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Thursday Fulham Stuff (06/05/10)

Started by WhiteJC, May 06, 2010, 07:33:58 AM

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WhiteJC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/8663270.stm
Fulham lobby Uefa for extra Europa League final tickets


Fulham have asked Uefa for more tickets for the Europa League final in Hamburg, after selling out their entire 12,650 allocation in under four hours.

Fulham claim the scarcity of tickets for the game against Atletico Madrid is due to "unprecedented demand".

But fan groups have blamed a decision to let season ticket holders buy up to four tickets for the 12 May final.

"We are lobbying for more tickets, fans should register with us," said Fulham's communications director Sarah Brookes.

Uefa, European football's governing body, was unable to comment on Fulham's appeal for more tickets on Wednesday.

The Craven Cottage club has 10,000 season ticket holders but the decision to allow them to buy up to four tickets each could mean that some regular supporters miss out.
 
Tickets went on sale at 0700 BST on Friday, less than 12 hours after Fulham booked their place in their first ever European final with a 2-1 win over Hamburg.

And Fulham supporters' club spokesman John Aitken, 50, described the club's ticketing policy as "a joke."

"It is always a constant battle, we have been in the Premier League for 10 years and got to a European final, we are established, but the club are acting like we are still in the old third division," said Aitken.

"They took about £1 million in a morning, surely the computer system should have told them that they needed to hold some back for other season ticket holders?"

Mr Aitken, who predicts Fulham could have up to 20,000 supporters in Germany, said he missed out on tickets, despite being a season ticket holder and going to the club's ground on Friday morning.

"I went down to the office to collect tickets for the West Ham game, but they said I had to apply online for the Europa tickets By the time I got home and logged on they had already sold out," he said.

Fulham say they had no choice but to sell as many tickets as possible, pointing to the fact that they have not sold out a single away ticket allocation during their historic 18-game European odyssey.

"We had a limited window to sell off our tickets and if we didn't manage to sell them all then the club would have taken a million-pound financial hit," continued Brookes.

"We apologise, of course we apologise if anyone has missed out, but this really is an unprecedented level of demand - we have never sold out an away ticket allocation so quickly.



Fulham's Europa League journey has taken them all over Europe
"We have asked fans to register with us if they don't have tickets and we are lobbying Uefa for more tickets."

Uefa confirmed both sides have been allocated 12,650 tickets for the final, with a further 14,000 available to the general public.

Many of the general public tickets are likely to have been bought by fans of Hamburg, who would have been hoping to see their team triumph on home soil, before they lost to Fulham in the semi-finals.

4,600 tickets go to the local organising committee, while the 6,100 tickets available to the Uefa associations and commercial partners make up the expected 49,000 capacity of the Hamburg Arena.

"We are looking at ways to help genuine supporters and season ticket holders who may have missed out and we will do all can to help and sort out any anomalies," said Brookes.

"But I am confident that the vast majority of fans who have followed us through thick and thin over the years will be with us in Hamburg."

WhiteJC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8659373.stm
Fulham   0 - 1   Stoke

Matthew Etherington hit a fine late winner as Stoke leapfrogged Fulham and moved into the top half of the table.

The winger lit up a dull contest seven minutes from time, hammering home from 12 yards after Ricardo Fuller's cross.

Clint Dempsey went close with a volley for Fulham, who named a strong side in their last home game before the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

The Cottagers suffered a scare when Damien Duff was substituted at half-time with a possible calf injury.

Etherington's decisive strike was virtually Stoke's only shot on target and a solitary moment of quality in an otherwise dour affair.

However, it is the potential loss of key midfielder Duff that may cause Fulham boss Roy Hodgson greater concern ahead the European showpiece in Hamburg in seven days' time, although there was nothing to indicate that the Irishman's substitution was anything more than precautionary.

Hodgson had insisted before kick-off that the Cottagers would not be distracted by their European adventure and he named his strongest possible side, with Dempsey playing up front in the continued absence of Bobby Zamora.

Stoke's previous visit to west London had resulted in a 7-0 hammering at Chelsea 10 days ago, so it was little surprise that Tony Pulis's side appeared focused on keeping it tight in defence this time around.

