Sunday Fulham Stuff (18/12/11)...

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Fulham 2 Bolton 0: Ruiz stunner eases Euro pain but heaps more misery on Coyle

It doesn't get much bleaker in mid-winter than the driving sleet on the banks of the Thames as a cruel wind blows across Craven Cottage.

And for Owen Coyle and his Bolton team, bottom of the league, there was no respite on Saturday from a season that is looking increasingly difficult to rescue.


Clint in his eye: Fulham star Dempsey celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Bolton

MATCH FACTS
Fulham: Stockdale, Baird, Senderos, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Ruiz, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Dembele. Subs not used: Etheridge, Kelly, Orlando Sa, Gecov, Duff, Hughes, Frei.
Scorers: Dempsey 32, Ruiz 34
Booked: Murphy
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Boyata (Steinsson 46), Cahill, Knight, Alonso, Mark Davies (Ngog 56), Muamba, Reo-Coker, Pratley (Eagles 46), Kevin Davies, Klasnic. Subs not used: Bogdan, Robinson, Sanli, Petrov.
Booked: Steinsson, Muamba, Reo-Coker.
Attendance: 25,643.
Referee: Chris Foy.

Since beating Stoke 5-0, a match that had seemed to be a turning point, they have slumped to five successive defeats.
And even given that four of the most important players from the team that so impressed last season are either injured or have moved on, yesterday there was little mitigation.

For good as Fulham were, especially given their midweek disappointment in the Europa League, Bolton were awful in the first half, out-muscled and out-passed.

A small cameo showing the frustration came when Nigel Reo-Coker angrily bounced the ball down on to the ground as his team conceded another free-kick, attracting a chorus of wolf-whistles.

It was already 2-0, and Bolton looked powerless to alter their fate.

It was that kind of afternoon for Bolton. If they were badly at fault for their first goal - a slick move which ended with a Bryan Ruiz cross being met forcefully by Clint Dempsey's header eight yards out - the one they conceded 65 seconds after that was utterly shambolic, as manager Coyle acknowledged.


Heads you win: Dempsey (second half) rises above Dedryck Boyata to open the scoring

From their own kick-off, Bolton contrived to lose the ball to Brede Hangeland and then allow Dempsey to play in Ruiz, who outran the stumbling Marcos Alonso to scoop the ball over Jussi Jaaskelainen. It was a chip that looked as though it might end up in The Putney End but instead proved to be exquisite.

'I expect him to do what he did today because he did that on a weekly basis in Holland,' said Fulham boss Martin Jol, who bought Ruiz from FC Twente last summer.


Cool as a cucumber: Bryan Ruiz doubled Fulham's advantage after 34 minutes with a great finish


A job well done: John Arnie Riise (left) congratulates Ruiz on his excellent goal

'Of course, it is a different ball game here, but he has done well in the last few games.'

For Coyle, it was a catalogue of errors, with Dedryck Boyata most culpable. For Dempsey's first, Coyle said: 'Dedryck's not done well enough at the back post. It's something we pre-warned him about but you have to have that desire in the box.'

Boyata was then responsible for giving the ball away which led to the second goal and Coyle was kind enough to suggest he would go on to have a fine career at Manchester City, from where he is on loan. Not on this evidence he won't and he was hauled off, along with Darren Pratley, at half-time.


Catch me if you can: Moussa Dembele (left) glides past Fabrice Muamba

'In 30 seconds we shot ourselves in the foot,' said Coyle. 'It was self-inflicted. Good as Fulham are, they didn't have to earn their win today. Even though as a player I might not have played well, I always prided myself that I came off having given my very best. I asked that group in there to go away and think whether they are giving their very best for this club.

'I accept that what we're trying to put in place has to be backed up by results. If we do stay in the Premier League, and I believe we will, we will be set up the best we have been for years. But we have to accept we're in a dogfight.'


Close eye: England manager Fabio Capello (left) watches the action at Craven Cottage

So for Coyle, Tuesday's clash with second-bottom Blackburn now becomes the club's 'biggest game of the season'.

Fulham, who were missing Bobby Zamora with a knee injury, were on top from the off.

Andy Johnson should have put them ahead on nine minutes when one on one with Jaaskelainen, but pulled his effort wide. The Bolton keeper then had to tip Danny Murphy's shot wide on 11 minutes, while Zat Knight blocked Johnson and Hangeland headed just over before the goals, after 33 and 34 minutes.


Dembele sandwich: Fulham's forward is tackled by Zat Knight (left) and Mark Davies (right)


Under pressure: Owen Coyle (right) looked in good cheer before kick off as he embraced Fulham manager Martin Jol (left) but was left to reflect on another disappointing day at the office (below right) after the game

In fairness, Bolton did improve, and David Stockdale, watched by Fabio Capello, collected well from a Mark Davies strike on 40 minutes, prefacing a more solid second-half performance.

Fabrice Muamba had shots on 57 and 58 minutes that at least suggested some fight but by then the damage had been done for Bolton and the game already lost.


Every cloud has a silver lining: Fulham bounced back from their Europa League heartbreak in midweek


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2075404/Fulham-2-Bolton-0-Cottagers-heap-misery-Owen-Coyle.html#ixzz1gsCbTxBJ

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Fulham 2 Bolton Wanderers 0: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Saturday Dec 17 2011.


Big man: Bryan Ruiz scores Fulham's second goal Photo: GETTY IMAGES

It is the place no Premier League club wants to be, but unless Bolton Wanderers can win at fellow-strugglers Blackburn on Tuesday, they will be bottom of the table at Christmas – and we know what that almost inevitably leads to.

Only once in Premier League history has a club been bottom on Christmas Day and not gone down and that was West Bromwich's 'Great Escape' in 2004.

Relegation is starting to look probable rather than possible for Owen Coyle's side, who fell to a fifth successive defeat against a Fulham side that cantered to a second home victory in a row for the first time this season.

