Friday Fulham Stuff (04/11/11)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham   4 - 1   Wisla Krakow


Johnson put Fulham 2-1 ahead by volleying in his first goal of the night

Two brilliant finishes from Andy Johnson helped Fulham defeat Wisla Krakow in the Europa League.

Damien Duff drove in Johnson's cross early on, but Andraz Kirm soon fired in a deflected equaliser.

Johnson made it 2-1 with a stunning volley and then scored with a lofted finish after Bobby Zamora's flick.

Steve Sidwell lashed in a late fourth as second-placed Fulham secured a win that puts them four points clear of Odense BK and Wisla in Group K.

Johnson showed exceptional technique for his opening goal as he finished first-time on the turn, while the Cottagers turned on the style with their first and third goals both coming from pretty and intelligent one-touch football, Zamora delivering neat touches in the build-up on each occasion.

The result allowed Fulham to gain revenge for their 1-0 defeat in October's reverse fixture, when they had Moussa Dembele controversially sent off.

It was an ambitious start from both sides and the first chance fell to Fulham as Duff forced an excellent save from Sergei Pareiko with a curling 15-yard effort.

But it did not take the winger long to get on the scoresheet, meeting Johnson's pull-back with a low first-time strike from just inside the 18-yard box.

Wisla quickly levelled after Dickson Etuhu gave possession away, allowing David Biton to surge forward and drill the ball into the Fulham penalty area.

The danger was not cleared and Lukasz Gargula knocked the ball back for Kirm to strike with the assistance of a deflection.

Fulham thought they had restored their lead almost straight away in a breathless first period when Pareiko parried a Duff shot, but Johnson was ruled offside as he knocked in the rebound.

However, Johnson was soon celebrating after he met Danny Murphy's delivery from the right with his superb finish from 15 yards.

FULHAM'S EUROPEAN FORTRESS
Continue reading the main story
Fulham are unbeaten in 22 home European matches including 17 wins and 5 draws, stretching back to a 0-0 draw against FC Haka on 6 July 2002

Clint Dempsey nearly added a third just before half-time with a determined run and chip over Pareiko, only to see his effort hit the crossbar.

Wisla made a bright start to the second half and Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was twice called into action, first saving Gervasio Nunez's deflected 20-yard effort and then smothering Gargula's free-kick.

But Fulham soon had the cushion of a third goal after more outstanding build-up play.

From a well-planned free-kick, Murphy played a diagonal pass to Zamora, close to the penalty spot, and he flicked the ball ahead for Johnson, who dinked it over Pareiko.

The scoring was completed when Sidwell met Duff's cross with a header from six yards out and, although his first effort came back off the bar, he lashed home the rebound.

Kew Jaliens saw a header rebound off a post for the visitors but they were out of the contest - and Pajtim Kasami almost made it 5-1 late on, but Pareiko kept out his close-range header.

Fulham manager Martin Jol: "The second goal was amazing and the third was a clever one. If you could come up with ideas like that every week, you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days.

"You could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different.

"Johnson for England? If you keep on scoring everyone says you should be in the England team but, for me, as a second striker he is one of the better ones."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15473004.stm

[WhiteJC]

 
Lawro's prediction

Fulham v Tottenham
Fulham had a good win at Wigan last week and had a bit more of a goal threat away from home than usual.

This can be a funny fixture - there have been some mad results, with the Cottagers scoring four times in the first half in the FA Cup last season and Heurelho Gomes being badly at fault for a couple of goals in 2008 - but I'm still backing Tottenham to come out on top.

I've always said that they are the team most likely to finish fourth this season but they might be thinking they can finish third with the way they are playing at the moment.

As a five, the Spurs midfield and Rafael van der Vaart were absolutely brilliant against QPR on Sunday.

Scott Parker is their insurance policy, which is great for Luka Modric because he can just go and play. Then you have Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale with unbelievable pace down the wing and the cleverness of Van der Vaart.

Up front, Emmnauel Adebayor is still playing like he is in his honeymoon period, which has lasted a lot longer at Tottenham than it has done anywhere else. That says a lot about the way Harry Redknapp manages.

Tottenham have been to Russia and back in the build up for a Europa League tie in midweek but many of their first-choice players were left at home so it should not affect them too much.

Redknapp did not travel because of heart surgery but he hopes to be back in the dugout at Craven Cottage. Fingers crossed he will be all right and make a swift recovery.

Prediction: 1-2




http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/football_focus/15573320.stm

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4 Wisla Krakow 1: Johnson double proves Cottagers are Poles apart

Andrew Johnson just can't stop scoring in the Europa League.

Two goals from the in-form striker put Fulham in the driving seat to qualify for the competition's knock-out stages.

Johnson took his European tally to eight to give Martin Jol's side revenge for their frustrating 1-0 defeat two weeks ago in Poland.


Brace yourself: Johnson scored two as Fulham cruised to victory over Wisla Krakow

Damien Duff put Fulham ahead before Wisla Krakow equalised through Andraz Krim, but Johnson's brace and a late goal from Steve Sidwell sealed a comfortable win.

Jol said: 'Johnson for England? If you keep on scoring everyone says you should be in the England team but, for me, as a second striker he is one of the best.

'We scored some great goals. If you could come up with ideas like that every week you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days.'

On a feisty evening at Craven Cottage, Krakow fans were ejected from the home sections and a smoke flare was let off in the historic Johnny Haynes Stand.

The firework s continued on the pitch, too, with Bobby Zamora clashing with Kew Jaliens late in the first half and Duff having a heated exchange with Gervasio Nunez, whose disgraceful play-acting earned Mousa Dembele a red card in Krakow.

Krakow boss Robert Maaskant then claimed his Fulham counterpart had overplayed his criticism of Nunez prior to the match, adding: 'Jol played the Nunez card quite well, which gave us a hostile atmosphere.


Stunner: Johnson slammed home this volley in the first-half

'It's always nice for a coach who worked with (Uruguay and Liverpool striker) Luis Suarez (at Ajax) for a year and a half to say something about another player like that.'

Jol fielded a strong side ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against his old club, Tottenham Hotspur, and it paid off after just five minutes.

Duff started and finished the Fulham counter-attack; finding Zamora who fed Johnson on the right and then sprinting into the box to complete the move with a first-time left foot shot.

But Krakow capitalised when Dickson Etuhu lost the ball inside his own half four minutes later.


Early dart: Duff opened the scoring for Fulham with this sweet strike (below)



Captain Cezary Wilk ran into the box and found David Biton, who teed up Kirm to fire a deflected shot past Mark Schwarzer.

Johnson had a goal disallowed after 10 minutes but then hit a sensational strike to put Fulham ahead after half an hour.

A Danny Murphy corner came back to the Fulham captain and he had ample time to curl the ball back into the box, where Johnson hit a beautiful right-foot volley which cannoned in off the post.