The chance to finish in 10th spot beckoned for the winner - a placing that would represent Stoke's best league finish since 1975 - but both sides appeared happy to settle for a point in the early stages.

The first half was a forgettable affair that delivered just one shot on target - a 20-yard drive from Zoltan Gera that flew straight into the arms of Asmir Begovic after 39 minutes.

The Hungarian was at the heart of the rare moments of excitement in the opening period. He fired narrowly over from Duff's cross and cleverly sent Dempsey through on goal before Robert Huth made a saving challenge.

Stoke began the second half in comparatively lively fashion and their first chance of the match arrived from a familiar source when Rory Delap's long throw was nodded inches wide by Fuller.

The scare roused Fulham into something approaching urgency and they almost took the lead midway through the second half, with Gera once again in the thick of the action.

The midfielder played a sublime reverse ball to Dempsey at the far post but the American's close-range volley was brilliantly kept out by Begovic.

Dempsey, keen to secure a spot in Hodgson's cup final line-up, then had two more good efforts from distance but both failed to trouble the keeper.

The game seemed to be petering out for a draw when a moment of magic from Etherington, named this week as the Potters' player of the season, sealed victory.

Fuller burst down the right-hand side and took advantage of a slip by Paul Konchesky to send a far-post cross to Etherington, who blasted the ball into the roof of the net to put the visitors on course for their best league finish for 35 years.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson on his side's injury problems ahead of the Europa League final:


"We think one of Damien Duff's muscles was cramping up. That was a blow of course. We hope it's not too serious. I hope he'll be fit for the final. The medical staff don't think it's a muscle tear or anything like that.

"Bobby Zamora stands a chance of making it but he's not making vast amounts of progress on a daily basis so it could be touch and go.

"It's very disappointing to lose, especially seeing as the evidence showed it was handball which deflected the ball over for the goal."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis on his side beating last season's points total:


"We're only the second club to have beaten their points tally in their second season, so so much for second-season syndrome. That's a fantastic achievement for everyone at the club.

"We got beaten 7-0 at Chelsea two games ago and we have played a top team in Everton and we have won here tonight. We have had two clean sheets now so that shows our spirit of togetherness."

"Roy picked his best side tonight but we showed great resilience and spirit. I think it's been a great response from the players."

WhiteJC

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2010/05/05/1910507/fulham-0-1-stoke-city-matthew-etherington-strike-moves
Fulham 0-1 Stoke City: Matthew Etherington strike moves Potters into top half
Win pushes Tony Pulis' men up to 10th...

Stoke City recorded a shock 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening to move into the top half of the table.

Matthew Etherington scored the only goal of the game after 82 minutes, smashing the ball into the top corner from close range to move Tony Pulis' men up three places and into 10th place.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson named his strongest possible line-up, making six changes from Sunday's 3-2 win over West Ham United. Aaron Hughes, Brede Hangeland, Damien Duff, Danny Murphy, Dickson Etuhu and Zoltan Gera were all recalled, but Bobby Zamora missed out once again with an Achilles injury.

Stoke were unchanged from Saturday's 0-0 draw against Everton at the Britannia Stadium. Begovic continued in goal, deputising for the injured Sorensen, while Kitson didn't even make the bench following his recent spat with boss Tony Pulis during their 7-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Much has been talked about Stoke's direct approach this season - in particular Delap's long throws - and the former Republic of Ireland international began the evening doing what he does best, however Fuller was unable to rise above the impressive Schwarzer, who punched the ball clear.

Fulham started the better of the two teams and Dempsey was presented with a chance early on. Murphy did well to pick out Konchesky on the left wing and he quickly drilled the ball across goal towards the American but Shawcross was there to hoof the ball away.

There were few chances early on but Gera had a good opportunity to put the hosts ahead after 14 minutes. Davies combined with Konchesky on the left before crossing for the Hungarian but he couldn't quite connect with his stretching effort from close range and the ball rolled wide for a Stoke goal-kick.

Stoke are the Premier League's set-piece specialists but it was their opponents who almost opened the scoring from corner. Davies' inswinging delivery was met by the head of Hangeland but he misjudged the flight of the ball and Duff was found at the far post, but he sliced his ambitious strike wide of the post.

