Thursday Fulham Stuff (28.04.11)

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Leading Man

Wednesday 27th April 2011



Clint Dempsey was in buoyant mood on Wednesday evening after his two goals in the 3-0 defeat of Bolton sent him to the top of Fulham's all-time Premier League goalscorers list.

The US international put the Whites ahead with a spectacular 15th minute flying volley before doubling the advantage just after half-time, to take his personal tally in the world's toughest league competition to 33, leapfrogging the 32 achieved by former Craven Cottage heroes Steed Malbranque and Brian McBride.

"It's a great honour and, of course, it's very pleasing," he said post-match.

"I found about the record when I read it in the programme before the game. I saw the statistic that if I'd have scored against Wolves it would have tied me with McBride and Steed Malbranque, so it was great to get two tonight and be amongst that company. Hopefully I can keep scoring goals now."

The 28-year-old has been in fine scoring form for most of the season, topping the Club's goal charts this campaign, and he explained that his determination to find the back of the net tonight was more to do with his desire to end a mini barren spell than to make a little piece of Fulham history.

"I was fired up to get goals because I haven't scored in three games," he said. "I was starting to get the itch a little and feel the pressure to perform, so it was good that I was able to do that tonight and help be a part of the team's success in getting the three points to get us into the top half of the table.

"That's what's important tonight, now hopefully we can stay there for the rest of the season."

In the end, Fulham were great value for their emphatic victory, but the Whites saw plenty of chances go begging before Dempsey's brace finally created a two-goal cushion.

"We were able to create a lot of chances," he reflected. "But for a while it looked like the goals wouldn't come, but I think 3-0 was a good result and we deserved it because of all the chances that we did create."

The result took Fulham up to ninth place, on 42 points, an amount usually regarded as being enough to guarantee top-flight safety. But in this strangest of Premier League seasons, Clint assures fans that he and his team-mates will certainly not be resting on their laurels yet.

"We're in the top half and it's always better to be looking up than looking down," he said. "Hopefully we can keep pushing on from here and finish in the top half, because I think we're a top half team and if we'd have had a few more results we'd be even higher than we are.

"So we just need to keep pushing, keep working hard and hopefully we can add some away wins to help us in that aim.

"There are still four games left and you don't want to be stressing come the last game, so we're trying not to think about slipping down the table. We're trying to look up because we feel that we have the quality to be a team in the top half, and that's the main goal now with four games left."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/DempseyBoltonReaction.aspx#ixzz1KnTuwNdS

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Fulham 3 - 0 Bolton

Fulham produced a thrilling attacking display at Craven Cottage as they recorded a convincing win over Bolton Wanderers. A brace from Clint Dempsey got the Whites on their way before Brede Hangeland rounded off the scoring with a trademark header.

There were nervy moments for the Whites within the first minute of play when Fabrice Muamba spurned a good opportunity to give his side the lead, side footing from close range to a grateful Mark Schwarzer.

The action moved straight to the other end where Eidur Gudjohnsen fed the ball to Clint Dempsey, whose shot from 25 yards produced a good save from Jussi Jaaskelainen. The entertaining start continued and this time Dempsey returned the favour for Gudjohnsen only for the Icelander to put the ball over the bar from a good position.

Fulham took the lead in the 15th minute with a wonderfully executed volley from Clint Dempsey. Bolton failed to clear a corner which allowed Chris Baird to try his luck from a narrow angle. Fortunately, Baird's shot deflected into the path of Dempsey who made certain with a crisp volley.

The Whites continued to press and went close with good opportunities for Dempsey and Salcido, whilst Jaaskelainen produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny Mousa Dembele. And the Finnish goalkeeper had to be off his line quickly to close down Eidur Gudjohnsen after he was put through on goal and clipped a nonchalant finish past the onrushing stopper and against the foot of the post.

As the half-time interval approached Fulham started to threaten once more and more skilful play from Davies and Dempsey helped craft a shooting opportunity for Dembele, which was deflected wide for a corner.

The Whites got the second-half action underway in the knowledge that they would need to build upon their lead in order to keep a dangerous Bolton side at bay. And Clint Dempsey wasted little time in doubling Fulham's lead with a tap-in from close range in the 48th minute.

Bolton failed to adequately deal with a short corner which allowed the ball to be playing into the area where a deft flick from Gudjohnsen set Dempsey up with a simple finish.

