Sunday Fulham Stuff (25/09/11)...

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West Brom rescue a point against Fulham
West Brom 0 Fulham 0

West Brom keeper Ben Foster made up for his blunder in the last home game with a superb double save to rescue a Barclays Premier League point against fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns.

Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner but atoned with superb stops in quick succession to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz.


The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Danny Murphy dictating play but Albion posed more of a threat in the second period.

Peter Odemwingie posed more of a threat for the Baggies when pushed upfront for the second 45 minutes but Fulham held firm with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.

West Brom were the first to threaten with skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save by Schwarzer to his right.

But it was two rare moments of danger for Fulham who dominated the remainder of the first half.

Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box but a fine block tackle by Gareth McAuley deflected his shot for a corner.

Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Foster spilled a low shot from Clint Dempsey and the rebound was converted by Kasami - but replays showed he was offside.

The Albion fans were becoming frustrated at the amount of possession being enjoyed by the visitors who were not being closed down quickly enough.

Striker Shane Long was too isolated upfront for West Brom in a 4-5-1 formation and lack of support meant him attempting a shot from a narrow angle which flew harmlessly over the bar.

Jol's side were increasingly looking the more likely to break the deadlock with McAuley blocking a Sa attempt on the edge of the box and Foster clinging onto a Dempsey header.

Albion reverted to a 4-4-2 formation for the second period with Odemwingie pushing upfront alongside Long.

But initially Fulham still looked the more dangerous and twice went close to going ahead.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Then Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.

Hangeland became the first player to be booked after bringing down Long and then Grygera was yellow carded for fouling Thomas.

Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird.

Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

Baird became the third Fulham player to be booked for hauling down Odemwingie.

Only a superb double save by Foster prevented Ruiz from making an immediate impact.

The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.

Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post and Sa fired over at the other end.




http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/west-brom-rescue-a-point-against-fulham-2360427.html?

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West Brom 0-0 Fulham: Wasteful finishing proves to be the decisive factor in a goalless draw at the Hawthorns
Poor possession and lack of quality in front of the goal story of the day for Roy Hodgson and Martin Jol, as they share the points following League Cup exploits

West Brom and Fulham played out an agonising goalless draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday, dictated by poor possession and a lack of killer instinct in front of goal.

Fulham had the slight upperhand in an uneventful first half marred by wasteful possession and very few clear cut opportunities, with both teams coming into the tie off the back of gruelling League cup fixtures, in which they were each defeated after playing 120 minutes of football.
Noticeably tired and lacking ideas, the first effort on goal came in the 3rd minute from Chris Brunt, who headed an effort straight towards Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Despite a half decent start, the Hawthorns' crowd grew anxiously silent when Fulham began to get a foothold on the game. The visitor's playmaker Danny Murphy began to find his feet, floating a beautifully dinked pass towards Carlos Orlando Sa, who was free in the area. The Fulham striker's effort on goal could have been dangerous, if not for a last ditch block from West Brom debutant Gareth McAuley .

This passage of play was quickly followed up by the best effort on goal in the first half, with Clint Dempsey's 20 yard shot causing the Baggies' fans a moment of discomfort as it was fumbled by keeper Ben Foster, before Pajtim Kasami was there to put the ball in the back of the net, only to be ruled offside.

The away side were buoyed by their early possession, whilst West Brom were wasteful in possession, with a series of poor passes stopping them from capitalising on the few chances being presented there way.

Shane Long grew increasingly isolated up front, as long balls from his West Brom teammates were ineffective in reaching their frustrated target man.


All-square | Dembele and Mulumbu clash as Fulham and WBA fight out goalless draw

The second half of play commenced in a similar fashion, as a Dempsey volley deflected off Jonas Olsson and eventually hit the post.

Taking this as a warning sign, Roy Hodgson's team began to create some chances thanks to Peter Odemwingle's lively runs and sharper passes and they began to penetrate the Fulham defence.

However, characteristic of the game on a whole, opportunities from both sides were squandered by some very poor finishing.  Bryan Ruiz was the key culprit in this instance, with another Foster error providing the Costa Rican with a golden opportunity, only for the former FC Twente man to strike the post.