A thumping header from Clint Dempsey and delicate chip from Bryan Ruiz just after the half-hour mark gave Fulham the points, while Coyle pondered his seventh defeat in the past eight games

"We shot ourselves in the foot," he said. "For the first goal, it should have been a routine cross into the box and I would expect my defenders to clear it.

"Then within 30 seconds of the restart we give the ball away and allow Ruiz to score with an exquisite finish." Asked about being bottom at Christmas, he said: "There's only one way to avoid it and that is to win at Blackburn. The beauty of football is there is always a chance to put things right."

While time is not on Coyle's side, Martin Jol can afford a smile after his side's recent improvement and that of the flamboyant midfielder Ruiz.

Signed from FC Twente for £10.5 million, the Costa Rican has taken time to adapt, and as Jol said: "It was not easy because he was injured at first and it is only now that we have got him really fit. But that is the sort of goal he can score and you won't see many players do that."

Ruiz looked to have given himself little room for manoeuvre when he ran on to Dempsey's through ball, but he held off Marcos Alonso and drew Jussi Jaaskelainen, in the 32nd minute, and delicately lobbed the ball over the keeper and into the net. It was also a reversal of roles for the opening goal barely a minute earlier, when Ruiz's teasing cross was headed in from 10 yards by Dempsey.

Once Fulham were ahead, there was little danger of Bolton getting anything. Mark Davies and Zat Knight tested reserve goalkeeper David Stockdale with long-range shots, but that was about it.

Coyle remained defiant, saying: "We know we are in a dogfight, but I believe Bolton will stay in the Premier League."
They may need to buck a Christmas tradition to do that.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8961478/Fulham-2-Bolton-Wanderers-0-match-report.html

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Sorry Bolton fall at Fulham
Goals for Dempsey and Ruiz secure comfortable victory


Bryan Ruiz: Scores Fulham's second goal with an impressive chip

Owen Coyle's misery continued at Craven Cottage as Fulham eased to a 2-0 victory over Bolton in the Premier League.

Bottom of the league before kick-off and on a miserable run, Bolton needed a positive result but were undone in the space of two frantic first-half minues.

Clint Dempsey opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, the American directing a fine header into the bottom corner after a precise cross from Bryan Ruiz.
Ruiz then doubled the lead in the 34th minute, Bolton's defence at sixes and sevens as a simple ball through resulted in an exquisite chip over Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Coyle tried to change things after the break but the damage was already done - a team bereft of confidence rarely troubled David Stockdaleand never looked like mounting a comeback.


Heading into the match, Fulham were hit by the news that Bobby Zamora had failed a late fitness test.

Zamora absence

The 30-year-old missed out due to a medial ligament problem in his left knee and was replaced in attack by Andrew Johnson, who was one of seven changes made by Jol after the 2-2 draw with Odense.

Counterpart Coyle, meanwhile, drafted in Marcos Alonso, Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker after Bolton's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

An edgy start by both sides was encapsulated by an uncharacteristic mistake by Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu, who was caught in possession and allowed Reo-Coker to flash a shot across goal.

The effort seemed to spur the west Londoners into life, with Johnson coming close after a neat one-two with Dempsey almost immediately.

Returning skipper Danny Murphy - who fans feared may have aggravated his ankle injury inside five minutes - showed no ill effects shortly after Johnson's effort, seeing a superbly-executed volley deflected just wide.

Johnson had a close-range shot blocked by former Fulham defender Zat Knight as the home side upped the ante, with Etuhu and Brede Hangeland then getting headers away from corners.

Darren Pratley came close with a 20-yard effort during a rare Wanderers attack, before Jaaskelainen turned wide John Arne Riise's drive from 20 yards at the other end.

Bolton were playing like a team devoid of confidence and, after Hangeland twice miscued headers, Dempsey broke the deadlock.

The United States international beat Dedryck Boyata to Ruiz's superb right-wing cross to send home a darted header in the 32nd minute.

Just 66 seconds later, Fulham doubled their advantage thanks to a moment of magic from Ruiz.

The Costa Rica international was put through on goal by Dempsey after outpacing Alonso and, having steadied himself, delightfully scooped the ball over the onrushing Jaaskelainen.

Bolton looked to reduce the deficit as half-time approached, although Ivan Klasnic and Mark Davies were both denied by Fulham's sturdy defence.

Bolton manager Coyle brought on Gretar Steinsson and Chris Eagles, having witnessed a poor first half.

Boyata and Pratley made way but the changes could not stem the Fulham tide as they continued to press for a third.

Improvement
Bolton captain Kevin Davies made way for David Ngog as a result in the 56th minute, leading to a slightly improved spell from Wanderers.

Klasnic and Muamba were finding good attacking positions, while the visitors were enjoying more possession.

However, Fulham looked dangerous on the break and, after Johnson was adjudged offside when in on goal, Dempsey came agonisingly close to directing home the striker's cross at the back post.

Bolton looked desperate for a goal and, although Eagles and Muamba got efforts away, their exertions left gaping holes at the back.

Johnson and Moussa Dembele almost capitalised as Fulham hunted for a third, which proved elusive as the home side ran out 2-0 victors.


http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3408336,00.html?

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Bryan Ruiz fires Fulham to Bolton win

Fulham 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

BRYAN Ruiz scored one set up another as Fulham secured a much-needed three points against rock-bottom Bolton.

The Costa Rican crossed for Clint Dempsey to open the scoring on 32 minutes before adding a superb second a minute later to haul Martin Jol's men clear of the drop zone.

Fulham were dealt a blow before kick-off after Bobby Zamora was ruled out with a knee injury as Jol made seven changes from the side which drew with Odense in midweek.

The Whites attacked from the off, with Andy Johnson, Danny Murphy and John Arne Riise all going close.

And the hosts grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with two goals in as many minutes just after the half-hour mark.