Mousa Dembele was clearly eager to get his name on the score sheet and was demonstrating his full repertoire of tricks – as he repeatedly left the Bolton defence guessing. In fact, through the Whites' sheer speed of passing and movement Bolton often struggled to settle themselves and maintain their shape.

On 56 minutes a positive piece of attacking play from Simon Davies, who beat two defenders with a cut in from the right wing, culminated in a penalty appeal against Zat Knight, who appeared to handle Davies' shot in the area.

Brede Hangeland made it three for Fulham on 65 minutes with a towering header from Danny Murphy's free-kick.

Mousa Dembele's involvement in the action ended on 68 minutes when he was replaced by Bobby Zamora. The Belgian international went off to a rapturous round of applause after an impressive performance.

Simon Davies looked in inspired form as he set up Bobby Zamora for a goal which was ultimately chalked off for handball. Nonetheless, the build-up play from Davies was thrilling to watch.

Danny Murphy made way for Dickson Etuhu shortly after as the Whites looked to maintain their clean sheet. Fulham's final change of the game saw Eidur Gudjohnsen replaced by Andrew Johnson.

Fulham continued to dominate possession right up to the final whistle to ensure another great night at Craven Cottage.   



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/BoltonHome.aspx#ixzz1KnUlHYqg

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Bolton Photo Special

Wednesday 27th April 2011


http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/BoltonPhotoSpecial.aspx

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SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS ON FULHAMS RADAR   




http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/243407/Shaun-Wright-Phillips-on-Fulhams-radar


Shaun Wright-Phillips is still top of manager Mark Hughes' wish-list


Thursday April 28,2011


By Tony Banks 

FULHAM will make another move to lure Shaun Wright-Phillips to Craven Cottage at the end of the season.

They failed with a loan move in January, but Wright-Phillips, 29, is still top of manager Mark Hughes' wish-list.

Wright-Phillips, right, has been a bit-part player at Manchester City this season. He put in a transfer request in January and Fulham and Bolton moved in for him, but neither matched City's £4 million valuation and they refused to loan him out.

Fulham hope a £3.5m fee might be more agreeable and Hughes is looking to bring in a replacement for Simon Davies, who has been hit by injuries.



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/243407/Shaun-Wright-Phillips-on-Fulhams-radarShaun-Wright-Phillips-on-Fulhams-radar#ixzz1KnVgNv4Q

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http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/243408/Fulham-3-Bolton-0-Fulham-have-a-Clint-in-their-eye

FULHAM 3 BOLTON 0: FULHAM HAVE A CLINT IN THEIR EYE   


Thursday April 28,2011

By Gideon Brooks 


FULHAM 3 -- BOLTON 0


MARK HUGHES has always placed great store in the fact that his teams finish the season stronger than they start and Fulham would appear to be no exception.

Having been deep in trouble in the relegation places at Christmas, last night's victory over Bolton pushed them into the top half of the Premier League table.

Two goals from Clint Dempsey and another from Brede Hangeland completed a comfortable win for the home side adding to an impressive home record in 2011.

Since defeat against West Ham had Hughes fearing for his manager's job, they have now won six and drawn one of their games here.

Liverpool and Arsenal are still to visit before the end of this campaign and will test that resolve no doubt. But in this sort of form, Fulham could well finish 2011 unbeaten at Craven Cottage.

Hughes made no changes from the side that drew with Wolves on Saturday. Bobby Zamora was still missing, having tweaked his back in training, but was at least on the bench.

Not so on-loan striker Daniel Sturridge, scorer of seven in his last nine games for the visitors, after he failed to recover from an ankle knock sustained on Sunday against Arsenal.

His loss was a big one for Bolton, but the mood in the camp remained positive.

After emerging embarrassed and dazed following the 5-0 humiliating defeat at Wembley by Stoke in the FA Cup semi-final, Owen Coyle's side had bounced back to crush Arsenal's title hopes last Sunday.

Coyle had called for more of the same in the build-up to last night's game.

Hughes had been sent to the stands for "abuse of a water bottle" on Saturday and was eyeing the vessels lined up in front of his dug-out with intent early on last night.

Bolton could have scored in the first minute when they passed the ball unhindered across the penalty area through Kevin Davies, Johan Elmander and Matty Taylor, only for Fabrice Muamba to hit a tame shot straight at keeper Mark Schwarzer from 12 yards.

And just four minutes later, Eidur Gudjohnsen spurned a golden opportunity after Dempsey found him unmarked six yards out with a square ball from the left, only for the much-travelled striker to turn a snap shot over the bar.

