Thursday Fulham Stuff (28.04.11)

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/27/fulham-bolton-wanderers-premier-league?INTCMP=SRCH


Fulham make sure of safety as Clint Dempsey double sees off Bolton


Comments (20) Guardian report


Fulham 3 Dempsey 15, Dempsey 48, Hangeland 65
Bolton Wanderers 0   

Jamie Jackson at Craven Cottage guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 27 April 2011 22.09 BST


Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring Fulham's first goal against Bolton at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Sean Dempsey/PA

On New Year's Day Fulham were 18th in the Premier League table and looking bound for the Championship. But since defeating West Bromwich Albion on 4 January they have not returned to the relegation zone and with these three deserved points now stand ninth, and can contemplate another season in the top flight.

"I've always said my teams are always stronger in the second half of the season," Mark Hughes, the Fulham manager, said. "That's because of the work we do [with the players] on a daily basis. I've said before that we are a top-10 team and now it's up to us to stay there."

A goal in each half from Clint Dempsey and a third from Brede Hangeland gave the home side the points in their first outing at the Cottage since a 3-0 win over Blackpool at the start of the month. Since then, defeat at Manchester United and a draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday had left them five points clear of the bottom three and still peering down.

Bolton, meanwhile, had followed the 5-0 humiliation by Stoke City in the FA Cup semi-final with a fine 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the weekend, which had lifted them to an impressive eighth position.

It was Wanderers who should have opened the scoring, not Fulham. Yet after a daisy-chain of passes featuring Kevin Davies, Johan Elmander, Matthew Taylor and Fabrice Muamba ended with the latter being offered a clear sight of Mark Schwarzer's goal, he failed to convert.

Dempsey's 12th goal of this season, scored when he volleyed home a cross from Chris Baird, soon gave Bolton cause to regret their profligacy. Factor in a glaring close-range miss by Eidur Gudjohnsen against his former club, plus the same player hitting a post, and Owen Coyle could feel relief as the half-time whistle went with his side only one goal behind.

The emotion would be extinguished three minutes after the restart as Fulham had their second. Yet again Bolton failed to clear a corner, and this time Dempsey smashed home from Gudjohnsen's clever flick. Fulham were rampant and on 65 minutes Hangeland completed the scoring. Danny Murphy floated in a free-kick and, unmarked, the defender headed beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Coyle, who has not enjoyed his past two trips to London, said: "We've progressed enormously while accepting there will be downs. We are eighth in the league at the moment, having spent two million and you look at some of the teams below us who have spent 30 million. I can't argue with the result – Fulham deserved the three points. But I know we are a lot better than what we showed here."

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8475186/Fulham-3-Bolton-Wanderers-0-match-report.html

Fulham 3 Bolton Wanderers 0: match report

Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Wednesday April 27, 2011.
      

FULHAM 3 - 0 BOLTON WANDERERS Wednesday, April 27 20:00

Premier League

Craven CottageDempsey (15, 48)Hangeland (65) (HT 1-0)

ATT: 23,222 


Bracing stuff: Clint Dempsey wheels away after scoring the first of two goals for Fulham Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Jeremy Wilson, Craven Cottage 9:50PM BST 27 Apr 2011



This match might have been christened 'El Mid-table Meaninglessio' by one Twitter wag but, for fans with a preference for honest and adventurous football rather than touchline controversy, Craven Cottage rather than the Bernabeu was the place to be.

Fulham, continuing their dramatic improvement throughout 2011, effectively guaranteed their Premier League status for another season while Bolton Wanderers, whose defending was reminiscent of the naïve 5-0 Wembley drubbing against Stoke, were at least faithful to Owen Coyle's attacking principles.

Both teams initially created enough first-half chance to win the game, but the ultimate difference was Clint Dempsey. Incisive with his running and clinical with his finishing, Dempsey scored twice to move clear of Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque on 33 goals as Fulham's leading all-time Premier League goalscorer.

By the time Brede Hangeland had applied the finishing touch after 65 minutes, Bolton were a beaten and dispirited team. It was their ninth away defeat in 10 games.

"The goals we lost were soft," said Coyle, "but we are eighth in the league after spending £2 million. As a football club we have progressed enormously this season."

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Bolton had begun the evening with the rather distant incentive that, should they climb above Liverpool to finish sixth and Manchester City drop to fifth, Europa League qualification was still feasible.

In reality, though, securing a top-half finish has become the priority for both clubs at the end of highly satisfactory seasons. The absence of any genuine relegation threaten, as well as the enterprising philosophies of both managers, made for an entertaining first-half.

Dempsey was a continual danger cutting in from the left and he forced an excellent early save from Jussi Jaaskelainen. A corner followed, which was dragged back across the penalty area by Chris Baird and rather fortuitously into the path of Dempsey. The American was rather more decisive with his second sight of goal and smashed a volley beyond Jaaskelainen.

Fulham had clear opportunities to move further ahead. Mousa Dembele's deflected shot prompted an excellent low save from Jaaskelainen, while Eidur Gudjohnsen was denied by the inside of the post after Baird split the Bolton defence with a speculative clearance from inside his own half.

Bolton were rather more convincing going forward and, even in the absence of the injured Daniel Sturridge, created their share of first-half chances, with Fabrice Muamba, Tamir Cohen and Chung-Yong Lee all profligate.

Fulham resumed with a determination to punish those misses and, after Gudjohnsen had cleverly guided a cross to the edge of the six-yard box, Dempsey showing a poacher's instinct to place his finish past Jaaskelainen.