Ruiz sent in a teasing cross from the left, and Dempsey outjumped his marker to head the ball into the bottom corner.
They added a deserved second a minute later, Dempsey this time the provider for Ruiz to exquisitely lift the ball over Jussi Jaaskelainen into the empty net.

Bolton made a better fist of it after the break, with Chris Eagles firing inches wide, while at the other end, Dempsey hit the side netting and Johnson and Dembele saw shots blocked.

David Stockdale saved well from Fabrice Muamba as the visitors looked to find a way back into the game, but Jol's men held on for a deserved victory at Craven Cottage.

FULHAM: Stockdale, Baird, Hangeland, Senderos, Riise, Ruiz, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Dembele, Johnson.
Subs (not used): Etheridge, Kelly, Hughes, Gecov, Duff, Frei, Sa.



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2011/12/17/bryan-ruiz-fires-fulham-to-bolton-win-82029-29970152/?

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Ruiz stars as Fulham beats visiting Bolton 2-0

LONDON (AP) -Costa Rica striker Bryan Ruiz scored one goal and set up another Saturday to give Fulham a 2-0 Premier League win over visiting Bolton.

United States international Clint Dempsey headed in a 32nd-minute opener from a cross by Ruiz, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen just 66 seconds later to extend the west London side's advantage.

Bolton played well in the second half but failed to find a way past the home side's resolute defense and stays bottom of the Premier League.

The most prolific American scorer in England's top division with 38 career goals, Dempsey has five Premier League goals this season and another three in other competitions.


Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/12/17/2080.ap.soc.fulham.bolton.0118/index.html#ixzz1gsGIC2Lz

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Fulham 2-0 Bolton Wanderers: Dempsey and Ruiz on scoresheet to keep visitors rooted to the foot of the table
Martin Jol's men cure Europa League hangover with fourth win of the season, as Owen Coyle's side's Premier League woes continue at Craven Cottage



Fulham earned their fourth Premier League win of the season as an impressive first half performance gave them a 2-0 victory over Bolton.

A goal from Clint Dempsey and a wonder-strike from Bryan Ruiz secured the points as the hosts scored two in two minutes to consign Bolton to the bottom of the table for another week.

Dempsey placed a good header from distance into the corner before Ruiz scooped the ball over the head of Jussi Jaaskelainen to round off a devastating counter-attack from the hosts, sealing a dominant win.
For the home side, Danny Murphy was back in the team following a week-long absence with an ankle injury, while David Stockdale was recalled from his loan spell with Ipswich Town following an injury to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Bobby Zamora was a notable absentee as well, with Ruiz filling in for the centre forward, but taking up a position on the right flank, as Dempsey was given increased attacking license.

Owen Coyle chose to go with a defensive-minded XI consisting of four central midfielders, with Darren Pratley deployed on the right and Chris Eagles consigned to the bench.

The first chance of the match fell to Nigel Reo-Coker after five minutes. Kevin Davies won the ball back from Dickson Etuhu for the visitors, but the former Aston Villa man was unable to finish off the passing move.

Fulham quickly countered, however, and Andy Johnson had a real chance to open the scoring after he was put through by Dempsey. The striker tried to dink an effort over Jaaskelainen, but his shot skewed wide.

Murphy then came close as the hosts began to dominate, but his volley from the edge of the area was tipped wide by the Bolton keeper.

There was no doubt that Fulham were on top in the opening stages, and they tested Jaaskelainen again, as John Arne Riise struck a free-kick that was well-saved following a deflection on its route to goal.


Clinical Clint | Dempsey's first-half opener set Fulham on the way to victory

Yet in the 32nd minute the home side took the lead. A nice move from Fulham was capped off with a fine finish as Dempsey headed home Ruiz's cross from 13 yards out perfectly into the corner of the goal past the flailing Jaaskelainen.

And before the visitors could catch breath, they were two goals behind. This time Dempsey returned the favour for Ruiz, putting the attacker in behind the defence, and despite initially appearing to lose control of the ball, the Costa Rican recovered to effortlessly lob Jaaskelainen and double his side's lead.

Bolton should have got back into it just before half-time with their first real chance of the match, but Mark Davies' shot was saved well by David Stockdale in front of the watching Fabio Capello.

The second half was considerably quieter than the first, with Fulham content to sit back and counter.

A strategy that almost led to a third goal when Johnson's driven ball flew across the goalmouth, where Dempsey was sliding in, yet the American was unable to direct his shot goalwards as he hit the side-netting.

Bolton began to see more possession as the half progressed but were unable to threaten Stockdale in goal, with the 26-year-old confidently protecting his cleansheet.

The result leaves Bolton rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, whilst Martin Jol's side will look to finally kick-start their domestic campaign having been dumped out of Europe this week.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60352/fulham-vs-bolton-wanderers/report

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Fulham cruise against struggling Bolton

Fulham showed no signs of a European hangover today as they dominated bottom side Bolton Wanderers to secure a deserved 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers came into their 31st competitive match of season with added impetus after their untimely exit from the UEFA Europa League in midweek. Martin Jol's side squandered a two-goal lead to eventually draw with Odense on Wednesday night, although there was to be no such comeback this afternoon.

Fulham attacked with intent from the off against the under-pressure Trotters and broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Clint Dempsey nodded home Brian Ruiz's cross.

Roles then reversed 66 seconds later when the USA international played through the summer signing, who showed exquisite composure and vision to lift the ball over the onrushing Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton impressed in flashes after the break but were unable to avoid a 13th league defeat of the season as Fulham held out for a seventh clean sheet of the campaign.

Heading into the match, Fulham were hit by the news that Bobby Zamora had failed a late fitness test. The 30-year-old missed out due to a medial ligament problem in his left knee and was replaced in attack by Andrew Johnson, who was one of seven changes made by Jol after the 2-2 draw with Odense.

Counterpart Owen Coyle, meanwhile, drafted in Marcos Alonso, Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker after Bolton's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa last weekend.