Much to the relief of the water bottles, Fulham put themselves in front after just 15 minutes.

And it was Fulham's leading scorer Dempsey who put them there with his 11th Premier League goal of the season. Bolton were a little unlucky in as much that Fulham's over-hit corner from the left found Chris Baird way beyond the far post and his powerfully hit cross rebounded off the back of Taylor.

But from there it was all Dempsey's work – angling his body almost horizontally to hit a volley back across Jussi Jaaskelainen as it reared up at him and into the far corner.

Bolton had a chance to draw level soon after when Elmander nearly got his foot on the end of a cross flashed across the back of the Fulham defence from Chung-Yong Lee.

And Gudjohnsen nearly made amends for his earlier miss when running on to Baird's pinpoint long ball to chip the ball delicately over the advancing, Jaaskelainen only to be denied by the post on 24 minutes.

Fulham doubled their lead within minutes and it was Dempsey again who provided the finishing touch, turning in the ball from a Gudjohnsen flick-on. Hangeland added the third on 65 minutes, getting ahead of Gary Cahill to head home Danny Murphy's free- kick from the right side.

Steve Sidwell looked unlucky to have a goal chalked off for handball, bringing down Simon Davies's long cross with his shoulder and hammering the ball into the net on 78 minutes.

But no need to abuse water bottles for Hughes this time. More a night for popping champagne corks.

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Davies, Murphy (Etuhu 78), Sidwell, Dempsey; Gudjohnsen (Johnson 84), Dembele (Zamora 68). Booked: Zamora. Goals: Dempsey 15, 48, Hangeland 65.

Bolton (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Steinsson (Wheater 67), Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee, Muamba (Gardner 72), Cohen, Taylor; Davies (Klasnic 72), Elmander. Booked: Klasnic.

Referee: A Taylor (Manchester).



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/243408/Fulham-3-Bolton-0-Fulham-have-a-Clint-in-their-eyeFulham-3-Bolton-0-Fulham-have-a-Clint-in-their-eye#ixzz1KnWgyXot

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/04/28/2461324/bolton-boss-owen-coyle-blames-injuries-and-lack-of-rest-for

Bolton boss Owen Coyle blames injuries and lack of rest for 3-0 loss at Fulham


But the Wanderers manager insists that his side have progressed this season, but rues missed opportunity to move up to seventh spot in the Premier League


By Andrew Kennedy at Craven Cottage


28 Apr 2011 00:11:00


Owen Coyle was left understandably disappointed after a tepid display from his Bolton side at Craven Cottage saw them lose 3-0 to Fulham.

A Clint Dempsey double and a Brede Hangeland header proved too much for the FA Cup semi-finalists who could have moved into seventh with three points.

"Obviously I'm disappointed, we came to look to win the three points, to try and win the game and take us to seventh," he told reporters.

"We started well, should've scored but we never did, Fulham came into the game with terrific individuals and a good team.

"I'm disappointed with how we conceded, all set-pieces but I can't argue with the result."

The Scot was keen to point out that his side had been hampered by injuries and that their fantastic win over Arsenal just three days ago will have played a part in their lethargy.

He continued: "It's not helpful with [Daniel] Sturridge missing, [Gretar] Steinsson twisting his knee and [Stuart] Holden's still a big loss.

"Fantastic result at weekend, the thing about Sunday was we gave a big performance on the back of the disappointment from the week before. Tonight was going to be a big ask, both physically and mentally, when the goal went in it changed the game, goals change games.

"They're soft goals we've conceded, taking nothing away from Fulham."

After their demolition at the hands of Stoke in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley two weeks ago the question was raised as to whether the Trotters struggled in London.

"It's nothing about London, we beat Fulham 1-0 here in the FA Cup so nothing about London.

"We've made progress, we came in when we were in the bottom three, and now there's huge clubs below us.  We can improve home form as well, away form absolutely, it goes without saying.

"Coming in having spent little money to progress as we have as a football club is good, always going to be highs and lows in football management.

"No doubt as a football club we've progressed, and we need to continue to do that."

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http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/188363/Fulham-3-Bolton-0-Clint-record-is-top-stuff/


FULHAM 3 BOLTON 0: CLINT RECORD IS TOP STUFF



28th April 2011 By Paul Brown



CLINT DEMPSEY fired himself into Fulham's history books with a deadly double at Craven  Cottage last night.

The USA international edged his side further towards safety with two goals either side of half-time to become the club's record scorer in the Premier League.