Odemwingle likewise was guilty of some very poor finishing, hitting one good chance straight at Schwarzer after being put through on goal by his teammate Youssouf Mulumbu. The Nigerian went on to miss another great chance in the 79th minute, when after beating Fulham defender Chris Baird he blasted a poor shot way over the bar.

As the game drew on West Brom continued to struggle in their attempts to beat the visitor's offside trap. They did however come close in the 89th minute when the Baggies' skipper Chris Brunt saw his low shot bounce back off the post.

Four minutes of stoppage time were indicated at the end of 90 minutes and were almost utilised when Dempsey found himself with a sight on goal in the area. However, following the pattern of a game marred by dreadful finishing, his decent positioning was wasted by a very poor finish as the match finished all square.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60222/west-bromwich-vs-fulham/report

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Foster ensures the Baggies grab a point

West Brom 0 Fulham 0

West Brom keeper Ben Foster made up for his blunder in the last home game with a superb double save to rescue a Barclays Premier League point against fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns.

Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner but atoned with superb stops in quick succession to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz.

The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Danny Murphy dictating play but Albion posed more of a threat in the second period.

Peter Odemwingie posed more of a threat for the Baggies when pushed upfront for the second 45 minutes but Fulham held firm with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.

West Brom were the first to threaten with skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save by Schwarzer to his right.

But it was two rare moments of danger for Fulham who dominated the remainder of the first half.

Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box but a fine block tackle by Gareth McAuley deflected his shot for a corner.

Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Foster spilled a low shot from Clint Dempsey and the rebound was converted by Kasami but replays showed he was offside.

The Albion fans were becoming frustrated at the amount of possession being enjoyed by the visitors who were not being closed down quickly enough.

Striker Shane Long was too isolated upfront for West Brom in a 4-5-1 formation and lack of support meant him attempting a shot from a narrow angle which flew harmlessly over the bar.

Albion reverted to a 4-4-2 formation for the second period with Odemwingie pushing upfront alongside Long.

But initially Fulham still looked the more dangerous and twice went close to going ahead.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Then Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.

Hangeland became the first player to be booked after bringing down Long and then Grygera was yellow carded for fouling Thomas.

Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird.

Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

Baird became the third Fulham player to be booked for hauling down Odemwingie.

Only a superb double save by Foster prevented Ruiz from making an immediate impact.

The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.

Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post and Sa fired over at the other end.




http://www.thepost.ie/breakingnews/sport/ojcwkfidsney/?

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Fulham held to frustrating draw at West Brom

FULHAM'S search for a first Premier League win continued as they were held to a disappointing draw against Roy Hodgson's side.

The Whites were dealt a blow before kick-off when Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson were ruled out through illness, while Damien Duff missed out due to personal reasons.

But Martin Jol's men dominated the first-half at the Hawthorns and should've went in at least a goal up.

Orlando Sa had an early shot blocked by Gareth McAuley after being picked out by Danny Murphy, while Pajtim Kasami had the ball in the West Brom net, only to be denied by the lino's flag.

At the other end, Mark Schwarzer saved comfortably from Youssouf Mulumbu's long-range effort as the sides went in level at the break.

The visitors were a lick of paint away from taking the lead three minutes into the second-half, but Clint Dempsey's shot deflected off Jonas Olsson and came back off the bar.

Albion improved after the interval, and the Whites had Mark Schwarzer to thank for keeping the game goalless when he denied Peter Odemwingie from point-blank range.

Substitute Bryan Ruiz (pictured) had the chance to win it for Fulham, only to see his effort touched onto the post by Foster after he parried John Arne Riise's free-kick.

And the hosts almost snatched it in stoppage-time, but Chris Brunt's effort cannoned off the inside of the post as honours ended even.

FULHAM: Schwarzer, Grygera, Hangeland, Baird, JA Riise,Kasami (Ruiz 75), Murphy (Etuhu 88), Sidwell, Dempsey, Dembele, Sa.

Subs (not used): Etheridge, Kelly, Senderos, Briggs, Gecov.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/09/24/fulham-held-to-frustrating-draw-at-west-brom-82029-29481788/?#ixzz1YwIzSzNV

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Baggies in Fulham stalemate

Premier League strugglers West Brom and Fulham played out a turgid goalless draw at the Hawthorns.

