games in hand. Their Cup run ended after games against Bradford City, Bournemouth, Forest Green Rovers, and Wigan (twice). I think their fans will be pleased with that.
But the Elite 8 draw to either Bolton or Tottenham is a sweet one I must say considering: a) we avoided Chelsea, and b) we're at home. If we make it to Wembley I may have to stowaway on a plane or boat en route to England. t
So without much further ado here's this week's loaner report!
Diomansy Kamara started, played 90 minutes, and registered in Celtic's 2-0 win over Hearts last Wednesday. He then started, played another 90 minutes, and scored a goal and registered an assist in the Bhoys' 4-4 draw with Aberdeen on Saturday.
Eddie Johnson started, played 62 minutes, and registered an assist in Aris Thessaloniki's match against Ergotelis on Saturday.
David Stockdale started, played 90 minutes, and made 8 saves in Plymouth Argyle's 2-1 loss at Reading last Tuesday. He started and played in 90 minutes in Plymouth's 3-1 win over Barnsley on Saturday. His loan deal is set to expire after Tuesday's game against Swansea City.
Toni Kallio started and played 90 minutes in Sheffield United's 2-1 loss to Preston North End last Tuesday. He then started and played 90 minutes in the Blades' 2-0 win over Bristol City on Saturday.
Wayne Brown started and played 42 minutes in Bristol Rovers 1-0 loss to Walsall last Tuesday. He was substituted because of an injury.
Matthew Briggs was an unused substitute in Leyton Orient's 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Saturday. His loan spell expired on Saturday. In total he made just one appearance (despite sitting on the bench for 5 matches) during his month-long loan, which was also his first game at Brisbane Road. His lack of playing time makes one wonder whether manager Geraint Williams thought he was not quality, or only wanted him to make up the numbers.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/122311/Bobby-Zamora-helps-Fulham-ease-past-Notts-County/
BOBBY ZAMORA HELPS FULHAM EASE PAST NOTTS COUNTY
15th February 2010
By Paul Brown
BOBBY ZAMORA'S 13th was unlucky for Notts County as their FA Cup dreams bit the dust at Craven Cottage.
England hopeful Zamora made it two goals in two games and 13 for the season as ruthless Fulham finished off their League Two opponents.
Simon Davies set them on the way with a 22nd-minute opener. And Zamora struck the killer blow before half-time as Fulham marched into the last eight and a home quarter-final tie against Tottenham or Bolton.
Until then, debt-ridden County had been dreaming of a fairytale Cup campaign to help them forget the threat of extinction.
The Magpies face a winding-up petition from the taxman over an unpaid £324,000 bill – but were roared on by 4,500 hardy fans in west London. And they did not disgrace themselves despite second-half goals from Damien Duff and substitute Stefano Okaka – his first for the club – adding insult to injury.
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson said: "They gave us a good game, played the game in the right way and had a lot of support.
"It was a potential banana skin and I'm just glad we didn't slip up on it.
"I was worried about us scoring goals when Andy Johnson got injured.
"But Zamora has 13 now, which is a good return because he hasn't played so many games, and Duff has eight.
"I think there are goals in this team."
Poor County could have done with some help from Sven Goran Eriksson, who resigned as director of football last week.
Presumably the former England boss had other things to do on Valentine's Day – and he did quit having written off £2.5m owed to him by the club.
But boss Dave Kevan said: "Sven called me and said we could beat them. We are still in touch. We were very sorry to see him leave.
"The players were fantastic. They worked tremendously hard, created some good chances and they deserve credit for that.
"We're just sorry we didn't give the supporters a goal to cheer.
"They were fantastic. But we felt the scoreline flattered Fulham. It was harsh."
Fulham were facing a side 65 places below them on the league ladder, but they took the visitors seriously by naming a strong line-up. And they exploded out of the blocks with Zamora flashing a shot wide and David Elm forcing a good save from Kasper Schmeichel.
So it was no surprise when Davies fired them in front, shooting through the legs of the unlucky John Thompson and into the bottom corner. It was the Fulham winger's first goal since March – he has suffered an injury-hit campaign – and it left County with a mountain to climb.
But they refused to buckle and could have been level when Craig Westcarr turned Chris Baird inside out only to be foiled by a fine save from Mark Schwarzer.
Seconds later, Zamora put Fulham two up with an emphatic finish after Elm flicked on a ball from Nicky Shorey. It was cruel on County, who had won at Premier League Wigan to get this far and did not look out of their depth against a side three divisions above them. They rallied after the break, with Ben Davies the pick of their players.
Schwarzer had denied him in the first half, tipping his shot over the crossbar. But the Australian looked beaten when Davies bore down on goal in the 50th minute, only to see his effort whizz narrowly wide. There was to be no fightback though, as Duff pounced on Zamora's pass to cut inside Johnnie Jackson and beat Schmeichel at his near post with 17 minutes left.
And there was more misery for County as Okaka, just on for Zamora, slipped the ball through the keeper's legs for his first goal since a loan move from Roma.
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/158187/Fulham-comprehensively-beat-Notts-County/
FULHAM COMPREHENSIVELY BEAT NOTTS COUNTY
Monday February 15,2010
By Gideon Brooks
Fulham 4 Notts County 0 NOTTS COUNTY fans might well wake this morning to realise, like Bobby Ewing, that it was just a dream.
As if further proof were needed that their feet were once again back on terra firma, a week in which Notts County have been bought for a quid, seen the last connections with football glamour in the shape of Sven-Goran Eriksson walk out the door and then been landed with an eye-watering tax bill, finished with them being comprehensively dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham.
They will, in time-honoured fashion, be free to concentrate on the league if they can come up with £600,000 funds in unpaid tax due to the Inland Revenue in nine days' time.