Dempsey now has 33 top-flight strikes for the Cottagers, beating the previous record of 32 held jointly by Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque.

Brede Hangeland made the scoreline more emphatic with a towering header from a Danny Murphy free-kick with 25 minutes left.

Both teams started the match with an outside chance of qualifying for Europe – Bolton through the Premier League, Fulham through the Fair Play League.

Not that Fulham boss Mark Hughes set the best example when he was sent off against Wolves last Saturday for kicking out at a water bottle.

Bolton stay in eighth position but depending on who wins the FA Cup, even sixth could be good enough for a Europa League place in one of the tightest seasons in ages.

They went into the match on a high after blowing a hole in Arsenal's title hopes with their dramatic win at the Reebok on Sunday.

It did not make up for their FA Cup semi-final no-show against Stoke at Wembley, but at least it proved that Owen Coyle's men are determined to end the season in style.

The bad news for the Trotters was that red- hot striker Daniel Sturridge failed to pass a late fitness test after suffering an ankle injury in the Arsenal game.

The on-loan Chelsea hitman has scored seven goals in nine league games for his  adopted club and without him one wondered where the goals would come from.

Fulham's starting strikeforce of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Moussa Dembele did not exactly scream goals either.

Still, Fabrice Muamba should have given Bolton the breakthrough after barely a minute sidefooting weakly at Mark Schwarzer.

Dempsey found space at the other end and drew a fine diving save from Jussi Jaaskelainen with a shot from the edge of the box.

It was Gudjohnsen's turn to miss shortly afterwards, the Iceland striker slicing a Dempsey cross high over the bar from six yards.

It was tough to know which of the managers looked less impressed after that as both sat stony-faced in their dug-outs, arms folded.

Fulham began to exert some pressure, and it paid off in the 15th minute when Danny Murphy swung in a corner which Kevin Davies could only half-clear.

Chris Baird floated it back in and Dempsey was in the right place at the right time to unleash a sweet volley which shot past Jaaskelainen to give the home side the lead.

Bolton suddenly got the jitters, with Jaaskelainen almost caught in possession by Simon Davies as he snapped around the Finnish keeper's heels.

But Bolton could have gone level when a Davies header found Chung-Yong Lee in space and the winger's shot deflected off  Carlos Salcido to sail just wide of the far post.

Soon afterwards Gudjohnsen sprung the offside trap and raced on to Baird's long ball down the line before chipping Jaaskelainen, but his effort bounced back off the post.

Bolton kept plugging away and Matt Taylor and Tamir Cohen missed good chances to equalise before the half-time whistle blew.

Fulham hit the wood-work again when Dembele let fly from 25 yards with a shot which deflected up on to the crossbar.

But Dempsey doubled Fulham's lead in the 48th minute, pouncing on a flick-on from Gudjohnsen to turn the ball home from close range after good work from Davies down the right.

And when Hangeland struck with a header after 65  minutes from Murphy's free-kick it was all over for the visitors.

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/681268-english-premier-league-clint-dempsey-makes-history-and-keeps-fulham-in-epl

English Premier League: Clint Dempsey Makes History, Keeps Fulham in EPL

By Thomas Atzenhoffer(Contributor) on April 27, 2011

4  comments


Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images In what has been a landmark season for Clint Dempsey, the American forward continues to make a name for himself in the English Premier League.

Following a 2010 appearance in the UEFA Europa League, Fulham had high hopes for success this EPL season. However, the departure of Manager Roy Hodgson for Liverpool during the summer slammed the doors on many of those hopes.

Former manager Mark Hughes was appointed to take his place, and after what was believed to be a season doomed for relegation the London club have risen from the brink thanks to stand-out performer Clint Dempsey.

The Texan and USA Men's National Team member has been on a run of fabulous form since the United States' run in the 2009 Confederations Cup, in which the Americans nearly took the trophy from Brazil.

Dempsey was key to Fulham's success in their run to the Europa League final, and took center stage at the 2010 World Cup for the United States alongside Landon Donovan.

He became only the second American ever to tally a double-digit goal total in the English Premier League on March 19, 2011 in a loss to Everton. Brian McBride, during his own time at Fulham, was the first.

The loss to Everton is the only game Dempsey has scored in that the Cottagers have failed to take points from.

His meteoric rise to fame in the Premier League and the halls of American internationals abroad continued to take off today. Behind the bells and whistles of "El Clasico," the UEFA Champion's League first leg of Real Madrid vs Barcelona, the former Furman Paladin put two into the back of the net in Fulham's 3-0 victory over Bolton.