Fulham thought they had taken the lead after 13 minutes when Pajtim Kasami stroked the ball home after Ben Foster fumbled Clint Dempsey's shot, but goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Clint Dempsey hit the post with a defelcted volley early in the second half before Peter Odemwingie could only fire straight at Mark Schwarzer when clean through minutes later.

Substitute Bryan Ruiz missed a glorious chance to win the game late on when Foster could only parry John Arne Riise's free-kick but the Costa Rica international could only poke the rebound off the post.

Chris Brunt hit the woodwork with an effort from the edge of the box in stoppage time but in the end both sides had to settle for a point.




http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,11681_7198594,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham have to settle for a point
by DAN on SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

Fulham still can't break their away hoodoo, but there were further signs of improvement as Martin Jol's side edged out of the relegation zone with a point at West Brom. They could have clinched a first Premier League win at the Hawthorns with some better finishing, although a couple of fine saves from Ben Foster also preserved parity.

The Whites had to do without Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora, who were sent home on the eve of the game after falling ill, whilst Damien Duff was released due to a personal problem. That gave the likes of Orlando Sa and Pajtim Kasami another chance to impress following their appearances in the penalty shoot-out defeat by Chelsea in midweek and the Swiss midfielder almost handed Jol the perfect start. The 19 year-old, who missed a spot-kick in normal time at Stamford Bridge, thought he had given Fulham a twelfth minute lead when he turned in a rebound after Ben Foster failed to hold Clint Dempsey's speculative shot, but Sian Massey's offside flag cut the celebrations short. Television replays showed the decision to be the definition of borderline.

Fulham had the better of the first half, with the lively running of Sa causing problems for the home defence. The Portuguese striker did well to reach a lofted ball from Danny Murphy, but Gareth McAuley, who was outstanding on his league debut for Albion, arrived at the right time to block the shot with a sliding tackle. After Kasami's disallowed goal, Moussa Dembele went close with a couple of strikes from distance and Foster held headers from Sa and Dempsey. The home side only threatened sporadically, with Mark Schwarzer making routine saves from a Chris Brunt header and Youssouf Mulumbu's 25-yarder after the tenacious midfielder had robbed Kasami. Shane Long might have done better when he pounced on a poor header from Chris Baird, however, as he only managed to curl a shot over the bar from the edge of the box.

The second half was far more even. Fulham were first to threaten when Clint Dempsey's deflected shot looped over Foster but came back off the post, but West Brom gradually gained more control in midfield thanks to Roy Hodgson's switch to a 4-4-2. Long's flick from a Brunt free-kick drifted round across the face of goal and Schwarzer was alert to prevent Odemwingie from converting the best chance of the match. Mulumbu sent the Nigerian clean through on goal but Schwarzer stood up well to block his shot.

Both sides had chances to claim their first league win of the season in the closing stages. Bryan Ruiz should have put Fulham in front when Foster spilled John Arne Riise's poweful free-kick, but the Costa Rican substitute's three-yard finish was turned onto the post by the former Birmingham goalkeeper. At the other end, Baird did well to block James Morrison's low shot and as, the match entered added time, Chris Brunt's low drive came back off the inside of the post from 20 yards. Sa did have the chance to make himself a hero in the last minute of injury-time, but he snatched at his shot and drove over after being played in by Dempsey down the left angle of the box.

WEST BROM (4-3-3): Foster; Reid, Shorey, McAuley, Olsson; Mulumbu, Dorrans (Morrison 78), Brunt; Odemwingie, Thomas (Tchoyi 82), Long. Subs (not used): Fulop, Dawson, Jones, Scharner, Cox.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Schwarzer; Grygera, Baird, Hangeland, J. A. Riise; Murphy (Etuhu 88), Sidwell; Kasami (Ruiz 74), Dembele, Dempsey; Sa. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Kelly, Briggs, Senderos, Gecov.

BOOKED: Hangeland, Grygera, Baird.

REFEREE: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

ATTENDANCE: 23,835.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/09/fulham-have-to-settle-for-a-point/?

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West Brom 0 Fulham 0: Full time report

West Brom keeper Ben Foster made up for his blunder in the last home game with a superb double save to rescue a Barclays Premier League point against fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns.

Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner but atoned with superb stops in quick succession to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz.

The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Danny Murphy dictating play but Albion posed more of a threat in the second period.

Peter Odemwingie posed more of a threat for the Baggies when pushed upfront for the second 45 minutes but Fulham held firm with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.