Dave Kevan, their caretaker-manager, admitted there remained a degree of uncertainty over whether they will have to sell assets to meet that bill, but insisted that there were reasons for hope.
"We have to hope we can keep these players with us going forward but there is still a lot of football to be played this season and promotion from League Two would still be the silver lining," he said.
For Fulham, their prize was a quarter-final match with the winner of the Bolton-Tottenham replay next week. It will be their second last-eight appearance in as many years but manager Roy Hodgson was not allowing himself to get too carried away.
"We were two games away last year and Manchester United came here and thumped us," he said.
"That said, I think further progress in this competition would represent another step forward for the club. But the truth is that success for us is our continued presence in the Premier League."
For all that Notts County did not embarrass themselves quite as much as the scoreline might suggest, they were battling uphill from the moment Simon Davies put the hosts ahead, hooking a shot inside Kasper Schmeichel's far post after 22 minutes.
Craig Westcarr could have levelled for County but pulled his shot just wide and Ben Davies tested Mark Schwarzer with a couple of long-range efforts, one which was tipped over. When Bobby Zamora scored Fulham's second, though, the match was as good as over.
Two more in the second half, one from Damien Duff who crashed a shot inside Schmeichel's near post courtesy of a slight deflection after 73 minutes and another through the keeper's legs from on-loan striker Stefano Okaka six minutes later, confirmed the defeat.
Hodgson's side will compete in the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday against Shakhtar Donetsk.
http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/pensioners-report-fulham-4-0-notts-county/
Pensioner's report: Fulham 4-0 Notts County
Filed under: Match info — weltmeisterclaude @ 10:55 pm
Job done, match won. Professional but less than clinical – Zamora missed after 90 seconds and Davies fluffed an easy chance in the second half but both got goals and both took them well. Davies after 22 minutes, Zamora after 41.
My neighbour complained that we were overelaborate in the second half but once again Duff proved strong, direct and accurate: 3-0 in the 73rd minute. Well timed substitutions with Thursday in mind. Thus a run out for Riise and a goal for Okaka. 4-0 in the 79th. Game over.
Afterthoughts.
Since Shorey joined us we have won four matches with four clean sheets. A talented defender and no mean passer of the ball. An invaluable acquisition at just the right time.
All a bit easy? All a bit boring? No – because County did have their moments. Lee Hughes and Ben Davies had chances and it took a fine save from Schwarzer to keep out Westcarr. Schmeichel made three good and one miraculous save – damage limitation of a high order. Clapham (once of Premiership Ipswich) remains a classy midfielder. The diminutive Rodgers twice brought down Hangeland. My neighbour was convinced that the second offence was more Hangeland than Rogers with a County penalty the proper decision. Not their verdict and not their day but the supporters sang out and sang on. "Four nil and you still can't sing! Four nil and you still can't sing!"
I hope these County supporters enjoyed their day out because for all their industry they caused us less trouble than Accrington this term and Kettering last term.
Mrs Pensioner as a graduate of Nottingham University with family and friends at the Putney End would have settled for 4-4 and a replay down memory lane- sorry Meadow Lane. Far be it for Mr Pensioner to rattle the domestic cage on Valentine's Day but we have enough to do in Europe and in the Premiership without extra fixtures. David Hamilton gave us "Viva El Fulham" at half-time. Amen to that but in 1975 we had eleven games and far too many replays. Let Spurs and Bolton exhaust themselves while we go about our business quietly and effectively.
Come March 6th/7th we could have a couple more of the walking wounded up and running. The return of Simon Davies was one of the many satisfactory aspects this good day's work.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1250988/Fulham-4-Notts-County-0-Bobby-Zamora-gives-reality-check-League-Two-dreamers.html?ITO=1490
Fulham 4 Notts County 0: Bobby Zamora gives a reality check to League Two dreamers
By Ivan Speck
Last updated at 1:04 AM on 15th February 2010
The reluctance of the 4,500 Notts County fans to turn their backs and file away from Craven Cottage yesterday, even after a lesson in clinical finishing, could be easily explained. Days like these may be a long time in coming again. Premier League status belongs on the banks of the Thames, not the Trent.
Given the broken financial promises the County supporters swallowed earlier this season, there is no longer any certainty about anything, even their club's existence.
With Sven Goran Eriksson gone, a wage bill beyond their means to sustain, a date with the taxman in the High Court and the likely departures of the players who have transformed them into League Two promotion candidates - Kasper Schmeichel and striker Lee Hughes among them - reality is about to bite back into life at Meadow Lane.
MATCH FACTS
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer 7; Baird 6, Hughes 6, Hangeland 6, Shorey 5; Duff 7 (Riise 75min, 6), Murphy 7 (Greening 70, 6), Etuhu 6, S. Davies 7; Elm 5, Zamora 7 (Okaka 75, 6).
Notts County (4-1-4-1) Schmeichel 7; Thompson 7, Edwards 5, Hunt 5, Jackson 5; Clapham 7 (Rodgers 62, 6); Westcarr 6 (Hawley 85), Ravenhill 7, Bishop 6, B. Davies 7; Hughes 6 (Hamshaw 85).
Man of the match: Bobby Zamora
Referee: Alan Wiley
In the past week they have been sold for £1 to former Lincoln City chairman Ray Trew, Eriksson has quit as director of football, their debts have been revealed as close to £4million and a £300,000 tax bill threatens their survival.
It is a long way from the heady days of last July when they were taken over by Middle Eastern consortium Munto Finance, with an ambitious plan to lead the oldest club in the Football League to the Premier League within five years.
Fulham, in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the second successive season, host Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa League on Thursday. Twenty four hours earlier, Notts host Grimsby Town in a re-arranged League Two fixture.