Hangeland then rose emphatically to convert Danny Murphy's free-kick. It sealed Fulham rise from the relegation zone on New Year's Day to their current position of ninth.

"I've always felt we were a top 10 side and it is up to us stay there now," said their manager, Mark Hughes.

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http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dempseys-double-helps-fulham-turn-the-cottage-into-a-fortress-2275807.html


Dempsey's double helps Fulham turn the Cottage into a fortress

Fulham 3 Bolton Wanderers 0


By Mark Fleming at Craven Cottage


Thursday, 28 April 2011

The addition of the infamous statue of Michael Jackson has given Craven Cottage a strangely comical air, but everything else about Fulham playing at home needs to be taken deadly seriously.

Mark Hughes's side dominated a Bolton side that had beaten Arsenal at the weekend, and in doing so recorded their sixth win in seven Premier League fixtures at home since the turn of the year, the odd one out being a draw with neighbours Chelsea. More a fortress than a Cottage these days.

Fulham's strength in their own stadium has underpinned their steady surge up the table in 2011, from their brief appearance in the relegation zone at Christmas. Victory over Bolton jumped them up five places in the Premier League table to ninth on 42 points, banishing all thoughts of relegation for another season at least.

One of Hughes's priorities was to make Fulham a formidable team at home, and for the past four months he has certainly succeeded. Liverpool and Arsenal are next up, and will not relish the prospect of their day out beside the Thames.

"I have said time and time again that we are a top-10 side, and now we are there it is up to us to make sure we remain there until the end of the season," Hughes said. "I think we deserve to be in the top 10."

It did not look that way four months ago, when Fulham lost 3-1 at home to West Ham United on Boxing Day and subsequently dropped to 18th in the table. Hughes bore the brunt of the fans' frustrations that day, roundly booed by Fulham supporters at the final whistle as he walked across the Craven Cottage pitch to the tunnel.

Fulham have been transformed since then, for which Hughes must take great credit. The former Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City manager said: "We had a poor result against West Ham and were in a poor position. I knew we had quality players coming back from injury and my teams are always stronger in the second half of the season, and that's been borne out."

Their performance last night demonstrated his point. Both teams started with zip and purpose, and Fabrice Muamba for Bolton and Clint Dempsey for Fulham forced saves inside the first three minutes. Fulham's on-loan striker Eidur Gudjohnsen missed an open goal from eight yards but gradually the home side took control.

Dempsey was a persistent threat to Bolton, ready and willing to move inside and support the strikers from his position out on the left of midfield, and scored twice. The American put Fulham ahead with a fizzing half-volley when Bolton failed to clear a corner, and he added a second in the third minute of the second half, tapping home from close range after Gudjohnsen had touched on Simon Davies's low cross.

Brede Hangeland rose high above Bolton's Gary Cahill to head home a third for Fulham from Danny Murphy's free-kick. Fulham could have scored more – Gudjohnsen also hit the post, Moussa Dembele struck the crossbar and Bobby Zamora, after he came off the bench, had a goal ruled out for a dubious handball.

Bolton had their chances, but missed the presence of their in-form on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, who had an ankle injury, and by the end were well beaten. Manager Owen Coyle said that the result was a let-down following Bolton's 2-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday. He said: "I can't argue with the result but from my point of view it was disappointing that all three goals were soft goals that came directly or indirectly from set plays. After Sunday it was going to be a big ask both physically and mentally."

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Slacido; Davies, Murphy (Etuhu 77), Sidwell, Dempsey; Gudjohnsen (A Johnson 83), Dembele (Zamora 68). Substitutes not used Stockdale (gk), Kelly, Senderos, Kakuta.

Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Steinsson (Wheater 67), Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Muamba (Gardner 71), Cohen, Taylor; K Davies (Klasnic 71), Elmander. Substitutes not used Bogdan (gk), Petrov, Moreno, Blake.

Referee A Taylor (Gr Manchester).

Man of the match Dempsey.

Match rating 7/10.

Attendance 23,222.

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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3551222/Fulham-3-Bolton-0.html


Fulham 3 Bolton 0


By PAT SHEEHAN

Published: 27 Apr 2011


CLINT DEMPSEY re-wrote Fulham's record books as he fired the Cottagers to Premier League safety.

Dempsey's stunning double strike saw him become Fulham's Premier League record goalscorer as he moved ahead of another Yank, Brian McBride, and Steed Malbranque on 32.

His goals either side of the break, and a towering header from Brede Hangeland, condemned Bolton to their ninth away defeat in their last 10 as the Trotters hardly created a chance worthy of the name.     

Bolton's sensational home form - they have won 10 - is top-four material but on the road they just cannot seem to hold their own against even mediocre opposition.

Their last away victory was in November last year when they beat a Wolves side who are struggling to beat the drop.

Dempsey's 15th and 48th- minute goals moved Fulham on to 42 points - only West Ham have been relegated with the same amount since the Premier League started.

And Fulham's ability to play it mean but keep it clean has put them on course to qualify for the Europa League as England's Fair Play League representatives.

But the players should whisper it quietly to 'er indoors as it will virtually wreck all holiday plans.

The qualifying rounds for the Europa League start in June when Andy Murray - who was at Craven Cottage last night - will be hoping he will have done enough to be competing in the second week at Wimbledon.

You can forget all talk about a winter break when it seems some players will not even get a summer break. But Fulham will not care much if they gatecrash Europe again by the back door.

Fulham are the only Premier League club not to have a player sent off this season and are currently behind West London rivals Chelsea in the Fair Play table.