West Brom were the first to threaten with skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save by Schwarzer to his right.

But it was two rare moments of danger for Fulham who dominated the remainder of the first half.

Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box but a fine block tackle by Gareth McAuley deflected his shot for a corner.

Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Foster spilled a low shot from Clint Dempsey and the rebound was converted by Kasami - but replays showed he was offside.

The Albion fans were becoming frustrated at the amount of possession being enjoyed by the visitors who were not being closed down quickly enough.

Striker Shane Long was too isolated upfront for West Brom in a 4-5-1 formation and lack of support meant him attempting a shot from a narrow angle which flew harmlessly over the bar.

Jol's side were increasingly looking the more likely to break the deadlock with McAuley blocking a Sa attempt on the edge of the box and Foster clinging onto a Dempsey header.

Albion reverted to a 4-4-2 formation for the second period with Odemwingie pushing upfront alongside Long.

But initially Fulham still looked the more dangerous and twice went close to going ahead.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Then Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.

Hangeland became the first player to be booked after bringing down Long and then Grygera was yellow carded for fouling Thomas.

Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird.

Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

Baird became the third Fulham player to be booked for hauling down Odemwingie.

Only a superb double save by Foster prevented Ruiz from making an immediate impact.

The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.

Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post and Sa fired over at the other end.




Read More http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-match-reports/2011/09/24/west-brom-0-fulham-0-full-time-report-66331-29482258/?#ixzz1YwJndNHk

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West Bromwich Albion 0 Fulham 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between West Bromwich Albion and Fulham at The Hawthorns on Saturday Sep 24 2011.


Honours even: Orlando Sa of Fulham (right) and Gareth McAuley of West Brom tussle for the ball
Photo: ACTION IMAGES

The Black Country has witnessed an abundance of tense relegation games over the years and the inertia at the Hawthorns here suggests another season of toil and trouble lies ahead for West Bromwich Albion.

The forecast scarcely appears much sunnier for Fulham but there is sufficient mediocrity in the current Premier League to nourish hopes of survival at this level.

At least in Roy Hodgson, the home side have a man steeped in the landscape having guided West Bromwich to safety last May, a less spectacular repeat of the great escape he inspired at Craven Cottage three years ago.

This was the first occasion he has opposed the south-west London club he rescued and took to the Europa Cup final since his ill-fated departure to Liverpool in the summer of 2010.

He may well have been celebrating, too, but for Peter Odemwingie's profligacy in the 64th minute, a poor finish allowing Mark Schwarzer to save after Youssouf Mulumbu's fine pass had released him.

Both of these teams have endured their worst starts to a Premier League season yet Fulham, performing a neat if unproductive passing game under former West Bromwich player Martin Jol's stewardship, could have secured a first league victory had Chris Dempsey's hugely deflected volley not rebounded off the woodwork.

Chris Brunt's right foot attempt suffered a similar fate at the other end in an incongruously rousing finale but not before John Arne Riise's second half effort from a set play created a glorious opening for the visitors, his low shot parried by goalkeeper Ben Foster into the path of Bryan Ruiz.

The Costa Rican, who missed the decisive penalty in the Carling Cup defeat to Chelsea in midweek, had only been on the pitch a few minutes as substitute but demonstrated that he had not lost his touch with a feeble prod that Foster touched on to his right hand post.

Jol insisted his new £10.5 million signing would improve. He must also hope for improvement in forwards Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson, both sent home with infections yesterday.

Their absence was highlighted when Orlando Sa hoisted the last chance of the match over the bar with his left foot. "He's right-footed," said Jol in timid mitigation. "I can live with the draw but when you have that sort of possession you have to exploit it."

He also bemoaned the fact that his team were in a false position, fourth from bottom and two places above West Bromwich. Early days but familiar ones for all concerned.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8784576/West-Bromwich-Albion-0-Fulham-0-match-report.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Jol sees Fulham draw again

West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster produced a fine second-half save to deny Fulham a first Premier League victory under Martin Jol.

Including the midweek Carling Cup match at Chelsea, which was settled on penalties, this was Fulham's fifth consecutive draw.

Both managers were facing their former club, with Jol returning to The Hawthorns, where he had a spell as a player, and former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson looking for his team's first home point of the season.