Notts caretaker-manager Dave Kevan said: 'We've thoroughly enjoyed our cup run and it was a great pleasure to come up against such a good side here. We have to transmit that into League Two football now.
'We were sorry to see Sven and Tord Grip leave the club. Sven phoned me and said that we could beat Fulham. Hopefully I'll speak to him on the way home.'
It would be easy to sympathise with the Notts fans for the fall their club is about to take. The truth, however, is that without over-spending to attract the likes of Schmeichel and Hughes, they may not have made it to Craven Cottage at all.
Try talking to the fans of League Two clubs over whom they have bought an advantage this season for an alternative definition of fairness.
A second-minute Bobby Zamora shot aside, County created the better chances in the opening 20 minutes. Craig Westcarr shot just wide and then the impressive Ben Davies forced an acrobatic tip-over from Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer.
At that point, it was difficult to tell which was the Premier League side, not because Notts were playing above their level but because Fulham were simply abysmal.
A straightforward move midway through the first half changed all that. Danny Murphy picked out the run of Simon Davies and the Welshman used the body of his marker John Thompson to shield his shot from the view of goalkeeper Schmeichel as it rolled into the far bottom corner.
Four minutes before half-time, another neat Fulham move involving Nicky Shorey and David Elm ended with Zamora chesting the ball down and volleying it home in a single movement.
Notts kept pressing forward. A Hughes header and a Davies shot both flew just over. But when Damien Duff latched on to a superb ball from Zamora and drove the ball past Schmeichel, the game was up.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson withdrew Murphy, Zamora and Duff to save them for Donetsk and substitute Stefano Okaka sprang the offside trap to give the scoreline a one-sided look.
Hodgson said: 'Notts County gave us a good game and we knew that the quality of their football would belie their league position. It was a potential banana skin and we're very glad we didn't slip on it.
'We were in the Cup quarter-finals last year as well, then Manchester United came here and thumped us, which we haven't quite forgotten yet.
'A trip to Wembley would mean a lot to us and be a major step forward in the progression that we're trying to make at this club.'
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5949896,00.html
Hodgson wants cup glory
But Fulham boss maintains that top-flight survival is the priority
Last updated: 14th February 2010
Roy Hodgson admits there will be an anxiety surrounding Fulham as the club attempt to take a 'major step forward' by winning the FA Cup.
The Premier League Cottagers swept aside troubled League Two outfit Notts County on Sunday afternoon as Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka earned a 4-0 win.
Fulham will now host Bolton or Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the competition as the capital side bid to win their first FA Cup.
Hodgson, who guided Fulham to narrow escape from Premier League relegation after being appointed boss in December 2007, admits top-flight survival remains the priority.
But having qualified for the Europa League last season, he is also keen to advance his club's status, saying: "It would mean a lot to us.
Highly motivated
"It would be another major step forward with the progression at the club. We'll be highly motivated and nervous about the quarter-final because we badly want a good result.
"There have been fewer winners of the FA Cup since the inauguration of the Premier League.
"It's wrong to compare the mythical Fulham teams of the 60s and 70s or even the showbiz teams when Rodney Marsh, George Best and Bobby Moore were playing in the same team.
"We have to be more journeyman-like in our approach because staying in the league is so important. It's not a case of Rodney Marsh doing a few tricks or George Best beating a man and having a rest for five minutes. That's not possible.
"Success is probably a continued presence in the Premier League, if we could go one step further that would be fantastic."
Hodgson was delighted to overcome County, adding: "It was a real potential banana skin and I'm just happy we didn't slip up on it. I wasn't wrong to suggest they would give us a good game."
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3244723,00.html
Fulham shoot down Magpies
Two goals in either half in comfortable afternoon for Cottagers
By Jamie Casey
Last updated: 14th February 2010
Fulham ended Notts County's FA Cup run in ruthless style as they ran out 4-0 winners in the fifth round at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
The League Two outfit had travelled to London in high spirits after knocking out Premier League side Wigan on their own turf in the fourth round.
But the Magpies were brought back down to earth after just 22 minutes as Simon Davies opened the scoring after shooting on the turn into the bottom corner.
Striker Bobby Zamora doubled the home side's advantage shortly before the break with his 13th strike of the season, leaving County with a huge task to overcome in the second period.
Instead, matters got worse for the financially stricken club, as Damien Duff made it three on 73 minutes before substitute Stefano Okaka rounded off the score with his first goal for the club six minutes later.
The defeat rounds off a miserable week for County, who lost at Bournemouth on Tuesday, were sold for £1 to Ray Trew and then saw Sven Goran Eriksson resign as director of football in a turbulent few days.
As expected, the hosts made most of the early running. Luckily for the visitors Zamora fired just wide after latching on to Chris Baird's pass and spinning around Jamie Clapham.
Clever
Kasper Schmeichel was then called into action when Davies slipped a clever pass through the County defence. David Elm checked back to get rid of John Thompson but then had his finish blocked by the Danish goalkeeper.
The visitors had their first efforts on goal when Craig Westcarr went wide from the edge of the area, then Ben Davies had a long-range effort tipped over.
From the resulting corner, Lee Hughes had sight of goal and time to finish - but his effort was too close to Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Despite encouraging signs, County were behind midway through the first half following a move started by Danny Murphy's delicate chip to Davies on the edge of the area.
The Wales midfielder had his back to goal but moved just inside the penalty area and fired on the turn, through Thompson's legs and into Schmeichel's far corner for his first goal of the campaign.
Fulham came close to doubling the lead just before the half-hour mark when Zamora won the ball in midfield and found Duff, but Schmeichel was equal to the finish after the winger had cut inside.
Close
County themselves were close to levelling just before Zamora made it 2-0, with Westcarr latching onto a flick by Hughes and forcing Schwarzer to save at full stretch.