An edgy start by both sides was encapsulated by an uncharacteristic mistake by Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu, who was caught in possession and allowed Reo-Coker to flash a shot across goal. The effort seemed to spur the west Londoners into life, with Johnson coming close after a neat one-two with Dempsey almost immediately.

Returning captain Danny Murphy, who fans feared may have aggravated his ankle injury inside five minutes, showed no ill effects shortly after Johnson's effort, seeing a superbly-executed volley deflected just wide.

Johnson had a close-range shot blocked by former Fulham defender Zat Knight as the home side upped the ante, with Etuhu and Brede Hangeland then getting headers away from corners.

Dempsey, Ruiz combine
Darren Pratley came close with a 20-yard effort during a rare Wanderers attack, before Jaaskelainen turned wide John Arne Riise's drive from 20 yards at the other end. Bolton were playing like a team devoid of confidence and, after Hangeland twice miscued headers, Dempsey broke the deadlock.

The USA international beat Dedryck Boyata to Ruiz's superb right-wing cross to send home a darted header in the 32nd minute. Just 66 seconds later, Fulham doubled their advantage thanks to a moment of magic from Ruiz.

The Costa Rica international was put through on goal by Dempsey after outpacing Alonso and, having steadied himself, delightfully scooped the ball over the onrushing Jaaskelainen.

Bolton looked to reduce the deficit as half-time approached, although Ivan Klasnic and Mark Davies were both denied by Fulham's sturdy defence. Bolton manager Coyle brought on Gretar Steinsson and Chris Eagles, having witnessed a poor first half.

Boyata and Pratley made way but the changes could not stem the Fulham tide as they continued to press for a third. Bolton captain Kevin Davies made way for David Ngog as a result in the 56th minute, leading to a slightly improved spell from Wanderers.

Klasnic and Muamba were finding good attacking positions, while the visitors were enjoying more possession. However, Fulham looked dangerous on the break and, after Johnson was adjudged offside when in on goal, Dempsey came agonisingly close to directing home the striker's cross at the back post.

Bolton looked desperate for a goal and, although Eagles and Muamba got efforts away, their exertions left gaping holes at the back. Johnson and Moussa Dembele almost capitalised as Fulham hunted for a third, which proved elusive as the home side ran out 2-0 victors.



http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1558724.html?cid=rssfeed&att=

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Bolton bettered at the Cottage



Fulham recorded a 2-0 win over Premier League strugglers Bolton Wanderers at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.


Clint Dempsey's excellent header and Bryan Ruiz's clever finish inside the space of two first-half minutes were enough for Fulham to consign the league's bottom side to defeat.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the opening half-hour and probably deserved the lead that they took when Ruiz's cross saw Dempsey steer a header home from 12 yards.

A little over a minute later, Fulham had their second. Dempsey and Ruiz swapped roles, as the American's pass allowed Ruiz to hold off Marcos Alonso and lift a fine finish over Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton came close to pulling one back before the break, as David Stockdale did well to save low to his right, denying Mark Davies following Nigel Reo-Coker's cut-back.

Fabrice Muamba scuffed a decent chance to bring the visitors back into the game 10 minutes into the second period, but Dempsey should have then ended the clash as a contest, hitting the side netting following Andrew Johnson's cross.

As the game wore on, Bolton pressed and controlled much of the possession, but looked susceptible to being hit on the counter attack.

However, neither side added to the score-sheet, with Fulham ultimately recording a comfortable win to move up to eleventh place.



http://www.setanta.com/ie/Articles/2011/12/17/Fulham-v-Bolton/gnid-122172/?

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Fulham recover from Europa exit to ease past Bolton



Fulham 2 Bolton 0

Fulham showed no signs of a European hangover today as they dominated bottom side Bolton to secure a deserved victory at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers came into their 31st competitive match of season with added impetus after their untimely exit from the Europa League in midweek.

Martin Jol's side squandered a two-goal lead to eventually draw with Odense on Wednesday night, although there was to be no such comeback this afternoon.

Fulham attacked with intent from the offset against the under-pressure Trotters and broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Clint Dempsey nodded home Ruiz's cross.

Roles then reversed 66 seconds later when the United States international played through the summer signing, who showed exquisite composure and vision to lift the ball over the onrushing Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton impressed in flashes after the break but were unable to avoid a 13th league defeat of the season as Fulham held out for a seventh clean sheet of the campaign.

Heading into the match, Fulham were hit by the news that Bobby Zamora had failed a late fitness test.

The 30-year-old missed out due to a medial ligament problem in his left knee and was replaced in attack by Andrew Johnson, who was one of seven changes made by Jol after the 2-2 draw with Odense.

Counterpart Owen Coyle, meanwhile, drafted in Marcos Alonso, Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker after Bolton's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

An edgy start by both sides was encapsulated by an uncharacteristic mistake by Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu, who was caught in possession and allowed Reo-Coker to flash a shot across goal.

The effort seemed to spur the west Londoners into life, with Johnson coming close after a neat one-two with Dempsey almost immediately.

Returning skipper Danny Murphy who fans feared may have aggravated his ankle injury inside five minutes showed no ill effects shortly after Johnson's effort, seeing a superbly-executed volley deflected just wide.

Johnson had a close-range shot blocked by former Fulham defender Zat Knight as the home side upped the ante, with Etuhu and Brede Hangeland then getting headers away from corners.

Darren Pratley came close with a 20-yard effort during a rare Wanderers attack, before Jaaskelainen turned wide John Arne Riise's drive from 20 yards at the other end.

Bolton were playing like a team devoid of confidence and, after Hangeland twice miscued headers, Dempsey broke the deadlock.

The United States international beat Dedryck Boyata to Ruiz's superb right-wing cross to send home a darted header in the 32nd minute.

Just 66 seconds later, Fulham doubled their advantage thanks to a moment of magic from Ruiz.