Fulham dominated possession in the opening half hour and their most threatening player going forward was Gera. Dempsey found Duff out wide on the right wing and he cut the ball back to the Hungarian but he could only direct his first-time shot over the bar from just inside the penalty area.

Dempsey was starting his 100th game for Fulham and he played the lone striker role for Roy Hodgson's side. He was almost through on goal when Murphy slid the ball in between Higginbotham and Shawcross to the American but he was thwarted by Begovic, who raced out of his goal to claim the ball.

Shawcross claimed earlier this week that the last two months have been the worst of his life. The Stoke defender broke Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey's leg before being ruled out for two months himself through injury, and he was involved in another altercation on 33 minutes. He went in late on Dempsey and after words between the pair, referee Peter Walton calmed the situation and opted not to book the defender.

Stoke failed to record a single shot until the 35th minute and that chance came through Sidibe. Whelan's corner was only cleared as far as the Potters forward on the edge of the area but his low strike was easily blocked by Pantsil, earning ironic cheers from the home support.

Fulham continued to put pressure on Tony Pulis' side and had a good chance to open the scoring. Gera played a neat one-two with Dempsey on the edge of the area before firing at goal from 20 yards out but his fierce strike was straight into the arms of Stoke goalkeeper Begovic.

Gera was a constant threat and he created the best chance of the half in stoppage time. The Hungarian laid the ball off to Dempsey but as he jinked past a Stoke defender, the ball got caught in between his feet and he lost possession. Konchesky was then found by Murphy on the left wing but his superb cross was too far for Dempsey to latch on to and the ball ran out of play.

There was bad news for Roy Hodgson just a week away from their Europa League final with Atletico Madrid. Duff could not continue after picking up a calf injury and had to be replaced at half-time by Nevland, who is joining Viking at the end of the season, which meant he was making his final appearance at Craven Cottage.

Fuller had a quiet first half but had two chances to give his side the lead just minutes after the break. Whelan found the Jamaican in the area and he showed good strength to hold off the challenge of Hughes before striking at goal but he sliced his right-footed shot wide of the goal from close range.

Delap also had a quiet first half and Fulham did well to not concede too many throw-ins but the Stoke midfielder was causing problems again on 50 minutes. He launched the ball into a crowded penalty area and Fuller leaped above Hughes to glance a header inches wide of the post.

Shawcross was involved in a few incidents with Dempsey in the first half after continuing the squabbling after half-time, he picked up a booking. The Stoke defender pulled the American's shirt, then shoved him, before pulling him back to commit his third offence in three minutes, earning a yellow card for his troubles, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Stoke began to come into the game more as the hour mark approached and they had a chance to score after hitting Fulham on the counter attack. Whitehead dispossessed Dempsey and laid the ball off to Etherington on the left wing. The former West Ham United midfielder then whipped in an inviting cross and when the usually unflappable Schwarzer came out to claim the ball, it looked as though Fulham had dealt with the danger, but the Australian dropped the cross before Hangeland hooked the ball clear.

It was the start of what was to be a mad five minutes for Schwarzer. Fuller received a pass from Whitehead on the right wing and fizzed the ball across goal to Etherington at the far post. Schwarzer looked to have caught the ball ahead of the Stoke man but could only parry it in front of him before reclaiming possession under pressure.

While Schwarzer made a couple of mistakes in quick succession, the same couldn't be said for Begovic in the Stoke goal. The Bosnian, signed for £3million from Portsmouth in January, brilliantly turned the ball round the post after Dempsey met Gera's cross from the right with a spectacular volley at the far post.

Tony Pulis could see a change was needed and brought on Tuncay for Sidibe on 75 minutes, but just a minute later, Fulham went close again. The Cottagers won a corner and Murphy's excellent delivery found Etuhu, who leapt above everybody to power a downwards header towards goal but Begovic was equal to it and easily claimed the ball.

Gera and Dempsey were Fulham's main attacking threat and it was the latter who went close to scoring a late goal. The USA international, playing in midfield in the second half following the introduction of Nevland, cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful strike towards the top corner but the ball sailed over the bar.