Zamora made County pay for their miss when he collected Elm's backheel and lashed past Schmeichel four minutes before the break.
County continued to attack after the interval despite the setback of Zamora's goal just before half-time. Davies kept trying his luck from long distance and two attempts went just wide of Schwarzer's upright.
There was plenty of effort from the visitors but Fulham showed enough experience to hold them at bay, and they looked threatening on the counter-attack themselves.
Dave Kevan made a change just after the hour mark, bringing on Luke Rodgers for Clapham to add numbers in attack.
Duff's goal came 16 minutes from the end after Zamora slipped him through down the right flank, the Republic of Ireland winger cutting inside and firing home through Johnnie Jackson's legs.
Okaka took just three minutes to score after coming off the bench, racing through and firing powerfully past Schmeichel.
Fulham
Team Statistics
Notts County
4 Goals
0
6 Shots on Target
4
4 Shots off Target
6
1 Blocked Shots
1
5 Corners
6
11 Fouls
8
5 Offsides
0
0 Yellow Cards
0
0 Red Cards
0
49.3 Possession
50.7
http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3244723,00.html
Fulham Player ratings
Player Our Rating Your Rating Rate player
Mark Schwarzer 0 5.6 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Brede Hangeland 0 5.0 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Aaron Hughes 0 6.2 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Nicky Shorey 0 5.9 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Chris Baird 0 5.1 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Danny Murphy 0 5.1 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Dickson Etuhu 0 4.9 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Simon Davies 0 6.6 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
David Elm 0 6.2 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Bobby Zamora 0 6.8 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Damien Duff 0 6.3 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Jonathan Greening
(Sub) 0 4.2 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Bjorn Helge Riise
(Sub) 0 4.2 Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Stefano Okaka
(Sub)
http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/02/fulham-take-care-of-notts-county-4-0-in.html
Fulham take care of Notts County 4 - 0 in F A Cup
Fulham in the first half started out sluggish. In fact the announcers kept mentioning they could not tell who was the Premiership club and who was the League Two team. Notts County were winning in the midfield early in the match. They were making more of the clean passes. Fulham were more kicking long balls to the strikers up front.
The game changed in the 22nd minute with a goal from Simon Davies. It was a right footed shot from a nice pass from Danny Murphy. The shot got by Notts County Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Fulham almost went up 2 goals with a nice run by Damien Duff. This led to a strong shot off of his left foot. A nice save was made by Schmeichel to keep the game 1 - 0. A couple of decent shots came after that from Bobby Zamora and Dickson Etuhu.
Notts County had one of their best chances in the 39th minute from a shot by Craig Wescarr. It was a nice save by Mark Schwarzer to keep the game 1 - 0.
The second goal of the game came from a wonderful flick by David Elm right to the foot of Bobby Zamora. Zamora then made a left footed shot that got by the keeper. Fulham were up 2- 0 at the half.
The second half began with Notts County again coming out strong. In the 50th minute Ben Davies took a nice shot that just slightly missed the net. A little later a shot by Lee Hughes was right on net but saved by Schwarzer.
The best chance early in the second half was by Nicky Shorey off of a set piece. Unfortunately for Shorey his shot sailed high over the net. As the half went on Fulham were starting to control the play more.
In the 73rd minute Damien Duff made it 3 - 0. It was a low left footed shot in the penalty area. This goal made the game comfortable at this point. Roy Hogdson decided to put in Jonathan Greening, Bjorn Helge Riise, and Stefano Okaka as substitutes. This was an indication that possibly Hogdson wanted some rest for Danny Murphy, Damien Duff and Bobby Zamora.
In the 79th minute Stefano Okaka scored his first goal for Fulham. This was a right foot shot that got into the net. The score then became 4 - 0 in favor of Fulham. He got behind the defenders and made a nice low shot to score the goal.
This was a game that the score does not show how tough Notts County played. In the end though Fulham showed who was the Premiership Club and who was the Division 2 squad. It is now on to the next round of the F A Cup.
Posted by Fulham-Pats Fan at 11:03 AM
http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/02/14/fulham-4-notts-county-0-cottagers-romp-into-fa-cup-quarter-fina/
Fulham 4 Notts County 0: Cottagers Romp Into FA Cup Quarter-Final Draw
14/2/2010 10:24 AM GMT
By Jon West
Fulham booked a place in the FA Cup quarter-final draw with a 4-0 victory over the last League Two club in the competition, Notts County.
The Premier League side went in at half-time with a comfortable lead thanks to goals from Simon Davies and Bobby Zamora.
Davies's strike, which went through the legs of County defender John Thompson before beating Kaspar Schmeichel, was his first for exactly 11 months, with the Wales international having missed most of the campaign while recovering from a foot operation.
Zamora, who had missed a good early chance, doubled the lead with an emphatic finish after strike partner David Elm had flicked Nicky Shorey's pass into his path.
Fulham also had goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to thank however as the veteran pulled off fine saves to deny first Ben Davies and then Craig Westcarr when the tie was still in the balance.
Damien Duff made it 3-0 in the 74th minute with a shot that was helped past Schmeichel by a deflection off Johnnie Jackson.
Substitute Stefano Okaka made it 4-0 four minutes later to record his first goal for Fulham since joining on loan from Roma in January.
REACTION:
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, whose side will be at home to either Bolton or Tottenham in the quarter-finals, was cautiously optimistic about the prospect of reaching the FA Cup final for the first time since 1975 as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsneal have already been knocked out.
"For those in the hat, they won't regret three of the traditional top four not being there," he said. "It's nice to have the lottery ticket because you cannot win the lottery without one.