With those two goals, Dempsey takes his total to 12 on the season, with an additional three assists.

He now sits in eighth place on the EPL scoring list, tied with Newcastle United Captain Kevin Nolan, Javier Hernandez of Manchester United and Tottenham's Rafael Van Der Vaart.

Not only did his performance propel Dempsey above any American in the history of the Premier League, it also made him Fulham's leading scorer in the Premier League era. The 33rd strike of his Fulham career lifted him past Steed Malbranque and Brian McBride.

The Cottagers have taken 19 of 21 points in their last seven home games, and with four games remaining they sit in ninth place on 42 points with a spot in next season's top flight all but guaranteed.

Much of that is thanks to their American hit-man.

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http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/04/27/fulham-3-bolton-0-mark-hughes-side-up-to-ninth-after-clint-dem/

Fulham 3 Bolton 0: Mark Hughes' Side Up to Ninth After Clint Dempsey Double


27/4/2011 5:01 PM GMT

By Ian Winrow


Clint Dempsey struck twice to become Fulham's highest Premier League goalscorer and help the Cottagers banish any lingering relegation fears with a routine win over Bolton.

Dempsey, who had put Fulham ahead in the 15th minute, moved past the previous high of 32 Premier League goals set by Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque with his second three minutes after the restart before Brede Hangeland completed the win with a 65th minute third.

The result moved Mark Hughes' side up to ninth, eight points clear of the bottom three with four games remaining.

For Bolton, this was a depressing comedown after the weekend victory over Arsenal but Owen Coyle's side have only pride left to play for and will continue their bid to consolidate their place in the top eight at Blackburn in four days time.

Dempsey's first came when Bolton failed to deal with a corner, Chris Baird delivered the ball back into the box and the US international volleyed home.

The second came when Dempsey steered home a Danny Murphy cross from inside the six-yard box.

And Hangeland delivered the third when he rose above his marker to power home a header from Murphy's floated free kick.



REACTION:

Hughes praised the contribution of Dempsey, pointing out the US international's contribution throughout the campaign:
"Clint has been very important to us especially in the first half of the season when we didn't have many options. He always made an impact, even if he didn't score he would help out.

"It's been a long hard season for him but I don't like taking him out because he is so important."

On Fulham's move into the top half:
"We are in the top half and I'm sure you have heard me say time and again say we are capable of that. Now it's up to us to make sure we remain there.

"If we play as well as this we can do that. I'm happy that we'll be safe now."

Coyle was anxious to put this result behind him and start looking forward to the remaining weeks of the season:
"This game was always going to be difficult after the disappointment and hurt from semi final, then of course we put in such a huge performance against Arsenal. We were looking for same energy here, but it was always going to be difficult.

"Fulham are a good side with terrific players but we had an opportunity to open the gap from them and push up. It didn't happen but now we will put everything into the last four games.

"We always want to improve this club but it has been a terrific season and we are taking the team forward."

On Bolton's progress this season:
"My only incentive is Bolton, other teams have to look after themselves. Other clubs spend money, but look at how well we've done. We can't rest on our laurels though. We will do all we can to lift ourselves for these last games."

WHAT IT MEANS:

The beach beckons for both teams but on this evidence it looks as though Bolton will get there long before Fulham. The result means that like Bolton, Fulham are now counting down the weeks although with 12 points and several million pounds place money at stick, there is still plenty to play for. Hughes's side look more capable of building momentum while two heavy deafest in three games points to Coyle's side running out of legs.

FULHAM 3 (Dempsey 15,48, Hangeland 65) BOLTON WANDERERS 0

PLAYER MARKING:
Fulham (4-5-1): Schwarzer 6; Baird 6, Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Salcido 7; Dempsey 9, Murphy 8 (Etuhu 6,78), Sidwell 7, Davies 7; Dembele 7 (Zamora 6,68), Gudjohnsen 6 (Johnson 6,84).
Subs (not used): Stockdale, Kelly, Senderos, Kakuta.

Bolton Wanderers (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen 6; Steinsson 5 (Wheater 6,67), Knight 5, Cahill 6, Robinson 5; Lee 5, Cohen 6, Muamba 6 (Gardner 6,72), Taylor 5; Elmander 5, K Davies 6 (Klasnic 6,72).
Subs (not used): Bogdan, Petrov, Moreno, Blake.