Back on track: Fulham threatened throughout with Zamora and Johnson

Johnson then made it 3-0 after 57 minutes, completing a training ground routine which worked to perfection.

Murphy slotted a free-kick through to Zamora, who turned to watch his strike partner beat the goalkeeper at the near post.


Flaring up: Wisla fans set off a flare in the away (above) and the smoke enveloped the ground (below)


Substitute Steve Sidwell, who replaced Murphy, made it 4-0 in the 79th minute.

The midfielder hit the post with his initial header from a Duff cross, but fired in his second of the season on the rebound.


Consolation: Kirm fired home this equaliser early in the first-half


Making a racket: The Krakow fans travelled en masse to west London

MATCH FACTS
Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Baird, Riise, Duff, Etuhu,Murphy (Sidwell 63), Dempsey, Johnson (Kasami 76), Zamora (Frei 72).
Subs not used: Etheridge, Gecov, Grygera, Briggs.
Booked: Zamora,Etuhu.
Goals: Duff 5, Johnson 30, 57, Sidwell 79.

Wisla Krakow: Pareiko, Lamey, Jaliens, Brud (Illiev 60), Diaz, Wilk, Nunez, Paljic,Gargula (Genkov 61), Kirm, Biton (Jovanovic 88).
Subs not used: Jovanic,Kurto,Boguski,Czekaj.
Booked: Jaliens,Paljic,Diaz.
Goal: Kirm 9.
Attendance: 20,319
Referee: Halis Ozkahya (Turkey).




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2057240/Fulham-4-Wisla-Krakow-1-Johnson-double-proves-Cottagers-Poles-apart.html#ixzz1cienBBbA

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham within touching distance
Johnson's brilliance helps Jol's men to revenge over Wisla

Two excellent goals from Andy Johnson helped Fulham to a 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow at Craven Cottage and kept Martin Jol's club on course for a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

The striker smashed a stunning first-half volley and then added his second of the night after the interval when applying the finishing touch to his Premier League club's superbly-worked free-kick.

Damien Duff had set the tone with an early goal at the end of a flowing move, but Andraz Kirm had equalised before Johnson's double put Jol's men in control as they sought to avenge the away defeat to Wisla at the end of October.

Gervasio Nunez had been at the centre of attention after his antics in earning Moussa Dembele a red card in Poland, but Fulham inflicted sweet payback and Steve Sidwelladded gloss to the scoreline with a bundled fourth goal.

The victory moves Fulham, who have not lost at home in 22 European matches, onto seven points in Group K and, coupled with leaders FC Twente's win over Odense, the 2010 finalists are now within touching distance of the knockout stages.

Heading into the clash, Fulham manager Jol stuck to his word by naming a strong line-up for the entertaining encounter.

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow included Milan Jovanic, Marko Jovanovic and Ivica Iliev on the bench after they were cleared to play after visa issues.

The White Star came into the match on a poor domestic run and also had to cope without several key players in West London.

Such weakness was visible from the offset as Duff found time to strike an early shot that Sergei Pareiko did well to parry.

Cheer

The Republic of Ireland international was not to be denied for long, though, as he broke the deadlock in the fifth minute.

Neat play down the right flank saw Johnson drill in a cross that Duff tucked away with ease.

But with a plethora of Polish supporters inside Craven Cottage the match felt like a home tie and they soon had something to cheer about.

Dudu Biton found space to run at the Fulham backline and, after a neat lay off by Lukasz Gargula, Kirm struck a shot that deflected in off Riise.

An enthralling opening 10 minutes continued as Johnson looked to put Fulham back into the lead, but the flick was ruled out for offside despite the public address announcer confirming the goal.

Jol's side continued to press forward in numbers looking to re-take the lead, with Clint Dempsey coming close to heading home a Duff corner.

Wisla were also looking dangerous and wasted a good chance from a counter-attack, failing to capitalise on a man advantage as Kirm blazed a cross over.

After several heavy challenges by both sides, the noise rose inside Craven Cottage, Fulham returned to the attack and Riise saw a shot blocked wide by Cezary Wilk.

However, the home side regained the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Murphy teed up Johnson to volley home exquisitely.

Problematic
Michael Lamey and Kirm then both had shots at the other end, before attention was focused off the field due to crowd disruption.

The number of Wisla fans in the home end were proving problematic and the away section then let off a smoke bomb that engulfed the whole pitch, although referee Halis Ozkahya allowed play to continue.

Dempsey saw a cheeky chip clip the crossbar as half-time approached and the pitch cleared, before tempers began to flare as Bobby Zamora and Kew Jaliens both received yellow cards for coming head to head.

The second period started at a much slower tempo, but both sides were still eking out chances.

Wisla were pushing forward in numbers but were caught out by a clever Fulham free-kick as Murphy laid off to Zamora, who flicked on to Johnson to dink over Pareiko from close range.

Temperatures began to rise again as the second half wore on with bookings handed out to both sides, with Nunez enjoying his role as the villain.

The Argentinian midfielder was booed every time he touched the ball for his play-acting to get Dembele sent off in Poland and was guilty of simulation again on several occasions this evening.

Cheered on by the raucous away support, Wisla continued to pepper the Fulham goal and Jaliens saw a header rebound off the post.

However, the Dutch defender's header came moments after Sidwell fired home Fulham's fourth from close range after seeing his original header saved.

Fellow substitute Pajtim Kasami was the next to come close but Pareiko denied the Swiss midfielder with a fine save.



http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,,11065_3447365,00.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Johnson's double helps Fulham to victory

Fulham 4 Wisla Krakow 1

Andrew Johnson scored two fine goals as Fulham edged towards the knockout phase of the Europa League with a resounding victory at Craven Cottage.

The result cemented their position in second place behind Group K leaders FC Twente and means a win against the Dutch club in four weeks' time would seal a place in the next stage of the competition.

Johnson crossed for Damien Duff to put the Whites ahead before Wisla Krakow equalised when Andraz Kirm's ninth-minute effort deflected in off John Arne Riise.

But Martin Jol's side regained the lead when Johnson met Danny Murphy's right-wing cross with a sublime volley that hit the top corner of the net after clipping the woodwork.

And Johnson finished off a cleverly-worked free-kick routine early in the second half, before substitute Steve Sidwell bundled in the fourth after his initial header was saved.

Following Wisla's controversial 1-0 win when these teams recently met in Poland, a heated return match was always likely.

Gervasio Nunez might have expected a hostile reception given the over-reaction to a shove from Moussa Dembele which got the Fulham man sent off in that game.

But it was the away supporters who created a red-hot atmosphere, turning out in their thousands and producing a wall of noise.

There were Polish fans celebrating wildly on three sides of the ground when their team equalised fortuitously only four minutes after Johnson exchanged passes with Bobby Zamora and set up Duff for the opener.