"It would mean a lot to us. It would be another major step forward with the progression at the club. We'll be highly motivated and nervous about the quarter-final because we want a good result. It will be between seven or eight Premier League clubs so it will be tough."
Fulham were beaten in the 1975 final by West Ham and the 70s were an era when superstar players at the end of their careers went to Craven Cottage. Hodgson's side has a lower profile but a higher work ethic and he wouldn't have it any other way.
"There have been fewer winners of the FA Cup since the inaugeration of the Premier League," he said. "It's wrong to compare the mythical teams of the 60s and the showbiz teams when Rodney Marsh and George Best were playing. Success is probably a continued presence in the Premier League but if we could go one step further that would be fantastic."
Notts County, who were cheered on by around 5,000 fans, must now return to their League Two campaign in the knowledge that director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson is no longer at the club.The former England manager walked away from a £2.5million pay-off knowing it would cripple a club that has just been sold for £1.
Manager Dave Kevan said: We're very sorry to see Sven and Tord Grip (Eriksson's No. 2) leave. It was a privilege to work with them. But there is a lot of football to be played. The aim was to get out of League Two and we can still do it.
"Sven phoned me and said we could beat them. Hopefully I'll speak to him on the way home."
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Superior finishing power, especially in the second half meant Fulham were never in serious danger of being on the wrong end of an upset, although their goalkeeper was certainly not under-used. Zamora's 13th goal of the season will keep him in with a slim chance of gate-crashing the England World Cup party, although his hands cupped to one ear celebration means he has yet to forgive those supporters who barracked him in earlier, less productive times. County kept plugging away but subsided midway through the second half when first Duff and then Okaka took advantage of tired legs.
WHAT IT MEANS:
That Fulham have a strong chance of reaching Wembley, given that only Chelsea of the so-called Big Four are still in the competition and the Cottagers are at home in the quarter-finals to either Bolton or Tottenham. They have the Europa League on their minds at the moment, with Shakhtar Donetsk due at Craven Cottage on Thursday night, but you get the feeling they are coming to the end of the line as far as that particular competition is concerned. Reaching Wembley would mean a lot to the Fulham faithful, who were watching lower league football themselves not that long ago. As for County, it's back to reality, with their early-season hopes of glory under Eriksson in the stands and Sol Campbell on the pitch turning out to be nothing but a pipedream.
QUOTABLE:
"The supporters were fantastic. To see so many packed behind that goal was a sight to behold. We are just sorry we haven't given them a goal to cheer."
- With such a fan base Kevan has reason to suggest County's dreams might one day come true.
FULHAM 4 (S Davies 22, Zamora 41, Duff 74, Okaka 78) NOTTS COUNTY 0
FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer 8; Baird 6, Hangeland 6, A Hughes 7, Shorey 7; S Davies 8, Murphy 7, Etuhu 7, Duff 7 (Riise, 75, 5); Elm 7, Zamora 7 (Okaka 76, 5).
Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Stoor, Smalling.
NOTTS COUNTY(4-5-1): Schmeichel 7; Thompson 6, Edwards 6, Hunt 6, Jackson 6; Westcarr 7 (Hawley 85, 4), Bishop 7, Ravenhill 6, Clapham 6 (Rodgers, 62, 4), B Davies 8; L Hughes 5 (Hamshaw 85, 4).
Subs (not used): Hoult, Lee, Fairclough, Akinbiyi.
ATTENDANCE: 16, 132
NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Shakhtar Donetsk (Home) Europa League, 18/02 2010 2005 GMT
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Simon Davies (Fulham): The Wales international has been missing for most of the season so this refreshing performance must seem like a new signing to Roy Hodgson.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/county-are-caught-out-by-zamora-1899580.html
County are caught out by Zamora
Fulham 4 Notts County 0
By Conrad Leach
Monday, 15 February 2010
Don't be fooled. Bar the last 20 minutes, this scoreline, if not the result, flattered Fulham. However, the upshot is that there is no team from the bottom division of the Football League in the FA Cup quarter-finals, something that may have bruised the hearts of football romantics on Valentine's Day.
Still, Notts County left Craven Cottage with their dignity intact, no mean feat given the turmoil that has surrounded the club since last summer. They face the High Court – an even tougher opponent than Fulham – a week on Wednesday over an unpaid tax bill.
Sven Goran Eriksson ended his seven-month affair with County last week and the Swede left with his dignity also intact, if not his wallet, having promised not to pursue what he claims is £2.5m in compensation owed to him. He is, of course, rich enough not to need even that amount of money.
He told caretaker manager Dave Kevan that Fulham could be beaten, which perhaps proves he has spent too much time away from the top flight of English football. It is nice the former England manager is still in touch with Kevan and he is promised a warm reception when he next returns to the black-and-white half of Nottinghamshire. But given Eriksson prefers the warmer climes of Portugal and Italy, that reunion almost certainly won't occur on Wednesday, when County, who occupy the last play-off place in League Two, renew their push for promotion by hosting Grimsby Town.
If Kevan keeps his team where they are, the national stadium, and the play-offs in May, may yet be their destiny. Yet it was the home support, not the impressively vocal 4,500 visiting fans, who were singing "we're going to Wembley" after Bobby Zamora's goal gave Fulham their second goal and an advantage they were never likely to squander. Of course, that song doesn't quite have the ring it used to, given the semi-finals are played at the new stadium, but reaching the last four would still be quite an achievement for Roy Hodgson's men.
Yet the Fulham manager admitted his players would be suffering from Wembley nerves in their quarter-final, where they have managed to avoid Chelsea, but will still have a tough assignment at home against either Tottenham or Bolton. Hodgson said: "It would mean a lot to us. It would be a major step forward in the progression at this club. Come the quarter- final we will be motivated and will badly want the result."