Fulham remained the better team but it was Stoke who took the lead against the run of play on 82 minutes. Fuller excellently flicked the ball past Konchesky before drilling the ball into the area. Tuncay was then involved, inadvertently playing the ball into the path of Etherington with his back and the winger rifled the ball past Schwarzer to give Tony Pulis' men the lead.

Roy Hodgson responded by bringing on Okaka for Pantsil, while Tony Pulis took off goalscorer Etherington, with Diao coming on in his place. However, Fulham couldn't find a way to come back into the game as Stoke moved above their opponents, Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers into the top half of the table.


WhiteJC

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/05/fulham-stoke-city-premier-league
Stoke City's Matthew Etherington strikes to spoil Fulham's send-off

Fulham's send off ahead of next week's Europa League final ended in a tedious loss tonight and, more worryingly, with Roy Hodgson admitting that both Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff are doubts for the confrontation with Atlético Madrid in Madrid.

Hodgson had selected his first-choice line-up for the club's final home Premier League game of the campaign with the exception of Zamora, who continues to be troubled by an achilles complaint and was forced to watch this defeat from the Craven Cottage balcony. "Bobby stands a chance, but he's not making vast progress on a daily basis," said the Fulham manager. "He's touch and go."

That represented a downbeat assessment on an occasion to match, with the withdrawal of Duff at the interval following a recurrence of a calf problem adding to Hodgson's concerns. "Damien's been suffering from a slight problem for a while," said the manager. "He took a kick a while ago and it might be cramping up one of his muscles. We don't think it's a muscle tear – the kick he took is somehow switching the muscle off – but we'll see how his recovery goes with a week before the final."

Neither player is expected to feature at Arsenal on Sunday, denying Zamora an opportunity to impress Fabio Capello at the Emirates, as Fulham play their 62nd game of an energy-sapping season, though both meandered with their team-mates through a post-match lap of honour that felt rather incongruous given the preceding mishmash. Even in rare defeat – there have been only five at home all term, with the others all against sides in the top six – the adulation was hugely deserved.

In truth, this was rarely more than an end of season plod enlivened only sporadically by brief periods of urgency from either side before Stoke, the more threatening team as the contest staggered on, scored the winner with their first real effort on target seven minutes from time. They enjoyed a return to their gritty best having been swept away at Chelsea in their previous away fixture, with this a first win in a month to hoist them into a creditable 10th place.

They have now eclipsed last season's points tally, a fine achievement in its own right given the much debated second season syndrome that can drag clubs back from whence they came, and will have gleaned much encouragement in victory. Becalmed before the interval, they stirred thereafter. Ricardo Fuller should have converted Rory Delap's heaved throw-in only to nod wide.

The striker proved a more effective provider of goals. It was the Jamaican who muscled beyond Paul Konchesky, the full-back crumpling to the turf, to centre with his cross flicking from the substitute Tuncay Sanli – Hodgson claimed it had been off the Turk's arm – to be hammered emphatically in off the near-post by an unmarked Matthew Etherington. They could thank Asmir Begovic for denying Clint Dempsey from close-range at the Hammersmith end, but this ended a comfortable if narrow success.

Fulham would have wished to have gone out on a more upbeat note, though memories of this occasion will not linger for long. Fulham were neat enough, but lacked the bite or urgency to puncture Stoke's resistance. Begovic denied Zoltan Gera and Dempsey, though Duff's withdrawal and the visitors' rugged approach rather checked their rhythm. Hodgson will hope the Irishman, like his England hopeful, will be recovered in time to confront the Spanish next Wednesday in a contest far more meaningful than this.

WhiteJC

#4
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1273390/Fulham-0-Stoke-1-Etheringtons-late-strike-lights-Cottage.html
Fulham 0 Stoke 1: Injury complaints concern Roy Hodgson on night of little drama

This wasn’t so much a battle for 10th place as a struggle to stay awake until Matthew Etherington’s winner spoiled Fulham’s pre-Europa League final party at Craven Cottage.

Stoke joined the illustrious list of the dark side, Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa — the only other teams to win at Fulham this season — and moved into the top half of the table.

But of more concern to Fulham manager Roy Hodgson were the knocks picked up by his side seven days before the most important game in the club’s 131-year history.

Damien Duff left the field at half-time nursing a calf injury and Brede Hangeland, Dickson Etuhu and Clint Dempsey all felt the effects of Stoke’s bully-boy tactics.