The Costa Rica international was put through on goal by Dempsey after outpacing Alonso and, having steadied himself, delightfully scooped the ball over the onrushing Jaaskelainen.

Bolton looked to reduce the deficit as half-time approached, although Ivan Klasnic and Mark Davies were both denied by Fulham's sturdy defence.

Bolton manager Coyle brought on Gretar Steinsson and Chris Eagles, having witnessed a poor first half.

Boyata and Pratley made way but the changes could not stem the Fulham tide as they continued to press for a third.

Bolton captain Kevin Davies made way for David Ngog as a result in the 56th minute, leading to a slightly improved spell from Wanderers.

Klasnic and Muamba were finding good attacking positions, while the visitors were enjoying more possession.

However, Fulham looked dangerous on the break and, after Johnson was adjudged offside when in on goal, Dempsey came agonisingly close to directing home the striker's cross at the back post.

Bolton looked desperate for a goal and, although Eagles and Muamba got efforts away, their exertions left gaping holes at the back.

Johnson and Mousa Dembele almost capitalised as Fulham hunted for a third, which proved elusive as the home side ran out 2-0 victors.


http://www.eecho.ie/news/sport/fulham-recover-from-europa-exit-to-ease-past-bolton-532620.html?

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Clint Dempsey scores and adds an assist in Fulham's 2-0 win over Bolton

Clint Dempsey once again helped Fulham to a win on Sunday, scoring his club's opener and adding an assist less than a minute later to give the Cottager's a 2-0 win over Bolton.

It took 33 minutes for a fairly dominant Fulham side to open the scoring. Ruiz was played down the right and bent in a lovely cross. Dempsey managed to beat his marker and placed his headed effort perfectly into the corner to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

With Bolton still trying to recover from the first strike, the American repaid the favor to his Costa Rican teammate less than a minute later, slipping Ruiz through on goal. A wonderful chipping of the 'keeper gave Fulham a 2-0 lead that the team would never really be in trouble of losing.

The goal was Dempsey's third in four games and marked his eighth of the season in all competitions, with four assists now to go along with the impressive goal tally.

For Ruiz it was only his second strike of the season, but his performance was one that should bring hope to the Fulham faithful that the winger is finally finding his footing in the Premier League.



http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-clintdempseyscoresandaddsan

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Fulham 2 Bolton 0

After exiting the Europa League, in such dramatic style, in midweek, Fulham got back to winning ways this afternoon.

For the second Premier League game in succession, Bobby Zamora was absent from the named eighteen. This time our talented striker was missing due to a knee problem. With Mark Schwarzer side-lined for up to six weeks with a spinal injury, David Stockdale was between the posts. Danny Murphy who had missed the midweek Europa League action was fit enough to take his usual place in the midfield, alongside Dickson Etuhu.

Fulham - Stockdale, Riise JA, Hangeland, Senderos, Baird, Murohy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Johnson, Ruiz, Dembele

Subs - Etheridge, Kelly, Hughes, Gecov, Duff, Frei, SA

First Half - With Fabio Capello watching from the stands it was to be Fulham that were to have the better of the first half.

But, the first chance of the half fell to Bolton with Reo-Coker firing a shot across the goal and wide. Andrew Johnson then slipped an effort wide after being put through before a header from a Danny Murphy corner, from Brede Hangeland, went just wide.

The deadlock was broken though with thirty-two minutes played. Bryan Ruiz cut in from the flank and Clint Dempsey did well to get to the cross and steer his header into the net.

The Craven Cottage faithful had barley sat back down in their seats before the lead was doubled with a gem of a goal, the same two players, Dempsey and Ruiz, combining with Ruiz latching onto a ball from Dempsey to hold off the challenge of Alonso before cleverly lifting the ball over the Bolton keeper, Jaaskelainen.

The half finished with Bolton creating a chance when Re-Coker engineered some space on the right and his ball into the area was met by Mark Davies but his low shot was well saved by David Stockdale in the Fulham goal.

Second Half - Owen Coyle made two changes at half time bringing on Steinsson and Eagles for Boyata and Pratley.

Johnson had a good chance to stretch the lead but it came too nothing before the impressive Eagles set up a chance for Muamba but his shot from some twelve yards out was tame.

A flowing move involving Riise, Etuhu and Murphy saw the midfielder slip a great ball for Johnson to deliver an inviting cross for Dempsey but the American could only hit the side-netting with his effort.

Eagles, pushing forward, saw a shot from twenty-two yards whistle just the wrong side of the post before Johnson was deprived of a chance of wrapping things up when Cahill, despite Johnson being through, pulled off a remarkable saving tackle.

Three points for Fulham and they`re most welcome as we prepare to face Manchester United, at Craven Cottage, in midweek.



Read more: http://www.fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=265994#ixzz1gsMAPUF4

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Report: Fulham v Bolton

Cottagers bounce back Fulham showed no signs of a European hangover as they dominated bottom side Bolton to secure a deserved 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers came into their 31st competitive match of season with added impetus after their untimely exit from the Europa League in midweek.

Martin Jol's side squandered a two-goal lead to eventually draw with Odense on Wednesday night, although there was to be no such comeback this time.

Fulham attacked with intent from the offset against the under-pressure Trotters and broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Clint Dempsey nodded home Ruiz's cross.

Roles then reversed 66 seconds later when the United States international played through the summer signing, who showed exquisite composure and vision to lift the ball over the onrushing Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton impressed in flashes after the break but were unable to avoid a 13th league defeat of the season as Fulham held out for a seventh clean sheet of the campaign.

Heading into the match, Fulham were hit by the news that Bobby Zamora had failed a late fitness test.

The 30-year-old missed out due to a medial ligament problem in his left knee and was replaced in attack by Andrew Johnson, who was one of seven changes made by Jol after the 2-2 draw with Odense.

Counterpart Owen Coyle, meanwhile, drafted in Marcos Alonso, Fabrice Muamba and Nigel Reo-Coker after Bolton's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

An edgy start by both sides was encapsulated by an uncharacteristic mistake by Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu, who was caught in possession and allowed Reo-Coker to flash a shot across goal.