Hodgson had paid County a lot of respect with the team he picked, including Damien Duff and Zamora. At Craven Cottage on Thursday, Fulham will face a daunting opponent in the last 32 of the Europa League – they host Shakhtar Donetsk, the winners of last season's Uefa Cup – so Hodgson must sense this competition represents as good a chance as any for his side to enjoy some success this season.
Not that Fulham started off like a team capable of reaching its first Cup final since 1975. Kevan's side, featuring the experience of Lee Hughes in attack and Jamie Clapham, once of Birmingham and Ipswich, in midfield, stifled their hosts for the first 20 minutes, and even managed the first serious shot on goal. After 17 minutes, Ben Davies tried his luck from 25 yards, forcing Mark Schwarzer to tip over. Davies was a constant threat and Kevan rightly thought his players' efforts deserved to see County leave London with at least one goal.
But after 22 minutes, it was Davies's namesake, Simon, who put Fulham ahead. Danny Murphy passed over the top and the Wales winger steered his shot low past Kaspar Schmeichel. Four minutes before the interval, the hosts were able to relax; David Elm flicked a pass to Zamora and the forward notched his 13th goal of the season.
The second half was more routine for Fulham, despite Ben Davies's best efforts for County. Zamora found Duff and the Irish winger beat Schmeichel at his near post. As the game wore on, County began to unravel, allowing Stefano Okaka, the loan signing from Roma, to beat his marker and pick his spot for his first goal for the club.
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, A Hughes, Hangeland, Shorey; Duff (Riise, 75), Etuhu, Murphy (Greening, 70), S Davies; Zamora (Okaka, 75), Elm. Substitutes not used: Zuberbuhler (gk), Nevland, Stoor, Smalling.
Notts County (4-1-4-1): Schmeichel; Thompson, Edwards, Hunt, Jackson; Clapham (Rodgers, 62); Westcarr (Hawley, 85), Ravenhill, Bishop, B Davies; L Hughes (Hamshaw, 85). Substitutes not used: Hoult (gk), Lee, Fairclough, Akinbiyi.
Referee: A Wiley (Staffordshire).
Man of the Match: Zamora.
Attendance: 16,132.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article7026912.ece
And Diomansy Kamara, a player well-known to Mowbray from their time together at West Bromwich Albion, and drafted in from Fulham until the end of the season, was equally ill at ease in front of Braafheid. It was a problem area Mowbray failed to address, though the joy he felt as Kamara's third-minute strike, set-up by Aiden McGeady and Robbie Keane, hit the back of the Aberdeen net, was short-lived. Michael Paton's retaliation six minutes later flagged-up those Celtic defensive frailties.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7026726.ece
Fulham overpower Notts County as Roy Hodgson's magic touch continues in cups
Fulham 4 Notts County 0
Matt Hughes, Deputy Football Correspondent
For a man who made no secret at the start of this season of his plan to make survival in the Barclays Premier League his priority to the detriment of attractions elsewhere, Roy Hodgson is doing awfully well in the cups.
Fulham were already looking forward to welcoming Shakhtar Donetsk to Craven Cottage in the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday and can now add an FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur or Bolton Wanderers next month to their packed diary. With the prosaic goal of Premier League existence all but secured, this could turn out to be a season of glorious diversion after all.
The financial necessity of staging both semi-finals at the national stadium means that Fulham are 90 minutes away from their first visit to Wembley since the 1975 FA Cup Final defeat by West Ham United, although they have squandered similar opportunities before. In last season's sixth round, they were thrashed 4-0 at home by Manchester United, but recovered to beat the eventual champions in the Premier League a fortnight later, demonstrating they are not always overawed by big occasions.
Fulham have enjoyed rousing league victories this season over United and Liverpool, although even the manager has been surprised by their ability to compete so strongly in several competitions, particularly given recent injuries to Andrew Johnson and Clint Dempsey, two of their key forwards.
"I thought we'd suffer more from tiredness," Hodgson said. "The question at the start of the season was, 'Did we have the experience and the squad to fight on so many fronts?' That was a very valid question and I didn't know the answer, so I've been more than satisfied.
"It would mean a lot to us to get to Wembley. It would be a major step forward in the progression we're trying to make at this club. Come the quarter-final we'll be highly motivated."
This was a classic cup-tie victory, which was somewhat flattering — Dave Kevan, the Notts County manager, noted — but bodes well for Fulham's future adventures. In the first half at least, the visiting team competed bravely to give their 4,000 travelling fans reasons to believe, but somehow they were 2-0 down.
Fulham's only obvious superiority to a side 65 places below them lay in the quality of their finishing. Danny Murphy created the first out of nothing in the 22nd minute, catching the County defence by surprise with an outrageous lob from halfway to Simon Davies. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfield player controlled neatly before beating Kasper Schmeichel at his far post.
Fulham's second 19 minutes later was even more exquisite, as Nicky Shorey chipped the ball from the left to David Elm, whose first-time flick was chested down by Bobby Zamora and unleashed past Schmeichel on the volley for his thirteenth goal of the season.
Many more finishes of that quality and Hodgson's claims that he should play for England will be greeted with rather less scorn.
The shell-shocked County were deserving of considerable sympathy because, in keeping with their off-field plight, much promise faded away to nothing. Mark Schwarzer had been by far the busier goalkeeper and was required to make two outstanding saves before the Fulham goals, tipping a drive by Ben Davies over the bar and getting down low to his left to block a powerful shot from Craig Westcarr.
Fulham extended their finishing lesson in the second half, with Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka, a substitute, finding the net six minutes apart, the latter scoring his first goal for the club since sealing his loan deal from Roma.