David Biton's run caused panic in the Fulham defence, giving Lukasz Gargula time and space to tee up Kirm, whose shot ended up in the net after hitting Riise.

Johnson thought he had restored Fulham's advantage when he netted from close range only to be denied by an offside flag.

But there was no room for doubt when Johnson scored with an absolute peach of a strike, and another moment of sheer class  – this time from Clint Dempsey –  almost sent Fulham in at the interval 3-1 up.

After collecting Dickson Etutu's pass, Dempsey jinked his way past past three challenges and tried his luck with a deft chip that bounced off the top of the bar.

The third goal did eventually follow – and it was another beauty.

From a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Murphy fooled the Wisla defence by simply steering the ball into Zamora, who laid off to Johnson and the in-form forward did the rest, dinking over Sergei Pareiko as the keeper dived at his feet.

It was Johnson's fifth goal in four European matches and knocked the stuffing out of Wisla, although they did go close to pulling one back.

Gargula's free-kick was saved by keeper Mark Schwarzer and Tsvetan Genkov headed over as the Poles attempted to respond.

If they had any realistic chance of a comeback, it was extinguished when Pareiko tipped Sidwell's header from Duff's cross onto the bar only for the midfielder to pounce on the rebound and score Fulham's fourth.

Wisla, to their credit, still did not give up the fight and were denied a late consolation when Kew Jaliens' header struck the post.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/johnsons-double-helps-fulham-to-victory/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Andy Johnson double helps Fulham beat Wisla Krakow in Europa League


Andy Johnson scores his first and Fulham's second goal against Wisla Krakow.
Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action Images

The Andrew Johnson Europa League goal machine whirrs on. His second here secured the win and, coming as it did from a neat move straight off the training ground, illustrated what confidence does when the goals are flowing.

On 57 minutes Danny Murphy slid a crafty free-kick to Bobby Zamora, inside the Wisla Krakow area. Johnson's partner reversed the ball to him and his coolly spooned finish over the prone Sergei Pareiko brought his eighth goal in 11 appearances in the Europa League this season. His first goal had come on the half-hour, from a superb volley.

Martin Jol, Fulham's manager, said: "As a second striker he is one of the best. He scored a hat-trick against QPR so if he did that [all the time], it would be unbelievable. He is scoring all sorts of goals, the second [tonight] was totally different to the first. The second was amazing."

Johnson wants a new contract, to run to the close of the 2013-14 season; Fulham want it to end a year earlier. Had this display strengthened his hand? "We don't talk about it until it's happened ," said Jol, deadpan. "Maybe he will, maybe he won't."

Jol was equally dry when asked where this ranked in Fulham's displays this season: "We played some good football [this season] but the problem was the 0-0 [with Aston Villa], the 1-1 [against Blackburn Rovers]. Today we were more efficient."

Krakow, the Polish champions, arrived having two weeks ago inflicted Fulham's only defeat in the competition so far. The Dutchman sent out about as strong an XI as he could field, Johnson partnering Zamora in a 4-4-1-1 that proved instantly effective.

After Damien Duff had warmed Pareiko's fingers, he scored almost instantly. The Irishman began the move. Threading the ball to Zamora, who laid off to Johnson, the winger ran through midfield to collect and finish by applying his left foot cleanly.

Ten minutes were not up when Robert Maakant's side had an equaliser. Dickson Etuhu was mugged near the centre circle by Cezary Wilk, the visiting captain, who moved down the left-hand corridor and passed to Lukasz Gargula. He played the ball on to Andraz Kirm, whose shot deflected off John Arne Riise to leave Mark Schwarzer little chance.

Johnson believed he had re-established the lead but he was correctly adjudged to have picked up possession in an offside position. Fulham were worryingly porous at the back but they were about to fashion their impressive second goal. Murphy's cross from the right was met with a rocket of a volley from Johnson's right boot. The striker ran over to rub this in to the Krakow supporters, who taunted their counterparts incessantly and at one stage let off a smoking flare.

Before the break Clint Dempsey came close to besting Johnson in the goal-of-the-game stakes, when veering right and dinking a sand-wedge of a lob beyond Pareiko, but the ball skimmed to safety off the bar.

The concern for Jol as the second half began was whether his team could stop the flow of the Poles when they moved forward. Initially the answer was no. Gargula found time and space too easily before he was removed on the hour, soon after Fulham's third goal.

Steve Sidwell, on for Murphy, crashed home the fourth and Jol could brush off a barb aimed at him by Maakant, who claimed the Fulham manager had "played the [Gervasio] Núñez card quite well. It's always nice for a coach who worked with Luis Suárez [who bit an opponent in the Dutch league] for a year and a half [at Ajax] to say something about another player."

This referred to Jol's pre-game criticism of the Argentinian's penchant for theatrics that had caused Moussa Dembélé to be sent off in the first fixture, in Poland.

Jol shrugged and said: "We never even talked about it."



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/03/fulham-wisla-krakow-champions-league?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham 4-1 Wisla Krakow

Fulham edged closer to the Europa League knockout stages by securing an impressive victory from a tempestuous encounter against Wisla Krakow this evening.

The west Londoners dominated the Group K tie from the offset as they avenged their controversial 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, while also extending their unbeaten home record in Europe to 22 matches.

Damien Duff handed Fulham an early lead by tucking away Andrew Johnson's low cross, but they were soon pegged back as an Andraz Kirm shot deflected in off John Arne Riise.

With in excess of 6,000 fans cheering on Wisla, there was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage due to Polish fans peppering the home end and a smoke bomb being let off.

However, Fulham continued undeterred on the pitch and regained the lead through Johnson's sublime volley on the 30-minute mark.

Johnson then extended the Cottagers' lead after a neat free-kick in the 57th minute, before substitute Steve Sidwell wrapped up the tie late on.

Heading into the clash, Fulham manager Martin Jol stuck to his word by naming a strong line-up for the Group K encounter.

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow included Milan Jovanic, Marko Jovanovic and Ivica Iliev on the bench after they were cleared to play after visa issues.

The White Star came into the match on a poor domestic run and also had to cope without several key players in west London.

Such weakness was visible from the offset as Duff found time to strike an early shot that Sergei Pareiko did well to parry.

The Ireland international was not to be denied for long, though, as he broke the deadlock in the fifth minute.

Neat play down the right flank saw Johnson drill in a cross that Duff tucked away with ease.

But with a plethora of Polish supporters inside Craven Cottage the match felt like a home tie and they soon had something to cheer about.

Dudu Biton found space to run at the Fulham backline and, after a neat lay off by Lukasz Gargula, Kirm struck a shot that deflected in off Riise.

An enthralling opening 10 minutes continued as Johnson looked to put Fulham back into the lead, but the flick was ruled out for offside despite the tannoy announcer confirming the goal.