Even though the 40 yellow cards Cottagers have received is one more than the goals they have scored so far, they are on course for more trips across the channel as Chelsea will certainly qualify for Europe via the Champions League.

The Europa League witnessed Fulham go all the way to the final in a sensational run that was only ended by Spain's Atletico Madrid at the final hurdle in Hamburg last season.

Cottagers manager Mark Hughes has worked wonders with his honest bunch, who do not appear to boast an ego between them.

But they also have a touch of class too and Bolton just could not contain impressive attacks that were well crafted in midfield by Craven Cottage skipper Danny Murphy.

He was responsible for Fulham's opening goal when his sweetly-hit 15th-minute corner was only partially cleared by Bolton's defence.


Chris Baird pinged over the loose ball and Dempsey smashed a first-time volley into the roof of the net, giving keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen little chance.

Eidur Gudjohnsen should have made it two soon afterwards but his 24th-minute shot cracked back off the post to safety after he had made a crafty run to pick up Baird's terrific defence-splitting pass.

Three minutes after the break Dempsey broke Bolton's feeble resistance when he claimed his 13th of the season.

This time he swept home Simon Davies' cross that had been touched on by Gudjohnsen.

Giant defender Hangeland made it all look far too easy when he outjumped England's new recruit Gary Cahill to head home Murphy's 65th minute free-kick.

See you in June boys.

DREAM TEAM RATINGS

STAR MAN - CLINT DEMPSEY (Fulham)

Fulham: Schwarzer 6, Baird 7, Hangeland 8, Hughes 6, Salcido 6, Gudjohnsen 7, Sidwell 6, Murphy 7, Dempsey 9, Davies 6, Dembele 7. Subs: Zamora (Dembele 68) 6, Etuhu (Murphy 78) 5, Johnson (Gudjohnsen 84) 5. Not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Senderos, Kakuta. Booked: Zamora

Bolton: Jaaskelainen 6, Steinsson 6, Cahill 6, Knight 6, Robinson 6, Lee 7, Muamba 6, Cohen 6, Taylor 6, Elmander 6, K Davies 6. Subs: Wheater (Steinsson 67) 5, Gardner (Muamba 72) 5, Klasnic (Davies 72) 5. Not used: Bogdan, Gardner, Moreno, Blake. Booked: Klasnic.

[White Noise]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3551629/Mark-Hughes-joy-after-Clint-Dempsey-sinks-Bolton.html

Sparky joy at rising Demp



By VIKKI ORVICE


Published: Today


MARK HUGHES hailed Clint Dempsey after the American's double secured Fulham's Premier League status.

Cottagers manager Hughes said: "Clint has been really important for us, certainly in the early part of the season when we were struggling. I had to play him up there on his own on occasions.

"He still makes an impact - even when he doesn't score - and it has been a long, hard season for him."         

Brede Hangeland added a third for the hosts on 65 minutes and boss Sparky, whose team climbed to ninth, said: "We're safe now, yes!

"We were excellent. It was a very different test for us tonight because we had to stand up to the physical aspect that Bolton ask of you.

"But I've said time and time again we are a top-10 side."

Bolton have won away just twice all season and boss Owen Coyle groaned: "We gave away three soft goals."

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http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3381186,00.html

Cottagers ease past Bolton

Fulham win takes them into ninth


By Graeme Bailey



Last updated: 27th April 2011   


Fulham: Dempsey opened the scoring in fine style


Man of the match: Clint Dempsey. Dembele was superb creatively but Dempsey consistently looked like scoring and his first goal was breathtaking.

Moment of the match: Dempsey's magnificent goal will be seen for generations at Craven Cottage and is surely a contender for goal of the season.

Attempt of the match: Salcido's first half strike was fantastic and looked destined for the top corner before drifting agonisingly over.

Save of the match: Jaaskelainen denied Dembele brilliantly palmed away Dembele's shot which had gone through the legs of Cahill.

Talking point: Fulham are surely safe but Owen Coyle will surely be concerned over conceding eight goals in two games away from the Reebok Stadium.

Goal of the game: No argument. Dempsey's first was a "worldy" and his acrobatic finish was technically excellent..



Fulham eased to a 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage to take them into ninth place in the Premier League.

The Cottagers were in control after just 15 minutes when Clint Dempsey finished acrobatically after Danny Murphy's corner was only half-cleared by Bolton.

The American doubled their lead just after the break when he finished neatly from close range after good work from Simon Davies.

The win was sealed on the hour when Brede Hangeland headed home Chris Baird's cross.

The three points lifts Fulham five places into the top-half and just behind Bolton, who missed the chance to climb into seventh.

The victory also extended Fulham's unbeaten run at Craven Cottage to seven matches, during which they have picked up 19 points out of a possible 21.

Fulham's last home defeat came at the hands of West Ham on Boxing Day, which left them facing a potential relegation battle.

Heading into the game, skipper Danny Murphy shook off a dead leg to start for the Cottagers who were able to include Philippe Senderos in the squad for the first time since he joined from Arsenal last June.

Bolton's Owen Coyle was forced to shuffle his pack after Daniel Sturridge, who scored his seventh goal in nine games in the win over Arsenal, failed to overcome injury.

Early opening

The visitors started the stronger and were unfortunate not to break the deadlock within the opening minute.

Kevin Davies' pass from the right found Johan Elmander, whose neat turn and pass was flicked on by Matt Taylor to Fabrice Muamba, who somehow missed from six yards out.

The chance seemed to snap the home side into life, with Jussi Jaskelainen

forced into a low save from Dempsey's low drive two minutes later.