The burly Lee Hughes toiled away for the visiting team for no reward, even when he was joined by an equally bald but diminutive substitute, Luke Rodgers, who resembled Mini-Me to the former West Bromwich Albion striker's Dr Evil.
Even megalomaniac villains are no match for Hodgson, a very English hero.
Fulham (4-4-2): M Schwarzer 7 — C Baird 6, B Hangeland 6, A Hughes 6, N Shorey 6 — S Davies 6, D Etuhu 5, D Murphy 7 (sub: J Greening, 70min), D Duff 6 (sub: B H Riise, 76) — D Elm 6, R Zamora 7 (sub: S Okaka, 76). Substitutes not used: P Zuberbühler, E Nevland, F Stoor, C Smalling, J Greening.
Notts County (4-1-4-1): K Schmeichel 5 — J Thompson 5, M Edwards 5, S Hunt 6, J Jackson 5 — J Clapham 5 (sub: L Rodgers, 62 5) — C Westcarr 6 (sub: K Hawley, 85), N Bishop 6, R Ravenhill 5, B Davies 6 — L Hughes 5 (sub: M Hamshaw, 85). Substitutes not used: R Hoult, G Lee, B Fairclough, A Akinbiyi.
Referee: A Wiley. Attendance: 16,132.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-4-0-Notts-County-Cottagers-cruise-through-to-the-last-eight-The-Daily-Mirror-match-report-article323677.html
Fulham 4-0 Notts County: The Daily Mirror match report
Published 18:18 14/02/10
By Martin Lipton
Down at the Hammersmith End, they still talk about Mellor, Moore, Mullery and Mitchell and the boys of '75.
But perhaps a new, even more glorious chapter in Fulham history could be written by Zamora, Murphy, Schwarzer and Roy Hodgson's class of 2010.
As County ended up looking as exposed and threadbare on the pitch as their finances are off it, Fulham cruised through to the last eight and a quarter-final date with Bolton or Spurs.
At times it was sketchy and unconvincing, even if there was never really a stage when the world's oldest professional club looked like they could climb out of the intensive care ward.
But that did not stop the predictive chants of "Wembley" cascading around the Cottage, as goals from Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka eased Hodgson's men through.
It was harsh but, as so often, the difference was not the quality of the football, but the quality of the finishing.
With Sven Goran Eriksson nowhere to be seen - well, come on, it was Valentine's Day - for long periods you would have been pressed to say where there was a difference of 65 places on the ladder between the sides.
But where County contrived to squander their many opportunities, Fulham took them by displaying the clinical edge top flight teams are supposed to have in their armoury.
All four goals were converted with a minimum of fuss, County switching off at the back and paying the price.
Fulham's opener was a case in point, when Davies floated in off the left flank, dragging defender John Thompson with him, to get on the end of Danny Murphy's chip forward.
Thompson half-sold himself, allowing Davies to find the room to angle a right-footer back through the skipper's legs, leaving Kasper Schmeichel flat-footed as the ball found his bottom right corner.
Schmeichel, watched by his father Peter, had earlier done well to keep out Zamora but for much of that opening spell the action was at the other end.
Where Fulham were deadly, however, County had no punch.
Ben Davies, who adopted a shoot on sight policy all afternoon, was the first to test Mark Schwarzer from distance, Lee Hughes was too close to the keeper after a smart turn, before the crucial moment six minutes from the break.
The lively Craig Westcarr turned Chris Baird inside-out before unleashing a left-footer destined for the corner of the net before Schwarzer plunged to his right to make a magnificent save.
And when Fulham cleared the resulting corner, they went down the pitch to put away the second - and, effectively, the match.
Nicky Shorey drove forward, David Elm flicked on and Zamora was too quick for Stephen Hunt, chesting the ball into the box before lashing home his 13th of the season.
All over bar the shouting and while County - mainly through the game Davies - kept on coming, the rest was inevitable. Duff made it three, collecting from Zamora's clever ball out to the right, teasing his way past Johnnie Jackson and drilling between Schmeichel and his near post.
Then on-loan Roma man Okaka, who gave Zamora a breather, cantered past a static County defence before getting off the mark in Engliosh football with a simple finish.
It was enough as County could focus their minds back on their fight for survival against the Tax Man.
"I don't think we could've done much more - except score, of course," said County boss Dave Kevan, who revealed he had received a good luck call from Eriksson before the game.
"It's hard to take but I've told the players they were fantastic. The goals just came at the wrong time for us."
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-ready-to-open-new-contract-talks-with-David-Elm-article323721.html
Fulham ready to open new contract talks with David Elm
Published 23:00 14/02/10
By Alan Nixon
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is ready to open contract talks with Swedish striker David Elm - about penning a new two-year deal at the club.
Elm has been a surprise success in recent weeks, scoring against Burnley in the last game, after his unheralded arrival at Craven Cottage.
Now Elm is looking to sort out his new arrangement. Fulham have a two-year option in his contract but the terms are due to be finalised - and he hopes his performances will earn him a rise.
Premier League plans play-off for last Champions League place
• Team as low as seventh could be given chance to qualify
• Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool object
David Conn guardian.co.uk,
Sunday 14 February 2010 22.15 GMT
Under the play-off proposal Fulham – who finished seventh in 2009 – would have had a chance of Champions League football. Photograph: Kieran Doherty/Reuters
The Premier League is considering introducing a play-off system to determine the fourth club to qualify for the following season's European Champions League.
Currently the club which finishes fourth goes through but the new proposal would mean a play-off between the clubs finishing fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. The intention is to inject more competition into a league in which qualification has for years remained in the hands of the same four clubs.
Premier League sources have confirmed that the play-off proposal was presented at the most recent meeting of all clubs, on 4 February, and the league's chief executive, Richard Scudamore, was authorised to return with further details in April.