Jol's side continued to press forward in numbers looking to re-take the lead, with Clint Dempsey coming close to heading home a Duff corner.

Wisla were also looking dangerous and wasted a good chance from a counter-attack, failing to capitalise on a man advantage as Kirm blazed a cross over.

After several heavy challenges by both sides the noise rose inside Craven Cottage, Fulham returned to the attack and Riise saw a shot blocked wide by Cezary Wilk.

However, the home side regained the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Murphy teed up Johnson to volley home exquisitely.

Michael Lamey and Kirm then both had shots at the other end, before attention was focused off the field due to crowd disruption.

The number of Wisla fans in the home end were proving problematic and the away section then let off a smoke bomb that engulfed the whole pitch, although referee Halis Ozkahya allowed play to continue.

Clint Dempsey saw a cheeky chip clip the crossbar as half-time approached and the pitch cleared, before tempers began to flare as Bobby Zamora and Kew Jaliens both received yellow cards for coming head to head.

The second period started at a much slower tempo but both sides were still eking out chances.

Wisla were pushing forward in numbers but were caught out by a clever Fulham free-kick as Murphy laid off to Zamora, who flicked on to Johnson to dink over Pareiko from close range.

Temperatures began to rise again as the second half wore on with bookings handed out to both sides, with Gervasio Nunez enjoying his role as the villain.

The Argentinian midfielder was booed every time he touched the ball for his play-acting to get Mousa Dembele sent off in Poland and was guilty of simulation again on several occasions this evening.

Cheered on by the raucous away support, Wisla continued to pepper the Fulham goal and Jaliens saw a header rebound off the post.

However, the Dutch defender's header came moments after Sidwell fired home Fulham's fourth from close range after seeing his original header saved.

Fellow substitute Pajtim Kasami was the next to come close but Pareiko denied the Swiss midfielder with a fine save.



http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/1103/fulham.html?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fabulous Fulham flatten Krakow

Fulham edged closer to the Europa League knockout stages with an impressive 4-1 victory against fiery Poles Wisla Krakow at Craven Cottage.

The west Londoners dominated the Group K tie from the offset as they avenged their controversial 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, while also extending their unbeaten home record in Europe to 22 matches.

Damien Duff handed Fulham an early lead by tucking away Andrew Johnson's low cross, but they were soon pegged back as an Andraz Kirm shot deflected in off John Arne Riise.

With in excess of 6,000 fans cheering on Wisla, there was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage due to Polish fans peppering the home end and a smoke bomb being let off.

However, Fulham continued undeterred on the pitch and regained the lead through Johnson's sublime volley on the 30-minute mark.

Johnson then extended the Cottagers' lead after a neat free-kick in the 57th minute, before substitute Steve Sidwell wrapped up the tie late on.

Heading into the clash, Fulham manager Martin Jol stuck to his word by naming a strong line-up for the Group K encounter.

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow included Milan Jovanic, Marko Jovanovic and Ivica Iliev on the bench after they were cleared to play after visa issues.

The White Star came into the match on a poor domestic run and also had to cope without several key players in west London.

Such weakness was visible from the offset as Duff found time to strike an early shot that Sergei Pareiko did well to parry.

The Ireland international was not to be denied for long, though, as he broke the deadlock in the fifth minute.

Neat play down the right flank saw Johnson drill in a cross that Duff tucked away with ease.

But with a plethora of Polish supporters inside Craven Cottage the match felt like a home tie and they soon had something to cheer about.

Dudu Biton found space to run at the Fulham backline and, after a neat lay off by Lukasz Gargula, Kirm struck a shot that deflected in off Riise.

An enthralling opening 10 minutes continued as Johnson looked to put Fulham back into the lead, but the flick was ruled out for offside despite the tannoy announcer confirming the goal.

Jol's side continued to press forward in numbers looking to re-take the lead, with Clint Dempsey coming close to heading home a Duff corner.

Wisla were also looking dangerous and wasted a good chance from a counter-attack, failing to capitalise on a man advantage as Kirm blazed a cross over.

After several heavy challenges by both sides the noise rose inside Craven Cottage, Fulham returned to the attack and Riise saw a shot blocked wide by Cezary Wilk.

However, the home side regained the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Murphy teed up Johnson to volley home exquisitely.

Michael Lamey and Kirm then both had shots at the other end, before attention was focused off the field due to crowd disruption.

The number of Wisla fans in the home end were proving problematic and the away section then let off a smoke bomb that engulfed the whole pitch, although referee Halis Ozkahya allowed play to continue.

Clint Dempsey saw a cheeky chip clip the crossbar as half-time approached and the pitch cleared, before tempers began to flare as Bobby Zamora and Kew Jaliens both received yellow cards for coming head to head.

The second period started at a much slower tempo but both sides were still eking out chances.

Wisla were pushing forward in numbers but were caught out by a clever Fulham free-kick as Murphy laid off to Zamora, who flicked on to Johnson to dink over Pareiko from close range.

Temperatures began to rise again as the second half wore on with bookings handed out to both sides, with Gervasio Nunez enjoying his role as the villain.

The Argentinian midfielder was booed every time he touched the ball for his play-acting to get Mousa Dembele sent off in Poland and was guilty of simulation again on several occasions this evening.

Cheered on by the raucous away support, Wisla continued to pepper the Fulham goal and Jaliens saw a header rebound off the post.

However, the Dutch defender's header came moments after Sidwell fired home Fulham's fourth from close range after seeing his original header saved.

Fellow substitute Pajtim Kasami was the next to come close but Pareiko denied the Swiss midfielder with a fine save.




http://www.teamtalk.com/match/report/978/7290137/Fabulous-Fulham-flatten-Krakow?

[WhiteJC]

 
Johnson inspires Fulham to Wisła win

Fulham FC 4-1 Wisła Kraków
Damien Duff's early strike was swiftly cancelled out but two superb goals from Andrew Johnson have left Fulham in a strong position in Group K.

Fulham FC moved a step closer to the UEFA Europa League knockout phase on a raucous night at Craven Cottage.

Damien Duff's early strike was cancelled out by Andraž Kirm but Fulham were soon back ahead with a superb volley from Andrew Johnson, thriving in this competition. Johnson and substitute Steve Sidwell struck from clever set pieces after the interval to leave Fulham in Group K second place, four points ahead of Wisła and Odense BK, needing one win to advance to the last 32.

Fulham made five changes from their Group K loss at Wisła a fortnight ago. But it was one of the players that remained, Duff, who broke the deadlock, starting and finishing a flowing move involving Bobby Zamora and Johnson.

Wisła were level within four minutes as David Biton found Łukasz Garguła, who laid off for Kirm to produce a shot that deflected off John Arne Riise and past the wrong-footed Mark Schwarzer. The massive away following were in raptures.