Albion certainly seemed like a team devoid of confidence in a first half in which Fulham were comfortable and looked the team most likely to score.

The Whites thought they had taken an early lead when Pajtim Kasami netted after Foster had failed to hold Clint Dempsey's shot, but the midfielder was adjudged to have been offside.

Moussa Dembele fired well over as Fulham continued to threaten on the counter-attack without being tested at the other end.

It was a similar story after the interval and Fulham came close to breaking the deadlock when Dempsey's hooked effort deflected off Jonas Olsson and bounced onto the woodwork.

When Albion finally created a clear-cut chance, Peter Odemwingie squandered it, shooting straight at Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer after being put through on goal by Graham Dorrans.

That finally brought the home side to life and they went close again when Chris Brunt's shot struck the post and Odemwingie was unable to hit the target from the rebound.

A Baggies goal would have been tough on Fulham, who played well and might have claimed all three points had Foster not done brilliantly to keep out John Arne Riise's free-kick and substitute Bryan Ruiz been able to force home the follow-up.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jol-sees-fulham-draw-again/

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Smoke but no fire as Fulham have best of a goalless draw at West Brom


Mousa Dembele of Fulham and Graham Dorrans of West Brom compete for the ball.
Photograph: Jamie Mcdonald/Getty Images

No goals, and frankly not too much excitement either, though the Fulham manager, Martin Jol, did his best by setting off the fire alarms with a crafty cigarette before kick-off. That said, the second half was a considerable improvement on the first, and Chris Brunt came within a hair's breadth of winning the game for Albion in added time, when his low drive beat the Fulham goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, only to come back off the inside of the post.

That being so, said Jol, he could live with the draw. "Overall, our play was better than theirs, in fact West Brom looked like the away team, but to finish them off we have to create more with the possession we have," said the Dutchman. Had regular strikers Bobby Zamora or Andrew Johnson been available, then Fulham would probably have done just that; it was unfortunate that both should have been ill.

A minute's applause in memory of Blake Melbourne, a 14-year-old Albion academy player who lost his life to cancer recently, having put the Premier League and all its over-blown doings firmly into context, it was Fulham who began more brightly. Gareth McAuley, making his league debut for the home team, was called on early, producing a fine block from Orlando Sa after Steven Reid had failed to cut out Danny Murphy's pass.

Fulham actually had the ball in the net soon afterwards, when Ben Foster stopped but not hold Clint Dempsey's shot and Pajtim Kasami, following up, turned the ball home only to be flagged offside by the referee's assistant Sian Massey, a marginal decision.

The visitors continued to have the better of a disjointed and at times tepid first half, during which Albion's notional 4-3-3 translated to five in midfield rather too regularly for the home supporters' liking, but the game warmed up after the break.

Dempsey was unfortunate when his volley was unwittingly deflected on to Foster's bar by the head of Jonas Olsson, and Massey's flag ruled out another "goal" when Peter Odemwingie lashed the ball past Schwarzer. This time however, the decision was not marginal.

Shortly after the hour, Odemwingie did beat the offside trap, running on to a through ball from Youssouf Mulumbu, but the experienced Schwarzer did not make the mistake of committing himself too early before making a fine save.

The introduction of Bryan Ruiz for Kasami almost made the difference for Fulham when Foster could not hold John Arne Riise's shot and the Costa Rican striker got to the rebound first, only for Foster to recover and turn his shot away, albeit with the help of his left-hand post. That looked to be that until Brunt's late, angled effort left Schwarzer stranded but rebounded back off the Australian's right-hand post.

"We didn't play at all well in the first half, and I take responsibility for that because I tampered with our system," said the West Brom manager, Roy Hodgson. "In the second we went back to a more classic 4-4-2, and I thought we dominated."





http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/sep/24/west-bromwich-albion-fulham-premier-league?

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Report: West Brom v Fulham


Baggies grateful for Foster West Brom keeper Ben Foster made up for his blunder in the last home game with a superb double save to rescue a goalless draw against fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns.

Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner but atoned with superb stops in quick succession to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz.

The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Danny Murphy dictating play but Albion posed more of a threat in the second period.

Peter Odemwingie posed more of a threat for the Baggies when pushed upfront for the second 45 minutes but Fulham held firm with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.

West Brom were the first to threaten with skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save by Schwarzer to his right.