It is understood that the idea was enthusiastically supported by all clubs – except the so-called big four of Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Scudamore, and the league's secretary, Mike Foster, will examine the practicalities of how a play-off system could work: whether it should take the form of a home-and-away knockout system, similar to that in the Football League, or incorporate seeding. They will also look into when matches could be fitted into a crowded fixture calendar before making recommendations.
The idea was presented as part of the Premier League's strategic review of its format and operations and springs from two particular motivations. The first is to crack the problem of England's top league becoming less open and competitive, with the richest clubs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, having strengthened their hold on the top four places over several years. One league source said it was an odd twist that the idea has been raised now, in a season when Liverpool's claim to the fourth place is being seriously challenged.
The response among clubs outside the top four is understood to have been positive, with some believing that a play-off system would create more competitive matches and give more clubs a prize to challenge for. Most clubs now feel they have no chance of attaining fourth place but almost the whole Premier League could be brought into a competition to finish seventh and make it to the play-offs. The medium-sized clubs, which increasingly aspire to break the cartel, are said to have been enthusiastic, seeing play-offs as a great opportunity.
The big four, who have been qualifying on merit at the end of each season and reaping the footballing and financial rewards of Champions League participation are understood to have been less keen. Self-interest is clearly a factor, with those clubs concerned about protecting their own advantages. However, there is also a feeling that the league should be more sophisticated about addressing its major challenges, particularly the financial ones, rather than incorpor-ating an awkward play-off system for a prize as ostensibly moderate as fourth place.
The other motivation for the play-offs is a waning of the proposal for an international round of matches, dubbed "Game 39", which was widely criticised for lacking coherence and being territorially expansionist. The play-offs would mean extra matches, which would be sold to pay-television and so generate more money for all clubs.
The consistent qualification of the same four clubs, widely seen as stifling competition, is not replicated across Europe. The Premier League largely blames the Uefa Champions League money, distributed to participating clubs, for entrenching the big four's financial power. Uefa, however, points out that Champions League income represents a small part, 8–13%, of Manchester United's, Chelsea's, Arsenal's and Liverpool's total turnover. Most of the big clubs' money is made in this country; Premier League television income is relatively evenly distributed but United, Chelsea and Arsenal in particular make much more than their nearest rivals from commercial activities and match-day revenues in the Premier League.
The Dutch league tried a play-off system for the second Champions League qualification place but abandoned it after the 2007-08 season, when FC Twente Enschede beat Ajax 2-1. The issues in Holland were the risk of crowd trouble at such high-stakes matches and a perception that the play-offs were one-sided.
In the Premier League there is some confidence that neither of those would present major problems. As a means of encouraging competition, opportunities and increasing income, the play-off proposal already seems to have enough support to suggest it could gain the necessary 14-6 majority to be implemented.
Quote from: White Noise on February 15, 2010, 06:51:24 AM
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-ready-to-open-new-contract-talks-with-David-Elm-article323721.html
Fulham ready to open new contract talks with David Elm
Published 23:00 14/02/10
By Alan Nixon
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is ready to open contract talks with Swedish striker David Elm - about penning a new two-year deal at the club.
Elm has been a surprise success in recent weeks, scoring against Burnley in the last game, after his unheralded arrival at Craven Cottage.
Now Elm is looking to sort out his new arrangement. Fulham have a two-year option in his contract but the terms are due to be finalised - and he hopes his performances will earn him a rise.
Wow, just off one game where he scores his first goal. He needs to have more games where he scores to get a rise. If it weren't for injuries, he wouldn't even be playing right now. To me, he has alot more to prove.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1851_5950470,00.html (http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1851_5950470,00.html)
Hodgson focus remains on league
The Premier League remains Roy Hodgson's priority this season but the Fulham manager believes his side have a decent opportunity in the FA Cup.
The Cottagers defeated Notts County 4-0 on Sunday, with Simon Davies, Bobby Zamora, Damien Duff and Stefano Okaka netting at Craven Cottage to set up a quarter-final tie against Bolton or Tottenham.
Hodgson's men will be helped by Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool already being knocked out, and a potential clash between Manchester City and Chelsea would eliminate another remaining heavyweight.
"For the teams left, they won't regret three of the traditional top four in the country not being there," Hodgson said.
"We think we have as good chance as the others. It's nice to have the lottery ticket because you cannot win the lottery without one."
Hodgson, despite his team currently 10th in the Premier League, still feels survival is his chief aim and reaching Europe like they have this year would be a bonus.
However, his team are now two matches from the final and could continue their remarkable turnaround in the two years since Hodgson's arrival.
"It would mean a lot to us," Hodgson said.
"It would be another major step forward with the progression at the club.
"We'll be highly motivated and nervous about the quarter-final because we badly want a good result.
"There have been fewer winners of the FA Cup since the inauguration of the Premier League.
"It's wrong to compare the mythical Fulham teams of the 60s and 70s or even the showbiz teams when Rodney Marsh, George Best and Bobby Moore were playing in the same team.
"We have to be more journeyman-like in our approach because staying in the league is so important.
"It's not a case of Rodney Marsh doing a few tricks or George Best beating a man and having a rest for five minutes. That's not possible.
"Success is probably a continued presence in the Premier League, if we could go one step further that would be fantastic."
Notts County caretaker boss Dave Kevan was pleased with his side's performance following a traumatic week when the club was sold for £1 and Sven-Goran Eriksson resigned from his role as director of football.
Kevan is still positive about earning promotion from League Two.
"We're very sorry to see Sven and Tord (Grip) leave, it was a privilege to work with them," Kevan said.
"But there is a lot of football to be played. The aim is to get out of League Two and we can still do it.
"Sven called me and said we could beat them. Hopefully I'll speak to him on the way home."