The effort seemed to spur the west Londoners into life, with Johnson coming close after a neat one-two with Dempsey almost immediately.

Returning skipper Danny Murphy - who fans feared may have aggravated his ankle injury inside five minutes - showed no ill effects shortly after Johnson's effort, seeing a superbly-executed volley deflected just wide.

Johnson had a close-range shot blocked by former Fulham defender Zat Knight as the home side upped the ante, with Etuhu and Brede Hangeland then getting headers away from corners.

Darren Pratley came close with a 20-yard effort during a rare Wanderers attack, before Jaaskelainen turned wide John Arne Riise's drive from 20 yards at the other end.

Bolton were playing like a team devoid of confidence and, after Hangeland twice miscued headers, Dempsey broke the deadlock.

The United States international beat Dedryck Boyata to Ruiz's superb right-wing cross to send home a darted header in the 32nd minute.

Just 66 seconds later, Fulham doubled their advantage thanks to a moment of magic from Ruiz.

The Costa Rica international was put through on goal by Dempsey after outpacing Alonso and, having steadied himself, delightfully scooped the ball over the onrushing Jaaskelainen.

Bolton looked to reduce the deficit as half-time approached, although Ivan Klasnic and Mark Davies were both denied by Fulham's sturdy defence.

Bolton manager Coyle brought on Gretar Steinsson and Chris Eagles, having witnessed a poor first half.

Boyata and Pratley made way but the changes could not stem the Fulham tide as they continued to press for a third.

Bolton captain Kevin Davies made way for David Ngog as a result in the 56th minute, leading to a slightly improved spell from Wanderers.

Klasnic and Muamba were finding good attacking positions, while the visitors were enjoying more possession.

However, Fulham looked dangerous on the break and, after Johnson was adjudged offside when in on goal, Dempsey came agonisingly close to directing home the striker's cross at the back post.

Bolton looked desperate for a goal and, although Eagles and Muamba got efforts away, their exertions left gaping holes at the back.

Johnson and Mousa Dembele almost capitalised as Fulham hunted for a third, which proved elusive as the home side ran out 2-0 victors.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/matchreports/report-fulham-v-bolton-49686/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz stars as Fulham sink Bolton

Costa Rica striker Bryan Ruiz scored one goal and set up another on Saturday to give Fulham a 2-0 Premier League win over visiting Bolton.

United States international Clint Dempsey headed in a 32nd-minute opener from a cross by Ruiz, who chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen just 66 seconds later to extend the west London side's advantage.

Bolton played well in the second half but failed to find a way past the home side's resolute defense and stay bottom of the Premier League.

The most prolific American scorer in England's top division with 38 career goals, Dempsey has five Premier League goals this season and another three in other competitions.

Dempsey surpassed the record of 36 he shared with former Fulham striker Brian McBride when he scored in a 1-0 win over Liverpool on December 5. He scored again Wednesday in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Odense and beat Dedryck Boyata to Ruiz's right-wing cross to put Fulham ahead on Saturday.

"He scores so many goals," Fulham manager Martin Jol said. "I'm very happy with him."

The roles were reversed when the United States international passed to Ruiz, who showed composure and vision to lift the ball over the onrushing Jaaskelainen.

Bolton impressed in flashes after the break but was unable to avoid a 13th league defeat as Fulham held out for a seventh clean sheet of the campaign.


http://www.supersport.com/football/barclays-premier-league/news/111217/Ruiz_stars_as_Fulham_sink_Bolton

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Chelsea slips, Clint Dempsey scores in England


Fulham's Bryan Ruiz, left, reacts as he scores a goal past Bolton Wanderer's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen during their English Premier League soccer match at Fulham's Craven Cottage stadium in London, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011. Photo: Alastair Grant / AP

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea missed a chance to put pressure on the two Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League on Saturday, yielding a goal with two minutes left in a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Wigan.

Chelsea looked on course for a fourth straight Premier League victory when Daniel Sturridge scored his eighth goal of the season in the 59th minute. But Wigan dominated the second half and Jordi Gomez tapped in from close range after a mistake by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The result left Chelsea with 32 points from 16 matches, four behind second-place Manchester United and six behind longtime leader City.

Defending champion United could take first place for the first time since mid-October if it wins at Queens Park Rangers on Sunday and Manchester City loses to visiting Arsenal. Sunderland is at fourth-place Tottenham and Liverpool is at Aston Villa in Sunday's other matches.

The draw left Wigan in the relegation zone with Blackburn and Bolton, which remained anchored to the bottom of the league after a 2-0 loss at Fulham

Two weeks after becoming the most prolific American scorer in England's top division, Clint Dempsey scored his 38th Premier League goal to get Fulham rolling. He scored his fifth league goal this season and eighth overall with a 32nd-minute header from Bryan Ruiz's cross. Costa Rican forward Ruiz chipped over goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to make it 2-0 two minutes later.

Last-place Bolton has only nine points from 16 games. That's one fewer than Blackburn, which lost 2-1 to visiting West Bromwich Albion. Peter Odemwingie scored West Brom's winning goal with a minute left.

Wolverhampton is one place and one point above the relegation zone after giving up two second-half goals in a 2-1 loss against Stoke. Stoke is three points behind Newcastle, which spent three months in the top four but is now without a win in five matches after drawing 0-0 with visiting Swansea.

In the League Championship, American defender Daniel Potts made his debut for West Ham in a 1-0 home win against Barnsley. A member of the U.S. Under-20 team, Potts is captain of the Hammers' Under-18 team and signed a 2½-year professional contract on Friday. He overcame leukemia two years ago.


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Chelsea-slips-Clint-Dempsey-scores-in-England-2409379.php#ixzz1gsOR1VhX

[WhiteJC]

 
The Perfect Response

David Stockdale has described Fulham's 2-0 victory over Bolton as the perfect response to Wednesday evening's disappointment.