But it was two rare moments of danger for Fulham who dominated the remainder of the first half.

Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box but a fine block tackle by Gareth McAuley deflected his shot for a corner.

Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Foster spilled a low shot from Clint Dempsey and the rebound was converted by Kasami - but replays showed he was offside.

The Albion fans were becoming frustrated at the amount of possession being enjoyed by the visitors who were not being closed down quickly enough.

Striker Shane Long was too isolated upfront for West Brom in a 4-5-1 formation and lack of support meant him attempting a shot from a narrow angle which flew harmlessly over the bar.

Jol's side were increasingly looking the more likely to break the deadlock with McAuley blocking a Sa attempt on the edge of the box and Foster clinging onto a Dempsey header.

Albion reverted to a 4-4-2 formation for the second period with Odemwingie pushing upfront alongside Long.

But initially Fulham still looked the more dangerous and twice went close to going ahead.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Then Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.

Hangeland became the first player to be booked after bringing down Long and then Grygera was yellow carded for fouling Thomas.

Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird.

Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

Baird became the third Fulham player to be booked for hauling down Odemwingie.

Only a superb double save by Foster prevented Ruiz from making an immediate impact.

The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.

Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post and Sa fired over at the other end.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/matchreports/report-west-brom-v-fulham-84329/?

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Frustrated Fulham boss rues missed chances

MARTIN Jol admits Fulham were left to rue missed chances again as they were held to a draw at West Brom. The Whites dominated for long spells in the basement battle at the Hawthorns, but they couldn't find a breakthrough, with £10.6million signing Bryan Ruiz guilty of a late miss.

The point moved Fulham out of the bottom three, but Jol insists his side need to make their pressure count if they're to start climbing the table.

He said: "I can live with a draw but from the general play we have to exploit the possession that we had.

"West Brom looked like the away team in the first-half but we're not getting the points our performances deserve.

"We are in a false position."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/09/24/frustrated-fulham-boss-rues-missed-chances-64767-29482288/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Baggies grateful for Foster: Match Review
West Bromwich Albion Vs Fulham,Sat 24 Sep 2011


West Brom keeper Ben Foster made up for his blunder in the last home game with a superb double save to rescue a goalless draw against fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns.

Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner but atoned with superb stops in quick succession to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz.

The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Danny Murphy dictating play but Albion posed more of a threat in the second period.

Peter Odemwingie posed more of a threat for the Baggies when pushed upfront for the second 45 minutes but Fulham held firm with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.

West Brom were the first to threaten with skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Mark Schwarzer.

Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save by Schwarzer to his right.

But it was two rare moments of danger for Fulham who dominated the remainder of the first half.

Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box but a fine block tackle by Gareth McAuley deflected his shot for a corner.

Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Foster spilled a low shot from Clint Dempsey and the rebound was converted by Kasami - but replays showed he was offside.

The Albion fans were becoming frustrated at the amount of possession being enjoyed by the visitors who were not being closed down quickly enough.

Striker Shane Long was too isolated upfront for West Brom in a 4-5-1 formation and lack of support meant him attempting a shot from a narrow angle which flew harmlessly over the bar.

Jol's side were increasingly looking the more likely to break the deadlock with McAuley blocking a Sa attempt on the edge of the box and Foster clinging onto a Dempsey header.

Albion reverted to a 4-4-2 formation for the second period with Odemwingie pushing upfront alongside Long.

But initially Fulham still looked the more dangerous and twice went close to going ahead.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Then Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.

Hangeland became the first player to be booked after bringing down Long and then Grygera was yellow carded for fouling Thomas.

Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird.

Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.

Baird became the third Fulham player to be booked for hauling down Odemwingie.

Only a superb double save by Foster prevented Ruiz from making an immediate impact.

The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.

Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post and Sa fired over at the other end.




http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/baggies-grateful-for-foster-match-review?

[WhiteJC]

 
No goals at the Hawthorns

West Brom keeper Ben Foster made a fine double save, as the Baggies drew 0-0 with Fulham at The Hawthorns.


Foster denied Cottagers defender John Arne Riise and substitute Bryan Ruiz, to ensure a point for the home side, who started the day bottom of the Premier league.

West Brom defender Jonas Olsson also was fortunate to see volley by Clint Dempsey deflect against his own bar.