That pace could not be maintained but the game was still open and on the half-hour Fulham were back in front. After a corner Danny Murphy crossed from the right and Johnson's twisting volley was unstoppable, fizzing in off the post.

The visitors began the second half strongly and Schwarzer did well to stop a defected Gervasio Núñez free-kick. But in a well-worked set piece at the other end, Murphy slipped the ball to Zamora, who played it wide for Johnson to strike his fifth group goal from a tight angle.

Substitute Tsvetan Genkov headed over for Wisla as they continued to push in their 100th UEFA competition fixture but Sidwell removed all doubt when he headed a Duff cross on to the bar before lashing in the rebound. Kew Jaliens hit the woodwork himself for the visitors, who now have it all to do.



http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2012/matches/round=2000272/match=2007369/postmatch/report/index.html?rss=1669329+Johnson+inspires+Fulham+to+Wisła+win

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Fiery Fulham gain revenge over Wisla with win at the Cottage

Europa League Group K: Fulham 4 Wisla Krakow 1

Andy Johnson scored twice to give Fulham a comfortable win at home to Wisla Krakow in their fiery UEFA Europa League Group K clash.

Damien Duff had opened the scoring, which was almost immediately cancelled out by Andraz Kirm before Johnson's brace sealed the points.

Steve Sidwell rounded off the scoring with 11 minutes remaining to give Fulham revenge for their defeat in Poland two weeks ago.

Fulham took the lead inside the first five minutes as Duff first found Andy Johnson before his return pass across the area was fired home by the Irishman from eight yards.

The lead lasted four minutes when David Biton's ball fed Kirm, whose shot took a deflection off John Arne Riise and into the Fulham net to the delight of the noisy visiting supporters.

Johnson thought he had restored Fulham's lead almost immediately after the goal however the assistant referee deemed the Englishman to be offside.

The former Everton striker did restore Fulham's lead when he brilliantly volleyed home Danny Murphy's cross from 12 yards.

The Slovenian international, Kirm, had Riise at sixes and sevens again, with the Norweigan slipping over but his shot was smothered by Mark Schwarzer.

Clint Dempsey then weaved his way through the defence to get a shot free, which clipped the underside of the bar.

David Biton nearly equalised for the Polish Ekstraklasa champions but his deflected effort was tipped round the post by Schwarzer.

Bobby Zamora, booked earlier for a spat with Kew Jaliens, fed Duff but his effort was gathered by Sergei Pareiko.

Lukasz Gargula almost restored Wisla Krakow to parity but his free-kick was very well kept out by Schwarzer.

Fulham doubled their lead with a goal straight off the training ground. Murphy's free-kick, within shooting range, was passed to Zamora who found Johnson free to bundle it home.

Gervasio Nunez, booed all night by the home fans for getting Mousa Dembele sent off, was getting a rough ride as Dickson Etuhu and Junior Diaz were booked in quick succession.

Johnson left the field to a standing ovation with 15 minutes left, replaced by Pajtim Kasami as the Whites looked to run down the clock.

Sidwell made it four with 11 minutes remaining as he reacted quickest to his header coming back off the bar to fire home.

Public enemy number one Nunez could find himself in hot water after he was seen slapping Duff in the face, which went un-noticed by the referee before Kasami nearly made it five but his bullet header was brilliantly kept out by Pareiko as Fulham ran out deserved winners.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Riise, Hangeland, Baird, Johnson (Kasami 76), Murphy (Sidwell 63), Duff, Etuhu, Dempsey, Zamora (Frei 72)

Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Gecov, Grygera, Briggs

Wisla Krakow: Pareiko, Jaliens, Gargula (Genkov 60), Nunez, Pajic, Diaz, Kirm, Biton (Jovanovic 88), Cezary Wilk, Lamey, Brud (Iliev 60)

Subs Not Used: Jovanic, Kurto, Boguski, Czekaj

Attendance: 20,319



http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fiery_fulham_gain_revenge_over_wisla_with_win_at_the_cottage_1_1117156?

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Duff on target as Fulham overpower Krakow

Republic of Ireland international Damien Duff was on the scoresheet as Fulham edged closer to the Europa League knockout stages by securing an impressive victory from a tempestuous encounter against Wisla Krakow this evening.

The west Londoners dominated the Group K tie from the offset as they avenged their controversial 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, while also extending their unbeaten home record in Europe to 22 matches.

Duff handed Fulham an early lead by tucking away Andrew Johnson's low cross, but they were soon pegged back as an Andraz Kirm shot deflected in off John Arne Riise.

With in excess of 6,000 fans cheering on Wisla, there was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage due to Polish fans peppering the home end and a smoke bomb being let off.

However, Fulham continued undeterred on the pitch and regained the lead through Johnson's sublime volley on the 30-minute mark.

Johnson then extended the Cottagers' lead after a neat free-kick in the 57th minute, before substitute Steve Sidwell wrapped up the tie late on.

Heading into the clash, Fulham manager Martin Jol stuck to his word by naming a strong line-up for the Group K encounter.

Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow included Milan Jovanic, Marko Jovanovic and Ivica Iliev on the bench after they were cleared to play after visa issues.

The White Star came into the match on a poor domestic run and also had to cope without several key players in west London.

Such weakness was visible from the offset as Duff found time to strike an early shot that Sergei Pareiko did well to parry.

The Ireland international was not to be denied for long, though, as he broke the deadlock in the fifth minute.

Neat play down the right flank saw Johnson drill in a cross that Duff tucked away with ease.

But with a plethora of Polish supporters inside Craven Cottage the match felt like a home tie and they soon had something to cheer about.

Dudu Biton found space to run at the Fulham backline and, after a neat lay off by Lukasz Gargula, Kirm struck a shot that deflected in off Riise.

An enthralling opening 10 minutes continued as Johnson looked to put Fulham back into the lead, but the flick was ruled out for offside despite the tannoy announcer confirming the goal.

Jol's side continued to press forward in numbers looking to re-take the lead, with Clint Dempsey coming close to heading home a Duff corner.

Wisla were also looking dangerous and wasted a good chance from a counter-attack, failing to capitalise on a man advantage as Kirm blazed a cross over.

After several heavy challenges by both sides the noise rose inside Craven Cottage, Fulham returned to the attack and Riise saw a shot blocked wide by Cezary Wilk.

However, the home side regained the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Murphy teed up Johnson to volley home exquisitely.

Michael Lamey and Kirm then both had shots at the other end, before attention was focused off the field due to crowd disruption.

The number of Wisla fans in the home end were proving problematic and the away section then let off a smoke bomb that engulfed the whole pitch, although referee Halis Ozkahya allowed play to continue.

Clint Dempsey saw a cheeky chip clip the crossbar as half-time approached and the pitch cleared, before tempers began to flare as Bobby Zamora and Kew Jaliens both received yellow cards for coming head to head.