Hodgson said: ‘We know what Stoke do and we stood up to it well. For large parts of the game, we passed it around them, but you can’t take next week’s match out of my players’ minds, thinking about strong challenges and injuries.

‘Duff took a kick a while ago and it might be cramping up one of his muscles. That was a blow. But when you play Stoke you expect a physical game, home or away.’

Bobby Zamora, Fulham’s top scorer with 19 goals this season, missed a second match in succession with an achilles injury, making him a big doubt for the final against Atletico Madrid next Wednesday.

Hodgson said: 'Bobby stands a chance but he's not making vast progress. He's touch and go.'

The Fulham manager recalled Hangeland, Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Duff, Etuhu and Aaron Hughes after resting them in Sunday's win over West Ham. But he may have taken a sharp breath after eight minutes when Mamady Sidibe scythed down Etuhu in the centre circle.

Ricardo Fuller then sent Hangeland crashing into the advertising hoardings. The central defender bashed his left knee, but was fit to continue after treatment.

Dempsey made his 100th League start as he continued his bid to force his way into Hodgson's first choice XI, but he miskicked a shot inside the penalty area just before half-time. His first-time effort was also smothered by Stoke  goalkeeper Asmir Begovic following a wonderful lofted pass from Gera after 67 minutes.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis named an unchanged side from the one that drew 0-0 against Everton, but the visitors lacked ambition in the first half.

However, they scored after 83 minutes when a Ricardo Fuller cross deflected off substitute Tuncay and Etherington smacked it home off the near post on the half-volley.

Hodgson suggested a Tuncay handball played its part in the goal and that the Stoke player had admitted as such to Hughes.

The chances of improving on last season's 12th place may take a dent on Sunday at Old Trafford, but Stoke have already bettered last year's points tally.

Pulis said: 'We showed great spirit and resilience, as we do every week. It's been a great response from the players after being beaten 7-0 at Chelsea.

'We weren't scintillating, but we worked hard. We cut their supply off, and that didn't happen against Chelsea. It's getting back up that counts, not getting knocked down.

'We're only the second team in history to have beaten our first season points tally. That's a remarkable achievement.'





Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1273390/Fulham-0-Stoke-1-Etheringtons-late-strike-lights-Cottage.html#ixzz0n844jb92

WhiteJC

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/7682590/Fulham-0-Stoke-City-1-match-report.html
Fulham 0 Stoke City 1: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Fulham and Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday May 5 2010.

This might have been listed as a Premier League fixture but, in reality, it was an occasion that felt rather more like a service of thanksgiving.

There was gratitude for Fulham owner Mohamed al Fayed, who was introduced for a pre-match walk across the pitch and a wave of his scarf.

There was fulsome appreciation of the players, whose lap of honour to mark the end of the season was thunderously applauded. And, even in defeat, there was the astonishing acclaim that awaited manager Roy Hodgson, the modest architect of arguably the best season in Fulham's history.

Hodgson looked almost embarrassed by all the hero-worship but, as a send-off for the club's first-ever European final, it was a moment to treasure.

It will certainly live longer in the collective memory of all those present at Craven Cottage than the preceding 90 minutes, when Stoke City clinched a scrappy match with an 81st minute winner from Matthew Etherington.

It is a result that sees Tony Pulis' team leapfrog Fulham and Blackburn into 10th in the Premier League table.

After fielding what West Ham co-owner David Gold might have called the 'ladies team' on Sunday, Fulham were at full strength last night with the side that may well start the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

The only probable caveat being Bobby Zamora, whose achilles injury meant a 100th Premier League start for Clint Dempsey alongside Zoltan Gera in attack.

Hodgson's thinking in playing his best team would have been two-fold.

With every Premier League place worth £500,000, the final league position is of sufficient financial importance for Fulham to continue their push for a second-successive season in the top-half. Uppermost in Hodgson's thinking, however, was surely the Europa League final next Wednesday.

Having made seven changes against West Ham United on Sunday – and with the certainty of more squad rotation against Arsenal this Sunday – Hodgson

clearly did not want to risk allowing key players to lose sharpness by resting for a full fortnight.