The United States international was also heavily involved in the next action of note, providing a neat pass across the box that Eidur Gudjohnsen somehow managed to scuff over the bar.

Dempsey's excellent start continued and he soon broke the deadlock, superbly rifling home a half-cleared corner into the top corner.

The 15th-minute volley was almost followed up minutes later by a second, although this time the midfielder could not keep his shot down.

Carlos Salcido was the catalyst in the latter move and the Mexican had a chace of his own in the 20th minute, cutting in from the left before unleashing a shot just wide of the top corner.

Despite the home side's dominance, Bolton proved dangerous on the counter-attack and Elmander was unfortunate not to connect with a low Lee Chung-yong drive.

Fulham returned to the attack undeterred and Moussa Dembele forced Jaaskelainen into a superb sprawling save as the home side moved from defence to attack with ease.

Gudjohnsen then almost atoned for earlier fluffing his lines by racing onto Chris Baird's superb long-range pass, but the former Bolton man could only rattle his shot against the post.

Bolton right-back Gretar Steinsson saw a fierce drive well held by Mark Schwarzer on the half-hour mark, before Dembele and Hangeland came close for the home side.

Fulham's superb first period could have been tempered just before the break when Tamir Cohen found space to rifle a goalbound shot from eight yards, but Schwarzer held the ball to quell the home faithful's fears.


Impressive fashion

Hughes' side started the second period in similarly impressive fashion and almost doubled their advantage through Dembele's 22-yard drive, which was deflected onto the bar and out.

The home side did not have to wait long for a second, though, as Dempsey tapped home Gudjohnsen's flick-on in the 48th minute.

The Fulham onslaught continued and, after Simon Davies saw a shot well blocked by Zat Knight, the third came from a set piece.

Murphy's pinpoint free-kick was met on the penalty spot by Hangeland, whose header flew into the top right-hand corner with 25 minutes remaining.

Bolton came close to grabbing a consolation goal through a Gary Cahill header that flew just wide, before the Londoners thought they had netted a fourth through Bobby Zamora.

Davies' whipped-in cross from the right was well controlled by the substitute,

allowing the striker to smash the ball into the top right-hand corner.

However, referee Anthony Taylor chalked off the goal for handball and handed Zamora a yellow card for his troubles.

Bolton continued to attack in the final 10 minutes in search of a goal but were continually thwarted by resolute Fulham defending, with woeful efforts from Steve Sidwell and Elmander the last noteworthy action.


Fulham
Team Statistics
Bolton Wanderers

3 Goals
0

1 1st Half Goals
0

6 Shots on Target
4

11 Shots off Target
7

2 Blocked Shots
3

10 Corners
7

14 Fouls
10

2 Offsides
0

1 Yellow Cards
1

0 Red Cards
0

70.1 Passing Success
67

14 Tackles
28

57.1 Tackles Success
85.7

51.7 Possession
48.3

50.6 Territorial Advantage
49.4

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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/292897?cc=5739


Cottagers in the clear



Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring his first against Bolton 

Substitutions
Bobby Zamora for Moussa Dembele (68)
David Wheater for Gretar Rafn Steinsson (67)

Dickson Etuhu for Danny Murphy (78)
Ricardo Gardner for Fabrice Muamba (72)

Andrew Johnson for Eidur Gudjohnsen (84)
Ivan Klasnic for Kevin Davies (72)

Yellow Cards
Bobby Zamora (78)
Ivan Klasnic (83)
 
Clint Dempsey scored twice in a majestic performance that handed Fulham a 3-0 Barclays Premier League victory against Bolton.

The USA international started the ball rolling in the first half with a superb strike, hooking in a half-cleared corner into the top corner.

Dempsey then nabbed his second of the evening three minutes after the break to see him become Fulham's top scorer in the Premier League era, his 33rd strike taking him past Steed Malbranque and Brian McBride before Brede Hangeland stooped in to head home the Cottagers' third.

The victory extended Fulham's unbeaten run at Craven Cottage to seven matches, during which they have picked up 19 points out of a possible 21.

Fulham's last home defeat came at the hands of West Ham on Boxing Day, which left them facing a potential relegation battle.

However, tonight's victory has pushed Mark Hughes' side to ninth in the table, all-but securing Premier League survival in the process.

Heading into the game, skipper Danny Murphy shook off a dead leg to start for the Cottagers who were able to include Philippe Senderos in the squad for the first time since he joined from Arsenal last June.

Bolton's Owen Coyle was forced to shuffle his pack after Daniel Sturridge, who scored his seventh goal in nine games in the win over Arsenal, failed to overcome injury.

The visitors started the stronger and were unfortunate not to break the deadlock within the opening minute.

Kevin Davies' pass from the right found Johan Elmander, whose neat turn and pass was flicked on by Matt Taylor to Fabrice Muamba, who somehow missed from six yards out.

The chance seemed to snap the home side into life, with Jussi Jaskelainen forced into a low save from Dempsey's low drive two minutes later.

The United States international was also heavily involved in the next action of note, providing a neat pass across the box that Eidur Gudjohnsen somehow managed to scuff over the bar.

Dempsey's excellent start continued and he soon broke the deadlock, superbly rifling home a half-cleared corner into the top corner.

The 15th-minute volley was almost followed up minutes later by a second, although this time the midfielder could not keep his shot down.

Carlos Salcido was the catalyst in the latter move and the Mexican had a chance of his own in the 20th minute, cutting in from the left before unleashing a shot just wide of the top corner.

Despite the home side's dominance, Bolton proved dangerous on the counter-attack and Elmander was unfortunate not to connect with a low Chung-yong Lee drive.