The second period started at a much slower tempo but both sides were still eking out chances.

Wisla were pushing forward in numbers but were caught out by a clever Fulham free-kick as Murphy laid off to Zamora, who flicked on to Johnson to dink over Pareiko from close range.

Temperatures began to rise again as the second half wore on with bookings handed out to both sides, with Gervasio Nunez enjoying his role as the villain.

The Argentinian midfielder was booed every time he touched the ball for his play-acting to get Mousa Dembele sent off in Poland and was guilty of simulation again on several occasions this evening.

Cheered on by the raucous away support, Wisla continued to pepper the Fulham goal and Jaliens saw a header rebound off the post.

However, the Dutch defender's header came moments after Sidwell fired home Fulham's fourth from close range after seeing his original header saved.

Fellow substitute Pajtim Kasami was the next to come close but Pareiko denied the Swiss midfielder with a fine save.



http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/duff-on-target-as-fulham-overpower-krakow-527026.html?

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Fulham 4-1 Wisla Krakow: Sublime Andy Johnson double seals comfortable win after thrilling European encounter at Craven Cottage
Feisty affair ends in resounding Cottagers victory as hosts seize control against the Polish champions and put themselves into commanding position in Europa League group K

Fulham repressed the memory of their recent Europa League defeat to Wisla Krakow with a 4-1 win in a tempestuous affair with the Polish champions.
Damien Duff opened the scoring early doors, before Andraz Kirm swiftly equalised. Amid the backdrop of a smoke-filled Craven Cottage, Andy Johnson fired the hosts in front with a volley of real high class, before setting the game by prodding home a well worked free-kick after the break. Steve Sidwell then secured the points with a late finish.

The win not only maintained Fulham's 23 home game undefeated stretch in European football but ensured that they are in with more than a fighting chance of making it through the group stages of this year's competition with just two games left.

Given the precarious nature of Fulham's Europa League group K position, Martin Jol started with the strongest team at his disposal, including the front pairing of Bobby Zamora and Johnson.

Wisla's two protagonists from the clubs' previous continental encounter in Poland, goalscorer David Biton and play-acting Gervasio Nunez, were granted starts for the visitors, with the half-crocked but influential trio of Milan Jovanovic, Marko Jovanovic and Ivica Iliev all on the bench.

Within five minutes the hosts were a goal up. Duff ghosted in off the wing and slick interchange between the Irishman, Zamora and Johnson led to the latter whipping the ball across the box and Duff finishing stylishly beyond Sergei Pareiko.

The visitor's response was quick-fire though and minutes later they drew level. Wisla attacked down the left flank and after a promising looking opening was carved, the ball fell to Andraz Kirm, who took a touch and fired in a shot that took a nick off John-Arne Riise before wrong-footing Mark Schwarzer.

After a disallowed goal and nearly squaring for Zamora to ponce, Johnson – the Europa League's joint second-top goalscorer - got it gloriously right on the half hour mark. The striker seized upon Duff's second attempt to put a corner into the box to hit a wonderful volley on his right foot from the edge of the area that rocketed into the top corner.


Euro beauty | Johnson nets stunning double as Fulham brush Wisla aside

Flares lit by the voracious away fans in and around the stadium quickly led to the Cottage being filled with smoke as the game grew increasingly ill-tempered. In the period up to half-time, the main moment of note on the pitch was Clint Dempsey winding the clocks back to the visit of Juventus last year, though this time his neatly clipped effort caught the top of the bar.

The sides traded blow for blow after the interval, Duff almost finishing off another fine, flowing movement, before Lukasz Gargula tested Schwarzer with a well-struck free-kick.

However, a decisive blow came for the hosts as Johnson was hacked down on the edge of the box after Zamora stepped in well to pinch the ball off. With a move straight off the training ground, Duff rolled the ball into Zamora, who rendered Wisla wall useless by rolling the ball in behind it for Johnson to scramble onto and poke the ball beyond Pareiko.

From that point on the Cottagers toyed with their visitors, with Nunez a marked pantomime villain with his constant theatrics. Wisla peppered the Fulham goal with long range efforts to no avail as they searched for a way to get back into the game.

The win was sealed ten minutes from time when substitute Sidwell rose highest to cannon in a header that pinballed between the bar and Pareiko. The midfielder stepped in to rifle the ball home from inside the six yard box to ensure that his side were in prime position for the closing stages of the Europa League Group K qualifying campaign.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/66165/fulham-vs-wisla/report

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Fulham and AJ land Pole position

IT WAS firework s night at Fulham – but it just happened to come two days early.

Amid flares from Wisla fans that made Craven Cottage look like it was in a 50s pea-souper, Andy Johnson lit up the night for the Whites.

The forward (pic) twice brilliantly hit the back of the net, and even had one chalked off for offside. Had he scripted it, the 30-year-old could not have made a better case for an improved contract offer.

What did get improved was Fulham's goal difference in an electric opening spell.

Damien Duff was on the receiving end of a Johnson cross inside the box before latecomers had taken their seats.

But if the Whites thought they were in for an easy night, the Poles were level four minutes later.

Dudu Biton was allowed space to wend his way towards goal before the ball found Andraz Kirm outside him.

Kirm's right-foot shot appeared to be covered by Mark Schwarzer, but the Fulham keeper stood no chance when John-Arne Riise's heel looped the deflection into the net much to the delight of the red tide at the Putney End.

Johnson and the ground announcer were celebrating a second when the striker smashed one back past the keeper.

The microphone and the forward were silenced instantly when the flag was raised for offside.

But the assistant could only marvel on 30 minutes when the Fulham man of the moment connected perfectly to swivel and volley Fulham back into the lead via an upright from Danny Murphy's centre.

Johnson was kept quiet after that, but the non-stop niggling of Wisla's Kew Jaliens got both he and Zamora booked as they squared up to each other.

The second half was somewhat paler by comparison, and although the flares were long out, Wisla were down and out when Johnson was on the end of a slide-rule free-kick routine to chip the keeper for 3-1.

Fulham boss Martin Jol brought on subs to save the troops for Spurs on Sunday, and one of them, Steve Sidwell, rose highest to head goalwards and bring a great save from the keeper.

However, Sidwell hammered the rebound firmly back past him to keep alive the Europa League dream in west London.



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/11/03/fulham-and-aj-land-pole-position-82029-29717446/?#ixzz1cijmZ6cB

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Fulham rampant at the Cottage



Fulham gave their best performance of the season to beat Wisla Krakow 4-1 at Craven Cottage in the Europa League on Thursday night.


Damien Duff, an Andy Johnson brace and a late strike from Steve Sidwell gave Martin Jol's men a deserved win.

Duff put his side 1-0 up when he made the most of a low cross from the impressive Johnson, but the Cottagers' lead was short lived.