It all meant plenty of concern every time a Fulham player went to ground. Stoke also did not hold back in their tackling, with Robert Huth, Mamady Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller causing anxious moments following respective challenges on Dempsey, Dickson Etuhu and Brede Hangeland inside the first 20 minutes.

Despite Stoke's commitment, the better football and best first-half chances all belonged to Fulham. Damien Duff shined one inviting opportunity wide from a corner and then crossed accurately for Gera, who was similarly profligate from an excellent position.

A neat exchange of passes between Etuhu and Dempsey provided another sight of goal for Gera, but the Hungarian's low shot was comfortably saved by Asmir Begovic.

With so few first-half chances and relatively little at stake on the pitch, the Stoke supporters coped with much of the boredom by performing an impromptu rendition of the conga.

Fulham fans were similarly distracted from the on-field tedium and quick to exhaust their entire repertoire of songs about Hodgson and the forthcoming visit to Hamburg.

The second-half, thankfully, provided rather more incident. Stoke even began threatening the Fulham goal, with Etherington providing some width down the left with his feet and Rory Delap performing a similar trick with his arms.

A trademark Delap long-throw caused considerable confusion in the Fulham defence, but Fuller headed wide from an unmarked position on the edge of the six-yard box.

Mark Schwarzer also came under considerable pressure from crosses yet again demonstrated the sort of safe handling that has been such a factor of Fulham's season.

In attack, there were further flashes of quality, not least when Gera split Stoke's defence with a brilliant reverse pass only for Begovic to block Dempsey's shot.

Fulham, though, was made to rue their missed chances when Paul Konchesky was unexpectedly dispossessed on the edge of his penalty area by Ricardo Fuller.

He glanced up and crossed to the far-post where Etherington smashed his shot beyond Schwarzer.


WhiteJC

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/37842/Potters_ride_their_luck_before_snatching_win.aspx
Potters ride their luck before snatching win

Stoke City took advantage of Fulham's distractions to win 1-0 at Craven Cottage after Roy Hodgson's team threw away another good performance by switching off late on.

Matthew Etherington thrashed home the winner in the 83rd minute but the home side will undoubtedly carry on singing 'que sera, sera' ahead of next Wednesday's Europa League final.

Hodgson recalled Dickson Etuhu, Danny Murphy, Brede Hangeland, Aaron Hughes and Damien Duff after resting them at the weekend, with every Fulham player knowing a place in the starting eleven for next week's historic game is up for debate. The difference between the two sides, therefore, was startling early on.

Zoltan Gera continued to solidify his place alongside Bobby Zamora, who was rested again for this match, looking much more threatening than strike-partner Clint Dempsey, who hasn't featured in Europe on the last three occasions.

Just under 20 minutes in, the Hungarian checked his run back a step to receive a low cross inside the area from Duff and thrashed a shot just over from ten yards out.

Fulham's passing became more assured as the first half wore on and Stoke were left crying for the ball, with needless free-kicks given away out of frustration.

Approaching 40 minutes in, Gera combined with Dempsey in a well-crafted one-two, splitting the centre-backs, and sent a disappointing low drive straight at Asmir Begovic.

Stoke must have had a right going over from Tony Pulis at half time as they emerged almost unrecognisable from the first period. Etherington was certainly fully-charged by now and twice beat players down the left flank before flashing dangerous crosses in front of Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham finally broke loose in the 69th minute when Dempsey latched onto a deep ball to the far post and forced a magnificent save from Begovic who spread his body to deflect the volley wide.

But Etherington finally punished the home side on the left after a cross from Ricardo Fuller on the opposite side touched Tuncay on the way through, and the 28-year-old crashed a left-foot volley off the near post and in

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3269420,00.html
Potters shock Cottagers
Late Etherington strike seals win against Europa League finalists

Stoke City moved into the top half of the Premier League after Matthew Etherington struck late on to seal a 1-0 win over Fulham on Wednesday night.

The Potters winger, who was voted the club's player of the season by fans this week, latched onto a deflected cross from Ricardo Fuller to thump home on 83 minutes.

It was a game of few chances and it was Etherington who sprung the game into life in the second period with a series of dangerous crosses.