Fulham returned to the attack undeterred and Moussa Dembele forced Jaaskelainen into a superb sprawling save as the home side moved from defence to attack with ease.

Gudjohnsen then almost atoned for earlier fluffing his lines by racing onto Chris Baird's superb long-range pass, but the former Bolton man could only rattle his shot against the post.

Bolton right-back Gretar Steinsson saw a fierce drive well held by Mark Schwarzer on the half-hour mark, before Dembele and Hangeland came close for the home side.

Fulham's superb first period could have been tempered just before the break when Tamir Cohen found space to rifle a goalbound shot from eight yards, but Schwarzer held the ball to quell the home faithful's fears.

Hughes' side started the second period in similarly impressive fashion and almost doubled their advantage through Dembele's 22-yard drive, which was deflected onto the bar and out.

The home side did not have to wait long for a second, though, as Dempsey tapped home Gudjohnsen's flick-on in the 48th minute.

The Fulham onslaught continued and, after Simon Davies saw a shot well-blocked by Zat Knight, the third came from a set piece.

Murphy's pinpoint free-kick was met on the penalty spot by Hangeland, whose header flew into the top right-hand corner with 25 minutes remaining.

Bolton came close to grabbing a consolation goal through a Gary Cahill header that flew just wide, before the Londoners thought they had netted a fourth through Bobby Zamora.

Davies' whipped-in cross from the right was well controlled by the substitute, allowing the striker to smash the ball into the top right-hand corner.

However, referee Anthony Taylor chalked off the goal for handball and handed Zamora a yellow card for his troubles.

Bolton continued to attack in the final 10 minutes in search of a goal but were continually thwarted by resolute Fulham defending, with woeful efforts from Steve Sidwell and Elmander the last noteworthy action.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle bemoaned his side's failure to climb into seventh spot in the Premier League after they were thrashed 3-0 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.
He said: "We came here looking to build on the great result and performance against Arsenal on Sunday and we started the game really well. We had the first real chance of the game but we didn't take it. We know Fulham are a good side at home and we conceded three goals from set-plays, which was disappointing.

"For ourselves, we had some terrific scoring opportunities throughout the game but after Fulham got their noses in front then it was always going to be difficult. That's what happens in this league - there are very good players and very good teams.

"We had a few players missing tonight and Gretar twisted his knee, which we will look at in the coming days. But that happens to every team and it's how you deal with it, and unfortunately we didn't produce what we are capable of tonight.

"We currently sit in eighth in the Barclays Premier League and tonight gave us the opportunity to overtake Everton and catch Liverpool. It never happened and our strength has always been how we respond.

"We now face a tough Lancashire derby, so we have to rest up and make sure we are at our best on Saturday. We've still got four matches to play and we want to get as many wins and as many points as we possibly can to finish what has, undoubtedly, been a good season for us.

"Once again we were supported well on our travels and the players appreciated the fact that so many had made the long distance trip in midweek to give us their backing."

Mark Hughes said lauded his team's attitude and aptitude: "I am very happy with that,'' said former Wales manager Hughes. "I thought we were excellent. It was a different test for us tonight in regards to the approach and what we had to face.

"At the weekend against Wolves, I thought we were excellent in terms of getting the ball down and playing, passing and probing. Tonight we obviously had to face up the physical questions that Bolton ask of you.

"I know people say Bolton have changed their approach somewhat under Owen Coyle's leadership and they have to a certain extent but they still play to their strengths as well. You know you are going to have to deal with balls into your box and Kevin Davies, who is very adept at flicking things on.

"After an initial four of five minutes at the start of the first half, I think we dealt with it really, really well. I thought some of the play we produced was excellent and thankfully tonight we added goals to the quality of our play. It is very satisfying for everybody."

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6900975,00.html


Coyle rues Cottage reverse


Bolton boss bemoans conceded goals


By Graeme Bailey



Last Updated: April 27, 2011 11:38pm

Bolton manager Owen Coyle could not hide his disappointment after seeing his side go down 3-0 to Fulham.

The Trotters went into the match without recent leading light Daniel Sturridge and they struggled to convert any of their chances.

Instead it was Fulham who collected the points thanks to three good finishes with Clint Dempsey helping himself to a brace and Brede Hangeland scoring.

"Certainly it is disappointing," Coyle told Sky Sports.

"We came here to try win the game and we could have moved to seventh.

"We started really well and created the first chance of the game. We know Fulham are a good side, they have been in good form at home, but from our point of view we have lost three goals from set-plays and that is disappointing in any game. But I can't deny Fulham deserved the win.

"We had some terrific scoring opportunities but Fulham got their noses in front and we got punished, and that is what happens in this league."

Struggles
Coyle admits he is struggling to keep his squad going with a number of players hampered by injury.

"Ultimately I'm disappointed to have lost this game and we are not making excuses, but we have players dropping like flies, but there is no debating that Fulham deserved the three points."

Coyle, who also lost Gretar Steinsson during the game to a knee injury, is waiting to see if Sturridge will be fit for the weekend clash with Blackburn.

"Time will tell and Mark Davies is the same, they have been terrific all season but that happens to everyone all season and we didn't deal with that tonight - simple as that.

"We had as many set plays as Fulham, but the difference was our delivery was poor and Fulham delivered well all night, that is the margins in this league, they are very fine.

"Maybe it was a game too far tonight, we are still looking to gather as many points as we can before the end of the season."