Peter Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes but shot straight at Schwarzer, then Chris Brunt saw a late free-kick hit the post.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/09/24/West-Brom-Fulham/gnid-110262/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Hughes set for international retirement



Northern Ireland captain Aaron Hughes is to retire from international football at the end of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

The Fulham defender is expected to play his last international in the final qualifier away to Italy on November 11.

Hughes, who will be 32 in November, has won 79 caps for Northern Ireland.

He told BBC Radio Ulster: "I had thought about doing it (retiring) at the end of the last campaign.

"It would have been nice to go out on a high by qualifying to a major finals but it was not meant to be.

"But it is good we have had realistic chances of qualifying in the last couple of campaigns.

"I knew halfway through this one that it was my last. I feel now is a good time while I am fit and playing well."




http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/09/24/Hughes-set-for-international-retirement/gnid-110267/

[WhiteJC]

 
West Brom v Fulham reaction
Fulham boss Martin Jol revealed his frustration after seeing another two points slip away in a goalless draw at fellow strugglers West Brom.



The Cottagers moved out of the bottom three but are still searching for their first victory after sharing the points for the fourth time this season.

Jol's side had enough chances to have wrapped up victory and dominated the opening 45 minutes but failed to make their superiority count before Albion improved after the break.

Jol, who had a spell in midfield for the midlands side in the early 1980s, said: "I know West Brom. I played here. It looked like an away game for them.

"It was good. We had all the possession, we could play around them in midfield.

"They changed their system, playing three up instead of two strikers, and we could play in the gaps.

"The only thing is you need to finish them off. We had three or four possibilities. I think we looked the better team.

"We had the ball against bar and post, we had a few shots, we can probably do better in the future.

"I feel if you play the way we do, with four or five draws, it is a bit disappointing and I think we are in a false position."

Jol praised the performance of 19-year-old Swiss midfielder Pajtim Kasami.

He said: "Kasami is strong. Normally if you are 19 you are a bit weak but he came and is like an English player, with a lot of skill.

"Sometimes I am happy with him but sometimes I feel he should learn a bit better but he gives us quality."

West Brom's former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admitted he had been wrong to alter his formation from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. He reverted back to a familiar shape in the second period, with improved results.

He said: "In the first half we didn't play at all well. I take some responsibility for that because we tampered with our way of playing and the system.

"It didn't work particularly well and I didn't even recognise some of the players in terms of the number of times we gave the ball away.

"In the second half we pushed Peter Odemwingie more central again, Chris Brunt out wide, and went back to a more classic 4-4-2 system and dominated the game."

Hodgson is refusing to panic despite West Brom remaining in the bottom three.

He said: "There are no false positions. Lots of teams are relegation candidates.

"It is not where you are after six games, it is after 38 games and if we need to start panicking about relegation, we will do that in the spring, not now."



http://www.football365.com/fulham/7199173/West-Brom-v-Fulham-reaction?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham lacked urgency against West Brom - Martin Jol

Fulham boss Martin Jol admits his side "lacked urgency" and were "a bit sloppy" during their 0-0 draw with West Brom.

With no wins in six Premier League games, Jol accepts his players need to start making more of opportunities in front of goal to lift themselves up the table.




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15049273.stm?

[WhiteJC]

 
West Brom   0 - 0   Fulham


Chances were few and far between for both sides

Fulham's Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey ran the show at The Hawthorns but neither side could break the deadlock.

The visitors thought they had scored when Pajtim Kasami pounced after Ben Foster had spilled Dempsey's shot, but the Swiss was ruled offside.

Peter Odemwingie spurned West Brom's best chance, shooting tamely at Mark Schwarzer when clean through.

Bryan Ruiz came within inches of a late Fulham winner but stabbed wide after another Foster fumble.

Both teams have endured a disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Murphy dictating play, but Albion posed more of a threat in the second half.

Odemwingie represented the biggest danger to the Londoners but Fulham held firm, with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.

West Brom were the first to threaten, skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Schwarzer.

Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save from the Australian, diving to his right.

The Baggies reverted to 4-4-2 formation from a 4-5-1 set-up for the second period, with Odemwingie pushing further forward to support Shane Long.

The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.

Then Moussa Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.

Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird, but the Irish forward appeared to make the most of what little contact there had been.