REFEREE: Anthony Taylor

ATTENDANCE: 23,222

NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Sunderland (away), Premier League 30/04, 1500 BST
- Bolton Wanderers v Blackburn Rovers (away), Premier League 30/04, 1500 BST

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Clint Dempsey (Fulham): This was the forward's finest game since the Europa League victory over Juventus ago. Looked sharp in the box and worked in his side's build-up play.

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Hughes revels in safety following Fulham's 3-0 win over Bolton

Published 20:57 27/04/11


By Neil McLeman



Clint Dempsey's double strike secured Fulham's top-flight status last night - and promoted the American to the club's record Premier League goalscorer.

The wide man scored in each half to move Mark Hughes' side up to 42 points - eight points clear of the drop zone - with four games to go. Even in this crazy season, that will be enough to ensure Premier League football by the banks of the Thames for an 11th consecutive season.

The Cottagers climbed five places to sit just behind Bolton, whose outside hopes of a Europa League place were slammed shut in an open encounter.

Fulham were booed from their own pitch on Boxing Day after a horrible home defeat to West Ham left them in the bottom three. But since then they have won six and drawn one of their last seven home games to pull clear of relegation and now move into the top half of the table.

And last year's Europa League finalists could yet secure a ticket back into the competition next season through the Fair Play League.

"It is good to be safe," said Hughes, whose side gained revenge for their home FA Cup defeat to the Trotters. "I thought some of the play we produced was excellent. I though we played really well at the weekend at Wolves but thankfully tonight we added goals.

"I have said time and time again I have felt we are a top 10 side and we are in the top 10 now. It is only the second time this season so it is up to us that we remain there till the end of the season. That is where I feel we should be. We are a good side and we showed that tonight. my teams are always stronger in the second half of the season."

Dempsey netted his 32nd and 33rd Premier League goals for Fulham to overtake his compatriot Brian McBride and Steed Malbranque to become the club's record scorer in the competition. Twelve of those have come this season when Fulham flirted with the drop due to injuries to their main strikers.

"He has been really important to us," Hughes continued. "Especially in the first half of the season, we were struggling. I didn't feel we had the quality that we needed, we had guys coming back and I was playing Clint up there on his own on occasions. He still made an impact. Credit to him - it has been a long, hard season for him. I thought about taking him out but you can't afford to because he will always get you a goal."

The game got off to a blistering opening when Fabrice Muamba should have scored after a fine Bolton passing move after only 45 seconds before Mark Schwarzer grabbed his weak shot. But Fulham opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Danny Murphy's corner was half-cleared and Chris Baird found Dempsey, who crashed home a volley from 12 yards.

Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mousa Dembele hit the woodwork on either side of half-time before Dempsey scored after 48 minutes after Simon Davies' short corner was flicked on by the Icelandic striker.

Brede Hangeland added a third after 66 minutes when he climbed above England centre-back Gary Cahill to head home Murphy's free kick after 66 minutes.

It was not the same humiliation as the 5-0 thrashing suffered in the FA Cup semi-final on the Trotters' last visit to London.

But the defeat was Bolton's ninth in the last 10 Premier League games. And that miserable record is preventing Owen Coyle's eighth-placed side, who were without in-form striker Daniel Sturridge with an ankle injury, pushing any higher up the Premier League table.

"My disappointment was the goals were soft goals and all came indirectly from set plays," Coyle complained. "We missed Daniel Sturridge, Mark Davies and Stuart Holden in terms of numbers but without making excuses Fulham were better than us tonight and deserved all three points. But I know we are a lot better than what we showed tonight."

Bolton were much better in overcoming Arsenal in their first game after Wembley on Sunday.

"It's not difficult to explain - what was important for us that they gave a big performance on the back of the disappointment [against Stoke]" Coyle added. "It was going to be a big ask both physically and mentally. If we'd got that first goal, goals change games."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-3-0-Bolton-match-report-Clint-Dempsey-double-inflicts-more-capital-punishment-on-Trotters-article728818.html#ixzz1Knibfyxt

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/49061/fulham-vs-bolton-wanderers/report


Fulham 3-0 Bolton: Clint Dempsey brace lifts Cottagers to ninth as Mark Hughes' side all but secure Premier League status

Dominant performance from the Cottagers sees them fly into the top half of the table after a stunning opener from their American international sparked another rout on Coyle's side


By Phil Haigh


A stunning early goal from Clint Dempsey set the tone for an excellent evening for Fulham who cruised to a 3-0 win over a lacklustre Bolton side.

Dempsey's second followed by a trademark Brede Hangeland headed goal was enough to complete a resounding victory for Mark Hughes' hugely impressive team.