The Whites bounced back from their UEFA Europa League exit with an impressive dismissal of Bolton with Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz on target.

Stockdale, recalled in midweek following an injury to Mark Schwarzer, made a positive return too as Fulham secured their seventh clean sheet in the process.

"Today was a fantastic win for us, and the perfect response to the disappointment in midweek," said Stockdale. "We needed to turn it around a little bit and we did just that.

"At 2-0, I think a few possibly thought back to the Odense game, but we kept things tight and showed a lot of character.

"From front to back there were some great performances. When they play like that it makes my job that bit more easier. The boys up front will be happy with their goals, but us at the back will be equally pleased with the clean sheet too - all round we were very strong."

Three points lifted Fulham into 11th place and the England hopeful believes the Whites can now build some momentum.

"It will be difficult because Manchester United are up next," added Stockdale. "But there are a lot of positives to be taken.

"We can build on this performance now. We knew the league was tight and three points makes tonight's table look a lot better.

"Make no mistake, this was a massive win for us and now we just want to kick on. We've done well against United in the past, so hopefully that will be the case again."

Stockdale made his first Fulham appearance of the season, having joined Championship side Ipswich on loan at the start of the campaign.

"It's good to be back and playing at Craven Cottage again," he added. "I like to think that I showed what I could do last season and hopefully I can do well in Mark's absence.

"I enjoyed my time at Ipswich and it was great to see that they won today too - so it was a good day all round. I'm sure I'll get a few texts off the lads there saying that they don't need me!

"I love it at Fulham and I just want to repay the faith that they have shown in me."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/StockdaleBoltonReaction.aspx?#ixzz1gsP6CVu6

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Jol pleased to take points
Cottagers boss happy with performance of Bryan Ruiz

Fulham manager Martin Jol was pleased to get three points following a 2-0 victory against Bolton.

Following a last-gasp Europa League exit on Wednesday night at the hands of Odense, goals from Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruizgot the Cottagers back to winning ways.

Ruiz also set up the opener with a fine cross and Jol was satisfied with his, and the team's, overall performance.

"The most important thing was the points after the disappointment on Wednesday," he said.

"I thought we did well in the first half, linked up well with Moussa Dembele, Clint (Dempsey), Bryan Ruiz, sliding balls into Andy Johnson. It was a nice balance.

"You would like to score the third goal but we didn't do that and gave them the momentum. It was a bit sloppy in midfield. That was the only thing I thought could be corrected."

On Ruiz, he added: "I expect him to do what he did today because that's what he did on a weekly basis (with FC Twente). Of course it is a different ball game here.

"Today he was not perfect but he can set up goals like he did with the first one and score ones like he did at Everton."

Fulham now sit comfortably in mid-table and Jol thinks having no European games may benefit the side for the remainder of the season.

"Hopefully it is a blessing to go out. It's nice to be in Europe but if you don't win it you can punish yourself," he added.

"I think the players will agree, it was harsh to go out but we can focus on different things now like the Premier League."

Jol also confirmed that Bobby Zamora was left out of the squad to face Bolton because of an injury to his left knee.

He remarked: "Bobby had a late test today and he was not fit to start. He could have played maybe 10 minutes but that was not enough.

"Yesterday we had to drop him out of training. He couldn't start."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7383539/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ruiz gives Fulham a timely lift
by DAN on DECEMBER 17, 2011

Bryan Ruiz has enjoyed a quiet start to life at Fulham since his big money move from FC Twente at the end of August. A disappointing debut some low-key substitute appearances had a few questioning Martin Jol's wisdom in shelling out more than £10m for the Costa Rican winger, but any doubts about his quality won't linger for long. Ruiz made one and scored the other this afternoon as Fulham swept past beleaguered Bolton with ease in precisely the manner Jol would have wished for after their abrupt exit from the Europa League in midweek.

Ruiz has been a regular in Jol's domestic starting line-up since he impressed against Arsenal back in November and he is beginning to thrive in the Premier League, having had a few months to adjust to the pace. Where there were once neat touches and clever passes, Ruiz is now having a direct impact on games. It was his terrific cross from the right that eased a few nerves just after the half hour mark as Fulham threatened to fail to capitalise on a bright start. Moussa Dembele darted into space in front of the Bolton defence before finding Ruiz and the Costa Rican's floated centre was flicked home by Clint Dempsey, who soared majestically above Dedryck Boyata to head into the far corner.

Only 66 seconds later and the pair combined again to double Fulham's lead. Dempsey slipped a pass between the Bolton centre backs and Ruiz raced away from Marcos Alonso and waited for Jussi Jaaskelainen to commit himself before coolly chipping the ball into the Putney End net. It was a sumptuous finish, perhaps reminiscent of George Best in his pomp, and accurately reflected Fulham's adventure from the first whistle. Andy Johnson, leading the line in the absence of the injured Bobby Zamora, played a lovely one-two with Dempsey but shot wide when he should have done better and Brede Hangeland headed wide from a corner. Skipper Danny Murphy, who made a welcome return from an ankle injury which he appeared to have aggravated inside the first five minutes, had a volley deflected wide and Zat Knight managed to block a Johnson shot after the centre forward checked back inside instead of shooting first-time.

Bolton, who have now lost their last five games, threatened only sporadically. Nigel Reo-Coker got free in their very first attack but sent a shot tamely wide. When Owen Coyle's side did manage to get in behind a resolute Fulham defence, they found the returning David Stockdale in commanding mood. Stockdale, recalled from his loan spell at Ipswich this week after the extent of Mark Schwarzer's spinal injury was confirmed, easily fielded a Mark Davies shot from the edge of the box and did his England credentials no harm in front of Ray Clemence and Fabio Capello. Darren Pratley, who started his career at Fulham, skied over from a decent position – and was hauled off at half-time as Coyle introduced Chris Eagles and Greitar Steinsson.