Odemwingie seemed sure to put the home side in front after 64 minutes but after being played in behind the static Fulham defence by Mulumbu's inch-perfect pass, he could muster only a weak shot and Schwarzer saved comfortably.

Fulham came close to securing all three points with 12 minutes remaining when John Arne Riise's stinging free-kick was saved by Foster, but substitute Ruiz, a £10.6m summer arrival from FC Twente, watched in vain as his toe-poked effort trickled wide.

Replays showed that Foster got the slightest of touches as he dived at the Costa Rican's feet but referee Stuart Attwell gave a goal kick.

Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury time when his low cross-shot hit the post, but in the end both sides seemed content with a point.

Fulham manager Martin Jol:

"I know West Brom. I played here. It looked like an away game for them. It was good. We had all the possession, we could play around them in midfield.

"They changed their system, playing three up instead of two strikers, and we could play in the gaps. The only thing is you need to finish them off. We had three or four possibilities. I think we looked the better team.

"We had the ball against the bar and post, we had a few shots, we can probably do better in the future. I feel if you play the way we do, with four or five draws, it is a bit disappointing and I think we are in a false position."

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson:

"In the first half we didn't play at all well. I take some responsibility for that because we tampered with our way of playing and the system.

"It didn't work particularly well and I didn't even recognise some of the players in terms of the number of times we gave the ball away.

"In the second half we pushed Peter Odemwingie more central again, Chris Brunt out wide, and went back to a more classic 4-4-2 system and dominated the game."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/14958167.stm

[WhiteJC]

 
West Brom hang in against Fulham

West Brom keeper Ben Foster made up for his costly mistake against Stoke with a fine double save to earn the Baggies a point against a dominant Fulham.

John Arne Riise's stinging free-kick was parried by Foster before he recovered in time to keep out Bryan Ruiz's follow up.

Fulham boss summed up their display after the match saying "it looked like an away game for West Brom" as Danny Murphy and Clint dempsey were in fine form throughout and only the woodwork and some last gasp defending kept the home side in the game.

In the opening half Dempsey had a volley deflected onto the post by Jonas Olsson before Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box only for Gareth McAuley to block the shot.

The home fans grew increasingly frustrated thoughout the afternoon as Roy HOdgson's side continually stood off in midfield and allowed Murphy time and space to dictate the play.

Shane Long was isolated up front for much of the first half and only when Peter Odemwingie was allowed to join him in attack did the Baggies get close to going in front with the Nigerian international spurning his side's best chance, shooting straight at Mark Schwarzer when through on goal.

Chris Brunt nearly robbed all three points in the closing stages when a misplaced cross hit the inside of the post and in the end it was Fulham who may be thankful for the draw.



http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/soccer_irish/52851/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss Martin Jol pleased with his side's performance despite 0-0 draw with West Brom
The former Spurs manager claims his side played like the home team, while Baggies manager Roy Hodgson was glad his side didn't concede late on

Martin Jol insists he is pleased with the way his Fulham side dominated proceedings during their 0-0 Premier League draw at West Brom, stating that his team looked like they were playing at home.

Fulham have a notoriously bad away record in the Premier League, and while they were unable to pick up the victory, Jol was pleased with his side's display.

"I think in the first half, you can't play better than we did," he told Sky Sports News. "With our possession, it looked like a home game for us to be honest.

"That was new for us. We controlled the game, and we had to. They had their first opportunity in probably the 64th minute, that says it all.

"But we were sloppy in the second half and we gave them the initiative. If you're playing an away game, you have to perform."

Jol was also happy that his side were able to adjust after a number of players were ruled out before the match.

"That could have been a problem [having a number of absentee's] but I knew that Orlando Sa played for us against Chelsea, so I always had that option.

"Of course if you're missing two strikers it can be a big disadvantage but I knew Orlando Sa could play again because he's a fit bloke."

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson seemed to agree with the fact that his former team Fulham had dominated, saying that he was his side managed to secure a point from the game.

"It was two teams who defended well," he told Sky Sports News. "In particular Fulham defended well throughout the game and as a result they were very hard to break down but we did our best.

"I'm happy at least that unlike the previous home game where we were settling for 0-0 and had to settle for 0-1, so at least that didn't happen to us this time."



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/09/24/2681014/fulham-boss-martin-jol-pleased-with-his-sides-performance?