Krakow were back in the game when John Arne Riise deflected in Andraz Kirm's shot, but Fulham were not to be denied.

The goal that made it 2-1 was quite brilliant, Johnson lashing in a volley on the 30 minute mark.

From that point onwards, the Polish side never looked like getting back into the game and their fate was sealed twelve minutes after the break.

Danny Murphy laid the ball off to Bobby Zamora, who flicked on to Johnson to dink over Sergei Pareiko from close range.

In a rare effort for the visitors, Kew Jaliens saw his header come back off the post, but Fulham already had their fourth by then, Sidwell slotting in after his header had been saved.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/11/03/Fulham-rampant-at-the-Cottage/gnid-116200/?

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Fulham bounce back to beat Wisla

Fulham edged closer to the UEFA Europa League knockout stages by securing an impressive 4-1 victory from a tempestuous encounter against Wisla Krakow this evening.

The west Londoners dominated the Group K tie from the offset as they avenged their 1-0 defeat in Poland two weeks ago, while also extending their unbeaten home record in Europe to 22 matches.

Damien Duff handed Fulham an early lead by tucking away Andy Johnson's low cross, but they were soon pegged back as an Andraz Kirm shot deflected in off John Arne Riise.

It was a tense atmosphere at Craven Cottage, with thousands of Wisla fans in attendance, but Fulham continued undeterred on the pitch and regained the lead through Johnson's sublime volley on the 30-minute mark. Johnson then extended the Cottagers' lead after a neat free-kick in the 57th minute, before substitute Steve Sidwell wrapped up the tie late on.

Heading into the clash, Fulham manager Martin Jol stuck to his word by naming a strong line-up for the Group K encounter. Meanwhile, Wisla Krakow included Milan Jovanic, Marko Jovanovic and Ivica Iliev on the bench after they were cleared to play after visa issues.

Wisla came into the match on a poor domestic run and also had to cope without several key players in west London. Such weakness was visible from the first whistle as Duff found time to strike an early shot that Sergei Pareiko did well to parry.

The Irish international was not to be denied for long, though, as he broke the deadlock in the fifth minute. Neat play down the right flank saw Johnson drill in a cross that Duff tucked away with ease. But with a plethora of Polish supporters inside Craven Cottage the match felt like a home tie and they soon had something to cheer about.

Dudu Biton found space to run at the Fulham backline and, after a neat lay off by Lukasz Gargula, Kirm struck a shot that deflected in off Riise. An enthralling opening ten minutes continued as Johnson looked to put Fulham back into the lead, but the flick was ruled out for offside.

Jol's side continued to press forward in numbers looking to regain the lead, with Clint Dempsey coming close to heading home a Duff corner. Wisla were also looking dangerous and wasted a good chance from a counter-attack, failing to capitalise on a man advantage as Kirm blazed a cross over.

Johnson strikes back
After several heavy challenges by both sides the noise rose inside Craven Cottage, Fulham returned to the attack and Riise saw a shot blocked wide by Cezary Wilk. However, the home side regained the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Murphy teed up Johnson to volley home exquisitely.

Michael Lamey and Kirm then both had shots at the other end, before Clint Dempsey saw a cheeky chip clip the crossbar as half-time approached and the pitch cleared, before tempers began to flare as Bobby Zamora and Kew Jaliens both received yellow cards for coming head to head.

The second period started at a much slower pace, but both sides were still eking out chances. Wisla were pushing forward in numbers but were caught out by a clever Fulham free-kick as Murphy laid off to Zamora, who flicked on to Johnson to dink over Pareiko from close range.

Temperatures began to rise again as the second half wore on with bookings handed out to both sides, with Gervasio Nunez enjoying his role as the villain. The Argentinian midfielder was booed every time he touched the ball.

Cheered on by the raucous away support, Wisla continued to pepper the Fulham goal and Jaliens saw a header rebound off the post. However, the Dutch defender's header came moments after Sidwell fired home Fulham's fourth from close range after seeing his original header saved.

Fellow substitute Pajtim Kasami was the next to come close but Pareiko denied the Swiss midfielder with a fine save.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1537262.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

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Fulham 4 Wisla Krakow 1: match report


Prolific performance: Andrew Johnson celebrates one of his two goals at Craven Cottage on Thursday night
Photo: ACTION IMAGES

Whoever said the Europa League was boring? Scuffles on the pitch, furious rows off it, a smoke bomb that briefly engulfed the entire ground and, with firework s night approaching, a goal from Andrew Johnson that could be described legitimately as a rocket.

There was also the small matter of revenge for Fulham who, after Moussa Dembélé's ridiculous sending-off in Krakow, had succumbed 1-0 in last month's corresponding fixture. That lingering sense of injustice, however, formed only part of the explanation for the extraordinary atmosphere.

The entire Putney End was filled almost exclusively by supporters of Wisla Krakow, but it soon also became clear that fans of the Polish champions were dotted throughout the 20,319 crowd. It left Fulham with a stewarding nightmare and angry recriminations from their own supporters.

Their mood was at least improved by Fulham's exceptional start. After just five minutes, Damien Duff dropped deep to collect the ball and fizzed a pass in to Bobby Zamora. The England forward instantly released Johnson down the right who, in turn, picked out Duff. The Republic of Ireland winger did not even break stride to finish clinically with his left foot.

Fulham's lead was short-lived. Dickson Etuhu unnecessarily conceded possession and the ball bounced into the path of Andraz Kirm. Mark Schwarzer appeared to have the shot covered but it cannoned off the heel of John Arne Riise and into the opposite corner.

The stadium announcer then prematurely declared that Fulham had again taken the lead, but Johnson's predatory finish from Duff's parried shot was ruled offside. No matter. What occurred in the 30th minute more than made up for it.

Duff was again involved, floating a cross into the area that Johnson volleyed sublimely past Sergei Pareiko and into the top corner. "Amazing," Martin Jol said. "If we come up with goals like that every week it would be like Real Madrid in the golden days."

Yet events went from the sublime to the ridiculous when a smoke bomb was let off, impeding the visibility for players and fans alike.

Zamora and Kew Jaliens squared up angrily and there was similar fury from the Krakow players at Etuhu's studs-up tackle on Garvasio Nunez, the midfielder whose play-acting got Dembélé sent off in Poland.

Fulham handled the highly charged atmosphere best and they extended their lead when Johnson calmly lifted his finish over Pareiko following a brilliantly worked free-kick.

The finishing touch was then applied by Steve Sidwell, who followed up emphatically after his own header had rebounded off the crossbar..

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Baird, Hangeland, Riise; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy (Sidwell 63), Dempsey; Zamora (Frei 72), Johnson (Kasami 76).
Subs: Etheridge (g), Grygera, Briggs, Gecov.
Booked: Zamora, Etuhu.