Both teams went into the clash at Craven Cottage looking like a mid-table finish was all they could hope for, although with every Premier League position counting for cash, there is always plenty of motivation right to the end of the season.

Fulham knew that they could jump from 14th to 9th with a win over the Trotters, whereas Bolton could move into a very impressive 7th spot with three points.

There were some surprises from the home side as far as team selection went as Mark Hughes left both Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson on the bench, preferring Eidur Gudjonhsen and Moussa Dembele in attack.

Bolton were without the impressive Daniel Sturridge who was struggling with an ankle injury picked up against Arsenal at the weekend as Kevin Davies and Johann Elmander resumed their partnership up front.

Bolton started much the brighter of the two teams and created the first good chance of the match after just 45 seconds after good work from Davies and Elmander fashioned an excellent chance for Fabrice Muamba inside the penalty area, but the England under-21 man hit his shot straight at Mark Schwarzer.  Muamba isn't used to scoring and you could tell as he really should have done better.

Just a minute later Clint Dempsey stung the hands of Jussi Jaaskelainen with a rasping drive from twenty yards and it looked like we really had a game on our hands.

With the game still not five minutes old, the third decent chance emerged and it was the best so far as Dempsey swung the ball in from the left to pick out a completely unmarked Gudjohnsen six yards out, but the Icelandic striker fluffed his lines and hit it high, wide and not very handsome.

It was a frenetic start which showed that both teams were very much going for all three points and not just winding down the season with their summer holidays on their minds.

The game quickly settled down to a more manageable pace, but the commitment was still very evident as tackles were flying in left, right and centre.  Not that there were any dirty challenges, but there was no lack of passion from either side.

Neither side were dominating possession but it was the home side who were perhaps pushing forward more and it was Gudjohnsen who nearly got on the score sheet again as an excellent cross from Chris Baird was just flicked off the former Chelsea man's boot by Gretar Steinsson.

The Cottagers didn't have to wait long though as from the resulting corner the ball wasn't cleared properly and it sat up nicely for Dempsey who needed no second invitation to hit a flying volley into the back of the net.  It was amazing technique from the American who showed great poise and created huge power with the volley which left Jaaskelainen no chance, it was a truly fantastic goal.

Fulham's tails were up following the goal with Dempsey and then Carlos Salcido having producing long-range efforts that weren't a million miles away.

The Cottagers were playing some lovely football on the deck as well as the class of players like Gudjohnsen and Simon Davies was showing with some delightful one touch play which nearly saw Dembele played in.

It was the Belgian that had the next proper chance of the game as Fulham pressed to double their advantage but Gary Cahill proved an ample distraction and his shot was poor and easily saved by Jaaskelainen.

It just seemed a matter of time until the home side got the second though as Gudjohnsen came as close as he could without hitting the net as he saw his delicate chip come back off the post.  It turned out to be a fine save from Jaaskelainen who appeared to touch the effort just enough to divert it away from goal.

It really was all Fulham as it seemed to be wave after wave of attack on the visitors' goal, but whilst ever the score remained just one-nil Bolton were very much still in it, although the best effort they could conjure since the opening minute was a speculative effort from range from right-back Steinsson.

Fulham's passing in the middle of the park was a joy to behold with Davies and Dempsey cutting inside and making the whole midfield impressively fluid.  Dembele the latest to benefit from excellent build-up play, but his shot was deflected over.

Bolton showed that they can play as well though, and kept the Fulham defence awake as Matt Taylor was played in and found himself in a decent position in the box, but his shot was tame and smothered easily by Schwarzer.

Danny Murphy had been quiet but effective in the middle of midfield for the home team although he was made well aware he was part of a game as on 23 minutes he was caught in the middle of an aerial challenge with Muamba and Kevin Davies.  The Fulham captain was understandably stunned, but seemed to be OK.

Bolton had been slowly coming back into the game as the half went on and were close to pinching an equaliser just before half-time when a headed through ball from Chung-Yong Lee was met on the volley by Tamir Cohen but Schwarzer was well placed to keep it out.


Midfield general | Danny Murphy is quick to challenge Fabrice Muamba

That was the last action of what was a thoroughly entertaining first half at Craven Cottage and the second forty-five started off in equally pulsating fashion as Fulham hit the bar and then scored within five minutes.

Dembele was the one to crash the ball against the crossbar when his shot was crucially deflected by the onrushing Cahill, but it didn't take long for the home side to go one better and hit the net.