[White Noise]

Bolton Official Site - Match Report -

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,1004~52369,00.html

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Bolton Official Site - Manager's View -

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/page/General/0,,1004~2348361,00.html

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http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/wanderers/wanderersnews/8996657.FULL_TIME___Fulham_3_Wanderers_0/


FULL TIME - Fulham 3 Wanderers 0

11:00pm Wednesday 27th April 2011


By Marc Iles

CLINT Dempsey scored twice as Wanderers came down to earth with a bump at Craven Cottage.

After the adrenaline-packed victory over Arsenal on Sunday, it was a familiar sinking feeling felt in the capital as Mark Hughes' Cottagers ensured their Premier League survival with a comfortable win.

Brede Hangeland added a third midway through the second half to virtually kill-off any remote hopes the Whites may have had of qualifying for Europe.

Wanderers may have seized the lead after only 38 seconds when Fabrice Muamba produced a weak effort – but that was just about as good as it got.

Jussi Jaaskelainen made two excellent saves to deny Mousa Dembele and Eidur Gudjohnsen before Dempsey volleyed home spectacularly for the first.

Tamir Cohen and Matt Taylor both tested Mark Schwarzer just before the break to hint at a revival, but soon after Dembele had thudded a shot against the crossbar after the restart, Dempsey became Fulham's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer with a close range tap in.

Hangeland sealed the win with a towering header shortly before Gretar Steinsson limped off with a knee injury that puts his participation against Blackburn Rovers this weekend into serious jeopardy.

Ricardo Gardner came off the bench to make his 400th appearance for the Whites, but failed to make an impression as Coyle's side made it just one point from a possible 30 on their travels.

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/04/27/fulham-3-0-bolton/


Fulham 3-0 Bolton

Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 10:11 pm

There was a joy to Fulham's play tonight, and Bolton took a good old fashioned hammering.  It's the sort of game that encourages a good hard think: if we can defend really well (and we can) and attack really well (we sometimes can) then is the sky the limit? Probably not, as we won't play a team as accommodating as Bolton again for a while. But this win, coupled with a few glimpses of glory along the way (Peterborough, Port Vale and Spurs have also been thrashed this campaign) does inspire optimism.

The Whites got off to a fine start as Muamba missed a great chance to give Bolton the lead. At the other end Dempsey went close. The then goal, Baird's volley bouncing out slightly, Dempsey cavorting mid-air to thwack home a volley that his manager would have been proud of. The goal tied McBride and Malbranque's Premier League goalscoring record.

Fulham were on fire. Simon Davies is a delight to watch in games like this, and having he and Murphy in the same side always makes us better in possession (remember when Davies first signed and he stood out because he could actually use the ball?). These two and Dembele were causing havoc, Dembele in particular proving impossible to tie down. He has an ice-hockey player's turning circle, and can make defenders look stupid with his quick jinks. Alongside him Eidur Gudjohnson was enjoying himself, wandering around the Bolton defence and taking up crafty positions all evening.  He nearly got a well deserved goal following a wonderful Baird through ball, but his shot on the run hit the base of the post and bounced out.

Fulham scored again in the early stages of the second half, Dempsey converting from close range with what Gary Lineker would have called a gambler's run. He really is the king of the first time strike.

Hangeland added a third with a towering if underwhelming header (it looked really easy. I'm sure it wasn't) and that was about that. Fulham were able to bring on all three subs, and Bobby Zamora was unfortunate to have a deliriously good fourth ruled out for handball after Simon Davies had committed footballing apocalypse on the right wing with some mindblowing skills.

All good, then.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6900982,00.html


Hughes hails finishing


Fulham boss happy with scoreline against Bolton


By Graeme Bailey 



Last Updated: April 27, 2011 11:16pm


Fulham boss Mark Hughes was pleased with how his side put Bolton to the sword with a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Clint Demspey struck twice before Brede Hangeland headed home a third as the Cottagers moved up to ninth in the table.

And Hughes was pleased that his side showed a clinical edge.

"We have played well this season and the manner of the performance has been there. Sometimes we have played well and we have had occasions where we have not found the back of the net as emphatically as we did tonight," he told Sky Sports.

"I thought it was a different test tonight, Bolton are a big strong side. They put the ball in different areas that you need to defend and it was different from the weekend [at Wolves] where we could get the ball down pass and create. Tonight we had to dig in and produce a performance and that is what we did.

"We have got ability in key areas and we can create problems, but tonight they could not live with us."

Dempsey praise
Hughes was delighted with Dempsey's display, saying: "Clint's having a fantastic season, not just his goals, but his work-rate and the impact he is having.

"You always suspect if the ball drops to Clint then he can dispatch it, and that is what he did."

Despite climbing into the top half of the table, Fulham have only won once away from home this season and Hughes still wants to put that record straight.

"We have had one three-point result and we want to address that, and it is about transferring the ability we show in home games to our away games," he concluded.

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Clint Dempsey eyes top-half finish for Fulham

Video Interview -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13217973.stm

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http://cottagers.blogspot.com/2011/04/correction-ful-4-0-bol.html


Correction - FUL 4-0 BOL*

Well the Premier League might not agree with my reportage of the final score, but screw 'em. Bobby Zamora's goal came on the end of some beautiful pass & move play down Fulham's right hand side via Baird and Davies before Bobby chested it down past two defenders and buried it into the top of Jaaskelainen's net.

Comfortably the best goal scored at Craven Cottage this season. A work of art.

Except... the referee seemed to think Bobby used his arm and ruled out the goal and booked him. This was akin to defacing the Mona Lisa. Anthony Taylor should be ashamed of himself.