Wisla Krakow (4-2-3-1): Pareiko; Lamey, Jaliens, Brud (Illiev 60), Diaz; Wilk, Nunez; Paljic, Gargula (Genkov 61), Kirm, Biton (Jovanovic 88).
Subs: Jovanic (g), Kurto, Czekaj, Boguski.
Booked: Jaliens, Paljic, Diaz.

Referee: H Ozkahya (Turkey).


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/europa-league/8867375/Fulham-4-Wisla-Krakow-1-match-report.html?

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EUROPA LEAGUE: Fulham produce commanding performance to beat Wisla Krakow

Fulham tonight moved clear into second spot in the Europa League's Group K table thanks to a commanding 4-1 home win over Wisla Krakow.

The Cottagers were desperate to atone for their 1-0 away loss to the Poles when Moussa Dembele was controversially sent off and they managed to do it in style with help from an Andy Johnson brace which takes his tally to eight goals in Europe so far this season.

It started out well for the home side as they took the lead through Damien Duff inside five minutes as he slotted home a neat cross from Johnson from the right but within four minutes the visitors were back on level terms courtesy of Andraz Kirm's attempt deflected in off Cottagers left-back John Arne Riise.

But sanity at Craven Cottage was soon restored when Johnson sent a sublime volley home on the half-hour mark before adding a second, to make it 3-1, when Danny Murphy's quick free-kick was laid off to Bobby Zamora who flicked it into the path of Johnson to fire home from close range.

The victory was complete when Steve Sidwell managed to follow-up his initial header to slot home in the 79th minute, making it 4-1, and pushing Martin Jol's men four points clear of Odense and Wisla in second with FC Twente three points ahead of the Cottagers at the top.

Europa League Group K

Fulham (ENG): 4 (Damien Duff 5', Andy Johnson 30'/57', Steve Sidwell 79')
Wisla Krakow (POL): 1 (Andraz Kirm 9')
Craven Cottage, London

Yellow cards: FUL - Bobby Zamora 43', Dickson Etuhu 65'
WIS - Kew Jaliens 44', Dragan Paljic 56', Junior Diaz 66'



http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/europa-league-fulham-produce-commanding-performance-beat-wisla-krakow-2028791?utm_source=feed_newsnow

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Johnson inspires thoughts of another magical Fulham run

Martin Jol was spot on in his analysis of Fulham's first three goals as his players' performances on the pitch and Wisla Krakow's raucous fans off it reminded everyone why the Europa League is not such a bad competition after all.



"The first one was a great move," the Dutch manager mused. "The second was amazing and the third one was clever. If you could come up with ideas like that every week you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days."

Fulham's progress from Group K, where they are currently in second place, is not yet assured but is now looking likely after two goals from Andy Johnson, currently in dispute with his employers over the length of a new contract, and one each from Damien Duff and substitute Steve Sidwell added up to a comfortable victory. Add in the sideshow that was Gervasio Nunez, the man whose play-acting engineered a red card for Moussa Dembélé in the reverse fixture, and it was a night to remember at Craven Cottage.

Duff scored the first, beginning and then finishing a swift, once-touch move involving Johnson and Bobby Zamora. Wisla then equalised after Dickson Etuhu had been caught in possession, with Andraz Kirm's shot needing a hefty deflection off John Arne Riise to fox Mark Schwarzer but Fulham were back in front on the half hour with the goal of the game.

Johnson volleyed Danny Murphy's delivery in off a post so crisply that inevitably the question of the possibility of an England recall after four years in the wilderness followed. The 30-year-old's second was one of the best too, a training ground free-kick routine that caught Wisla flat-footed. Zamora flicked on Murphy's low pass to enable Johnson to convert at the near post. Sidwell completed the scoring late on, on the rebound after his header had hit the bar and the Fulham fans also had fun booing Nunez.

Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly, Baird, Hangeland, Riise; Duff, Etuhu, Murphy (Sidwell, 63), Dempsey; Johnson (Kasami, 76), Zamora. (Frei, 72). Substitutes not used Etheridge (gk), Gecov, Grygera, Briggs.

Wisla Krakow (4-2-3-1): Pareiko; Lamey, Jaliens, Brud (Iliev, 60), Junior Diaz; Wilk, Nunez; Paljic, Gargula (Genkov, 61), Kirm; Biton (Jovanovic, 88). Substitutes not used Jovanic (gk), Kurto, Boguski, Czekaj.

Referee H Ozkahya (Turkey).



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/johnson-inspires-thoughts-of-another-magical-fulham-run-6257000.html

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Jol's Wisla Reaction

Speaking to members of the press after Thursday evening's UEFA Europa League victory over Wisla Krakow at Craven Cottage, Fulham Manager Martin Jol gave his post-match assessment.

"We scored early so that was good but then we lost the ball in midfield [and they scored]," said the Fulham Manager.

"That said, we scored some great goals. The second goal was amazing and the third one was a clever one.

"If you could come up with ideas like that every week you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days.

"I think sometimes it is nice to see them do something in training and it comes on it the match.

"We have played some good football this season. The only problem is the nil-nils and the one-alls, with three draws at home.

"Even last week if we had won [against Everton] we would be in a nice position in the top 10.

"Today you could say we were very efficient because normally we create eight or nine chances and we score one goal and today we were different."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/November/JolsWislaReaction.aspx?#ixzz1cimfOhVc

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Jol praise for Johnson
Fulham boss also pleased with efficiency of team

Fulham manager Martin Jol believes Andrew Johnson is one of the best second strikers in the business, but has made a joke of suggestions the forward could earn an England recall.

The former Everton and Crystal Palace star scored two excellent goals in a 4-1 win over Wisla Krakow on Thursday night which kept his current club on course for a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

The 30-year-old has now netted eight continental goals this season, which has led to some people to suggest he may be worthy of an England call-up.

Injury-plagued Johnson has not represented his country since earning the most recent of his eight caps in the 2-1 friendly defeat to Germany at Wembley in 2007, while he was infamously played as a winger on his senior international debut by Sven Goran Eriksson.

But Jol said: "Johnson for England? What, are they going to play him out on the right like they did before?

Unbelievable

"If you keep on scoring everyone says you should be in the England team but, for me, as a second striker he is one of the better ones.

"He scored a hat-trick against QPR and if he could do that every game it would be unbelievable, but we are not doing that.

"It was nice to see him score goals because his second goal was completely different to his first so that is good for a striker. It gives him a lot of confidence."

Jol also praised his side for their efficiency in front of goal as they turned over Wisla in comprehensive fashion at Craven Cottage, with Damien Duff and Steve Sidwell also on target.

"We scored early so that was good, but then we lost the ball in midfield [and they scored]," said Jol. "That said, we scored some great goals. The second goal was amazing and the third one was a clever one.

"If you could come up with ideas like that every week you would be like Real Madrid in the golden days."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7290195/?