Simon Davies drilled in a short corner across the Bolton penalty box which was really intelligently flicked on by Gudjohnsen with a back-heel into the path of Dempsey who had the simple task of finishing from close range.  It was exactly what Fulham deserved for their first-half performance and equally good start to the second and Bolton were reeling thanks to the big American's double.

The Cottagers were still not happy with their lot as a really clever Murphy free-kick was played down the inside left channel for Dembele who produced a lovely turn and got his shot away, but it flashed wide of the near post.

The confidence was clearly flowing through the Fulham ranks and they were not looking anything like a side that were flirting with relegation before this match.  Their passing was crisp, they were playing some imaginative balls and their work rate was excellent.

Simon Davies was the next to come close as he cut in from the right flank and unleashed an effort at Jaaskelainen's goal, but Zat Knight was there to make the block.  The Welshman was looking dangerous every time he got on the ball and was giving Paul Robinson a lot to think about at left back for Bolton.

The away side were struggling to get hold of the ball or create anything.  Their only chances seemed to be from set-plays, especially corner kicks, but the delivery from these was really poor from both Lee and Taylor who couldn't seem to put a half decent cross in.

Murphy didn't have that problem though as the England international pinged in a brilliant diagonal free-kick from the right on 65 minutes directly onto the head of Hangeland who nodded home to make it 3-0 and end the game as a contest.

With the job done Mark Hughes decided to take off the hugely impressive Dembele and replace him with Bobby Zamora who, after watching the shoddy nature of the Bolton defence all night from the bench, will have been hoping to fill his boots.

Lee and Taylor seemed to have finally worked out how to put in a corner after 70 minutes and each picked out Cohen and Elmander respectively but both put their headers wide.  It showed though that chances could be created if the delivery was of a good quality, but it was too little too late really for the visitors.

It was Fulham who had the ball in the net next as a brilliant Davies cross was taken down expertly by Zamora and then rifled home at the near post, but the England striker was adjudged to have brought it down with his arm and was in fact booked for his troubles.

The game rather petered out in the last ten minutes as both sides knew what result was coming and although Bolton were half-heartedly looking for a consolation the Fulham defence remained resolute till the death.

A very wayward Elmander free-kick in stoppage time summed up the evening for Bolton really, very disappointing.

The referee brought proceedings to a close shortly after and Mark Hughes looked understandably delighted as his side walked off worthy 3-0 winners.

[White Noise]

Squad Strength

Thursday 28th April 2011




After coming on as a substitute to help Fulham secure a point at Wolves last Saturday, and then scoring a frustratingly disallowed goal in the empathic win over Bolton on Wednesday, Bobby Zamora has praised the strength in depth of the Fulham squad.

And the England striker says that, with the way things are shaping up for Mark Hughes' side, next season at Craven Cottage could be one to remember.

"Some of us lads were talking about it this [Thursday] morning and we agreed that the last thing Zat Knight and Gary Cahill wanted to see was the likes of AJ, me and Dickson coming on.

"Everybody in the squad, even those that have been left out in recent weeks, are great players, playing unbelievably well in training.

"Take for instance Jonathan Greening. For me he has been frightening over the last couple of months on the training pitch. He has really been showing something special, but he can't even get a look in at the moment. That tells you how much quality we have now, but I suppose that's good for the Club, that we've got so many good players all over the pitch.

"Now we've had almost a whole season of working with the Manager and getting used to his ideas, you can see the results it's producing, and if we keep working hard, there's no reason why we can't take that forward into next season."

Particularly impressive against Bolton was Fulham's attacking play, the Whites creating an impressive 19 shots on goal as a result of a game spent camped in the away team's half for the most part. And Bobby is relishing the competition for places in attack as the team go into the final four games of the season, starting at Sunderland on Saturday, looking especially dangerous.

"The front four last night looked absolutely amazing – Eidur, Mousa, Clint and Digger, who's come back into the picture in recent weeks. They all looked extremely sharp and that can only be a good thing as we aim to end the season on a high, in that top 10," he said.

"Of course, we've got that little hoodoo on the road, and going to Sunderland is never easy, whatever sort of form you think they're in. For one, there's never an easy game in the Premier League and certainly going to Sunderland is going to be tough, but there are two away games to come and we are desperate to get an away win from at least one of them.

"It was nice to win at Stoke earlier in the season, but it would be great to end with a couple more."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/ZamoraSquadStrength.aspx#ixzz1Kpdz31LE