As for the match itself, it started pretty end to end but before long Fulham were dominating and Dempsey crashed home a ricocheting ball in a busy penalty area with an acrobatic volley for a deserved 15 minute lead. Fulham could, and perhaps should, have extended this lead before half time.

Fortunately the fans didn't have too long to wait after the break before another one came - and again Dempsey got on the end of a deflected cross in a busy penalty area to punish Bolton. Even so early into the second half the goal had been coming, with Dembele bouncing a shot off the crossbar.

Most of the rest of the match seemed to be watching Zat Knight desperately getting Bolton's defence out of dangerous positions with late lunges and blocks. He couldn't stem the flow though and Hangeland nodded in another from a Murphy free kick. Both Salcido and Dembele had games similar to those that showed such attacking promise earlier in the season. Gudjohnsen was productively busy until he was substituted for slightly less good Johnson. Davies wound back the clock and put in an impressive display on the right. Positives all round really, expect for Bolton who looked pretty jaded after their victory against Arsenal on Sunday, but even then still had a half dozen half chances. Well worth the entrance fee although the vandalism to the beautiful game was carried out by the referee rather than Bolton's more robust approach to football

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/04/27/2461325/were-absolutely-safe-fulham-boss-mark-hughes-insists-have

We're 'absolutely' safe – Fulham boss Mark Hughes insists have secured their Premier League status and targets top-half finish

Welshman delighted by side's 3-0 rout of Bolton and hails Dempsey for his two-goal haul, whilst declaring his side have ended any lingering fears of relegation


By Andrew Kennedy at Craven Cottage



27 Apr 2011 23:28:00


Fulham manager Mark Hughes has urged his players not to take their foot off the gas after the secured Premier League safety with a 3-0 home victory against Bolton on Wednesday, after insisting his side are 'absolutely' safe from the threat of relegation.

The former Manchester City boss hailed his side's recent performances, and the way they adapted to the physical threat of Owen Coyle's men at Craven Cottage, yet has laid down the gauntlet to his side, and challenged them to a top ten finish with four games remaining in the campaign.

Speaking at the post-match press-conference, Mark Hughes said: "Thought we were excellent, [it was a] different test. At the weekend against Wolves I thought we were excellent in terms of getting the ball down.

"Tonight [we] had to answer physical questions. People say Bolton have changed how they play, but you know your going to have to deal with [Kevin] Davies, whose adept at flicking balls on. Thought we dealt with it really well.

"We added goals to our play, [which is] very satisfying for everybody. I felt we were a top 10 side [at the start of the season], we're in the top 10 now. [It's the] second occasion this year, now it's up to us to ensure we remain there until the end of the season."

The 47-year-old also reserved praise for midfielder Clint Dempsey, with the American scoring his 11th and 12th Premier League goals of the season against Owen Coyle's men, before defender Brede Hangeland added a third to ensure all three points.

"He [Dempsey] is really important for us, especially in first part of season. We were struggling and I didn't feel we had the quality we needed," Hughes added.

"He still made an impact even if he didn't score he'd create things for someone else.

"Just lately in a couple games he's looked tired, [you] ask [yourself] should you take him out but you can't afford to."

Hughes is now firmly confident his side have secured their Premier League status for another year, and is hopeful side can continue their unbeaten home record, with their remaining two games at Craven Cottage against Liverpool and Arsenal.

Asked if his side were now safe, the former Wales boss said: "Yes, absolutely. We had poor result here against West Ham when we didn't perform on the day.

"We were in poor position, yet we knew we had awful lot of players coming back. My teams are always stronger in second half of the season.

"Still got challenges, which is good this time of year. [They are] two tough games in fairness [at home]. Yet I want to see where season takes us, [there are] opportunities to add to our away wins at Sunderland, who may be limited in the numbers they can put on the field."

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13217991.stm


We are a top-10 side, says Fulham boss Mark Hughes


Page last updated at 22:59 GMT, Wednesday, 27 April 2011 23:59 UK


Hughes saw his side produce a brilliant performance to beat Bolton


Fulham manager Mark Hughes was delighted with the 3-0 win against Bolton that puts his side ninth in the Premeir League table.

Clint Dempsey scored twice and Brede Hangeland got the other to virtually secure Fulham's top-flight status.

Hughes said: "I thought we were excellent. We are in the top 10 now.

"I think it's only the second time this year that we've been in the top 10 and now it is up to us to make sure we stay there until the end of the season."

The win launched Fulham up the table from 14th place and puts them eight points clear of the relegation zone with four matches left to play.

"You have had heard me time and time again say that I felt we are a top 10 side," added Hughes. "I think we proved that again tonight.

"We have got good quality, we play the right way and I think we deserve to be in the top 10.

"At the weekend against Wolves, I thought we were excellent in terms of getting the ball down and playing, passing and probing.

"Tonight we obviously had to face up the physical questions that Bolton ask of you. You know you are going to have to deal with balls into your box and Kevin Davies, who is very adept at flicking things on.

"After an initial four of five minutes at the start of the first half, I think we dealt with it really, really well.

"I thought some of the play we produced was excellent and thankfully tonight we added goals to the quality of our play. It is very satisfying for everybody."

The victory also leaves Fulham only four points behind eighth-placed Bolton, whose manager Owen Coyle was disappointed by his side's performance.

"Obviously I am disappointed to lose any game," he said. "We came looking to get the three points.

"I thought we started really well and had a terrific chance in the first minute to take the lead.

"We probably should have scored but we never did and then Fulham came into the game because they have terrific individual players and have a very good team.