Wanderers did enjoy more of the play in the second half but struggled for penetration. Eagles, who saw plenty of the ball on the wide, drove an effort wide and Fabrice Muamba shot straight at Stockdale, but Fulham looked dangerous on the counter. Dempsey found only the side netting as he stretched to turn Johnson's low centre goalwards and the former Everton striker was stopped in his tracks by the offside flag – not for the first time – when clean through on goal. Gary Cahill produced saving tackles to thwart Ruiz and Dembele and Johnson, aiming to replicate Ruiz's deft chip, failed to get enough elevation to outwit Jussi Jaaskelainen.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Stockdale; Baird, J.A. Riise, Hangeland, Senderos; Etuhu, Murphy; Ruiz, Dembele, Dempsey; Johnson. Subs (not used): Etheridge, Hughes, Kelly, Gecov, Duff, Frei, Sa.

BOOKED: Murphy.

GOALS: Dempsey (32), Ruiz (33).

BOLTON WANDERERS (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen; Boyata (Steinsson 45), Alonso, Cahill, Knight; Muamba, Reo-Coker, Pratley (Eagles 45), M. Davies; K. Davies (Ngog 56), Klasnic. Subs (not used): Bogdan, Robinson, M. Petrov, Tuncay.

BOOKED: Reo-Coker, Muamba, Steinsson.

REFEREE: Chris Foy (Lincolnshire).

ATTENDANCE: 25,643.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/ruiz-gives-fulham-a-timely-lift/?

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Dempsey: Fulham aiming for top half finish and FA Cup run

Clint Dempsey has revealed his disappointment at Fulham's Europa League exit in midweek.

But the American striker insists the west London side still have plenty to play for this season, with a top ten finish and an extended run in the FA Cup both in his sights.

Dempsey scored one and set one up as the Cottagers beat bottom side Bolton 2-0, and he reckons it is still within their reach to enjoy a stellar season.

"It is what it is," he said. "We're out of the Europa League which we're frustrated about but we want to do as well as we can do in the league and finish in the top half.

"And we've got the FA Cup and hopefully we can go on a nice run in that so those are the things we've got left to play for and we're going to do our best to have a good season.

Dempsey also played down speculation regarding his future at the club.

He became the top-scoring American player in Premier League history as he notched for a 38th time in the victory against Bolton, but he says his focus is only on succeeding for Martin Jol's team not elsewhere.

"I'm happy here," he added, "I've had some of my best times here. I still have this season and another left [on my current contract] and I am looking forward to making the most of my time where I am at.

"Like I've said before some of my best memories in football have been at Fulham."


http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/1385/31/dempsey-fulham-aiming-top-half-finish-and-fa-cup-run?

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Forward Thinking

Goals from Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz brought a welcome return to winning ways for Fulham following the disappointment of Wednesday evening's UEFA Europa League exit.

Indeed, Fulham's display against Bolton was full of attacking endeavour with the likes of Dembele, Dempsey, Bryan Ruiz and Andrew Johnson keeping the visiting defence more than occupied.

"We have had many good performances but the most important thing for us is the points," said Martin Jol after the match.

"After the disappointment of Wednesday it is always different to play against teams like Bolton and to get the points. In the first-half, I thought we did well, especially when we linked up with Mousa Dembele, Clint and Bryan Ruiz and slide balls into Andy Johnson. That was a nice balance.

"I'm very happy that my forward players could make a difference because that is always an important thing, if you don't concede to score a few goals and that is what we did today."

Bryan Ruiz's exquisite finish to give Fulham a 2-0 lead was equally as auditions as the Costa Rican's first ever goal for Fulham against Everton.

"I expect him [Ruiz] to do what he did today because that is what he did on a weekly basis in Holland," Jol added.

"Of course this is a different ball game here but I felt he did well over the last three or four games when he started, especially against Arsenal.

"Last week when I moved him into midfield he was probably one of the best players on the pitch and today he was not perfect but he can set up goals and score them.

"Like Everton and today, he can score the sort of goals that not many others can."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/December/JolBoltonReaction.aspx?#ixzz1gsRFLpia

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Stockdale salutes Fulham's response
by DAN on DECEMBER 17, 2011

David Stockdale felt Fulham's victory over Bolton this afternoon was the 'perfect response' to their abject elimination from the Europa League in midweek.

Goals from Clint Dempsey and Bryan Ruiz lifted the Whites upto eleventh and the professional performance stood in sharp contrast to Wednesday night's capitulation from a winning position against Odense.

Today was a fantastic win for us, and the perfect response to the disappointment in midweek. We needed to turn it around a little bit and we did just that.

At 2-0, I think a few possibly thought back to the Odense game, but we kept things tight and showed a lot of character. From front to back there were some great performances. When they play like that it makes my job that bit more easier. The boys up front will be happy with their goals, but us at the back will be equally pleased with the clean sheet too – all round we were very strong.

Stockdale called on his team-mates to take heart from this showing, especially with a tough run of fixtures over the festive period with the Whites facing Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the coming weeks.

It will be difficult because Manchester United are up next. But there are a lot of positives to be taken. We can build on this performance now. We knew the league was tight and three points makes tonight's table look a lot better.

Make no mistake, this was a massive win for us and now we just want to kick on. We've done well against United in the past, so hopefully that will be the case again.

Stockdale, who was recalled from his loan at Ipswich after Mark Schwarzer suffered a spinal injury at Swansea last week, was delighted to be back in the first team.

It's good to be back and playing at Craven Cottage again. I like to think that I showed what I could do last season and hopefully I can do well in Mark's absence.

I enjoyed my time at Ipswich and it was great to see that they won today too – so it was a good day all round. I'm sure I'll get a few texts off the lads there saying that they don't need me! I love it at Fulham and I just want to repay the faith that they have shown in me.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2011/12/stockdale-salutes-fulhams-response/?