"My disappointment is the goals we have lost. They are soft from our point of view and I think all three goals came indirectly from set plays.

"I can't argue with the result, I think Fulham are fully deserving of the three points. But I know we are certainly better than what we showed tonight."

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9467437.stm



Fulham   3 - 0   Bolton


A Clint Dempsey brace helped to ease any lingering relegation fears for Fulham as they comfortably beat Bolton.

Eidur Gudjonhsen missed a great chance, skewing wide, before Dempsey fired in a rising volley to open the scoring.

Gudjohnsen's chipped shot deflected on to the post but Dempsey slotted in from the Icelandic striker's flick.

Moussa Dembele's effort was deflected on to the bar as Fulham pressed, then Brede Hangeland's header from a Danny Murphy free-kick sealed the win.

It was no more than Fulham deserved, their enterprising play - and the creative and incisive Dempsey - proving too much for a jaded Bolton side.

The result lifts Fulham to ninth place in the table, eight points above the drop zone with four games to play.

Although not mathematically safe from relegation, Mark Hughes's men are now in a strong position to secure their top-flight status - and if they continue to play in this rich vein of form, they will do it in style.

Bolton, already all but safe, looked like a side with little to play for, even though they went into the game with slim hopes of achieving a Europa League spot.

That now looks highly unlikely given they are nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, who occupy the position which guarantees entry into that competition.

Fresh from severely denting Arsenal's hopes of winning the title, Bolton could have caused damage at the other end of the table but never looked to have the same hunger as last time out, as they were unable to produce a repeat of their FA Cup victory at Craven Cottage in February.
Shorn of the injured Daniel Sturridge, the visitors lacked threat up front and were lethargic throughout their line-up.

In contrast, Fulham started the game at pace and their intensity did not drop.

From the moment Dempsey tested Jussi Jaaskelainen with a low drive early on, you could sense there was only ever going to be one winner at Craven Cottage.

Gudjohnsen should have got on the scoresheet but was through his shot before the ball arrived and fired horribly wide from six yards.

But Dempsey applied a clinical finish when his chance came, driving in a volley after Chris Baird hooked a corner back across goal.

The lively Dembele latched on to a through ball and forced Jaaskelainen into another decent stop before Gudjohnsen was denied when one-on-one with the keeper, whose body deflected the striker's shot on to the post.

Bolton were finally stirred into a response but Mathew Taylor shot tamely at Mark Schwarzer and then Tamir Cohen wasted the best chance of the half for the Trotters when his finish lacked power and was easily saved.

Fulham wasted no time in reasserting themselves after the break and Dembele's shot from just outside the box was deflected on to the bar.

Almost immediately after that, the Cottagers struck their second when a well-worked corner was delivered into the box, Gudjohnsen flicked the ball on and Dempsey displayed razor-sharp predatory instincts to turn the ball home.

With little resistance coming from Bolton - a shadow of the side that beat Arsenal - Fulham pressed at will and were almost rewarded again when a smart free-kick fashioned a chance for Dembele.

The striker's precise turn gave him space and his shot fizzed just past the post.

Hughes's men did not have to wait long for their third, though, and it came from another set-piece.

Murphy's brilliant delivery from a free-kick on the right was met by the towering Hangeland, who sent a powerful header back into the far corner.

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Hughes Delighted


Wednesday 27th April 2011



After an impressive display of attacking endeavour and creativity from his Fulham side, Mark Hughes was clearly pleased with the performance against Bolton on Wednesday evening.

"I am very happy with that," was the Fulham Manager's immediate reaction. "I thought we were excellent. It was a different test for us tonight in regards to the approach and what we had to face.

"At the weekend against Wolves, I thought we were excellent in terms of getting the ball down and playing, passing and probing. Tonight we obviously had to face up the physical questions that Bolton ask of you.

"I know people say Bolton have changed their approach somewhat under Owen Coyle's leadership and they have to a certain extent but they still play to their strengths as well. You know you are going to have to deal with balls into your box and Kevin Davies, who is very adept at flicking things on.

"After an initial four of five minutes at the start of the first-half, I think we dealt with it really, really well. I thought some of the play we produced was excellent and thankfully tonight we added goals to the quality of our play. It is very satisfying for everybody.

"You have had heard me time and time again say that I felt we are a top 10 side. We are in the top 10 and now it is up to us to make sure we remain there until the end of the season because that is where I feel we should be.

"I think we proved that again tonight. We have got good quality, we play the right way and I think we deserve to be in the top 10." 


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/HughesBoltonReaction.aspx#ixzz1KnTOjh2h

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Only 12 Days Remain


Thursday 28th April 2011



There are now just 12 days to go for Season Ticket Holders to guarantee their seats for the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League campaign.

The Club will reserve your seat until midnight on Tuesday 10th May, the day after our home match against Liverpool.

Ensure you don't miss out on keeping your seat for what promises to be another fantastic season at Craven Cottage, join us on another journey by renewing your Season Ticket online today|.

Early Bird prices apply to all Season Tickets purchased before midnight on Sunday 22nd May and you can also earn yourself 20 Bonus Loyalty Points by renewing early.

If you're looking to spread the cost of your Season Ticket, don't forget about our new flat rate Instalment Plan*|, it allows you to spread the cost of your Season Ticket over a six or nine month period for just £20 or £25 respectively.

What's more, households with more than one Season Ticket can use the same Instalment Plan, so it makes supporting the Whites even more affordable.

Read more about Season Tickets|



* Terms and conditions apply, read more|


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/SeatHoldReminder.aspx#ixzz1KnTeqROZ