The Cottagers were playing their last home game of the season and fielded a strong side despite having one eye on next week's Europa League final.

Damien Duff withdrew at half-time with a calf concern but Roy Hodgson's men otherwise appeared to come through the defeat unscathed.

The win means Stoke better last season's Premier League tally of 45 points by at least two, with a trip to Manchester United on the last day still to come.

The hosts, meanwhile, remain in twelfth position but are not out of the running for a top half finish but will have to win away to Arsenal on Sunday if they are to do so.

Hodgson recalled Brede Hangeland, Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Duff, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu to his side while his counterpart Pulis opted to stick with the same team that drew 0-0 with Everton on Sunday.

With the Europa League meeting with Atletico Madrid just seven days away, many had predicted that Hodgson would put out a second string for the club's 61st game of a long season.

But aside from the injured Bobby Zamora, the side which Hodgson selected was so strong that he may well field the same team against the Spanish side next week.

Chances
Mark Schwarzer came out to punch Rory Delap's first trademark long throw in the fifth minute before Etuhu needed two minutes to recover after being hacked down by a mis-timed sliding tackle from Mamady Sidibe.

Wasteful passing from Fulham and resolute defending from Hangeland ensured neither goalkeeper was tested in the first 15 minutes.

Duff then found Gera in space in the 19th minute but he scooped his shot over from 10 yards.

Hangeland was barged into the advertising boards by Fuller as he shepherded the ball out but referee Peter Walton waved play on.

As a dull game limped past the half hour, the Stoke fans vented their frustration by deciding to embark upon a conga around the Putney end stand.

Both sides failed to create chances before the game was given a little life when referee Walton had to stop play to talk to Dempsey, who argued with Ryan Shawcross after the American's path was blocked by the defender.

The first shot on target of the game came seven minutes from the break when Dempsey slipped in Gera who shot straight at Stoke stopper Begovic.

Fuller ranted at Walton after he failed to give a foul when Etuhu pulled him back just before the break.

Robert Huth then entered the book for arguing with the referee before Glenn Whelan fired harmlessly wide on the stroke of half-time.

Duff, who finished the first half clutching his leg, failed to emerge after the break and was substituted by Erik Nevland, who was making his last home appearance for the club before moving to Viking Stavanger.


Second half
After the break, Fuller beat his marker to send a glancing header wide from a Delap throw as Stoke looked for an opener.

Hodgson came out of his dugout to vent his frustration at his side, who were struggling to get into their rhythm.

Shawcross was booked for a blatant tug of Dempsey's shirt eight minutes into the second half.

Etherington beat John Pantsil for pace down the left but his teasing cross flew across the box without a vital tap-in.

Etuhu's 15-yard header flew over just after the hour but Stoke continued to control most of the play.

Fulham hit back though through Gera, who picked out Dempsey at the back post but the striker's shot inside the six-yard box was tipped wide by Begovic.

Pulis looked for inspiration from Tuncay, who came on for Sidibe with 20 minutes left.

Etuhu climbed well to beat Delap from a Murphy corner but Begovic was equal to the midfielder's header.

Pantsil's ambitious 30-yard drive cleared Begovic's bar with just over 10 minutes left as Fulham regained control of the game.

But with little over seven minutes left the Potters took the lead when Fuller's cross skimmed off Tuncay's back to fall to Etherington who smashed his finish home off the Fulham woodwork.

Hodgson replaced Pantsil with striker Stefano Okaka as he looked to find a leveller while Etherington left the field for Salif Diao for Stoke.

A late challenge on Tuncay earned Aaron Hughes a booking towards the death as Stoke continued to frustrate the hosts in their search for an equaliser.

The home fans urged their team on but they could not find their way through a solid Stoke back line.

The Cottagers' attentions now turn to the Gunners before next week's final in Hamburg, where they will have to improve dramatically if they are to pick up their first major trophy in their 131-year history.

WhiteJC

http://www.itv.com/sport/football/news/premierleague/matchreports/report-fulham-v-stoke-949501908.html
Report: Fulham v Stoke

Etherington wins it

A late strike from Matthew Etherington gave Stoke a shock 1-0 win over Europa League finalists Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Stoke winger latched on to Ricardo Fuller's cross to smash his drive past Mark Schwarzer to inflict Fulham's fifth home defeat of the season and move Tony Pulis' side up to 10th in the table.

Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic had to react quickly to deny Clint Dempsey in the second half but Fulham otherwise lacked any killer instinct in what was largely a dull match.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson recalled Brede Hangeland, Zoltan Gera, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu to a strong side for the Cottagers' final home game of the season.

Pulis opted to stick with the same team that drew 0-0 with Everton on Sunday.

With the Europa League final just seven days away, many had predicted that Hodgson would put out a second string for the club's 61st game of a long season.

But aside from the injured Bobby Zamora, the side which Hodgson selected was so strong that he may well field the same team against Atletico Madrid next week.

Mark Schwarzer came out to punch Rory Delap's first trademark long throw in the fifth minute before Etuhu needed two minutes to recover after being hacked down by a mis-timed sliding tackle from Mamady Sidibe.

Wasteful passing from Fulham and resolute defending from Hangeland ensured neither goalkeeper was tested in the first 15 minutes.

Duff then found Gera in space in the 19th minute but he scooped his shot over from 10 yards.

Hangeland was barged into the advertising boards by Fuller as he shepherded the ball out but referee Peter Walton waved play on.

As a dull game limped past the half hour, the Stoke fans vented their frustration by deciding to embark upon a conga around the Putney end stand.

Both sides failed to create chances before the game was given a little life when referee Walton had to stop play to talk to Dempsey, who argued with Ryan Shawcross after the American's path was blocked by the defender.

The first shot on target of the game came seven minutes from the break when Dempsey slipped in Gera who shot straight at Stoke stopper Begovic.

Fuller ranted at Walton after he failed to give a foul when Etuhu pulled him back just before the break.

Robert Huth then entered the book for arguing with the referee before Glenn Whelan fired harmlessly wide on the stroke of half-time.

Duff, who finished the first half clutching his leg, failed to emerge after the break and was substituted by Erik Nevland, who was making his last home appearance for the club before moving to Viking Stavanger.

Fuller beat his marker to send a glancing header wide from a Delap throw as Stoke looked for a quick goal after the break.

Hodgson came out of his dugout to vent his frustration at his side, who were struggling to get into their rhythm.

Shawcross was booked for a blatant tug of Dempsey's shirt eight minutes into the second half.

Etherington beat John Pantsil for pace down the left but his teasing cross flew across the box without a vital tap-in.

Etuhu's 15-yard header flew over just after the hour but Stoke continued to control most of the play.

Fulham hit back though through Gera, who picked out Dempsey at the back post but the striker's shot inside the six-yard box was tipped wide by Begovic.

Pulis looked for inspiration from Tuncay, who came on for Sidibe with 20 minutes left.

Etuhu climbed well to beat Delap from a Murphy corner but Begovic was equal to the midfielder's header.

Pantsil's ambitious 30-yard drive cleared Begovic's bar with just over 10 minutes left as Fulham regained control of the game.

But with little over seven minutes left the Potters took the lead when Fuller's cross skimmed off Tuncay's back to fall to Etherington who smashed his finish home off the Fulham woodwork.

Hodgson replaced Pantsil with striker Stefano Okaka as he looked to find a leveller while Etherington left the field for Salif Diao for Stoke.

A late challenge on Tuncay earned Aaron Hughes a booking towards the death as Stoke continued to frustrate the hosts in their search for an equaliser.

The home fans urged their team on but they could not find their way through a solid Stoke back line.

The Cottagers' attentions now turn to Arsenal before next week's Europa League final in Hamburg, where they will have to improve dramatically if they are to pick up their first major trophy in their 131-year history.


WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/stoke-win-europa-league-finalists-fulham-818561
Stoke win at Europa League finalists Fulham

Stoke came away with three points and exceeded their points haul of last season courtesy of a 1-0 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Matthew Etherington's late winner means the Potters go above Fulham and moved into the top half of the table.

A typical end of season offering seemed to be drifting towards a dreary 0-0 draw until Etherington lashed home the winner via the woodwork.

Clint Dempsey went close with a volley for the Cottagers, and Zoltan Gera also fired just over but Stoke held on to clinch a first win in five league games.

WhiteJC

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/5/5/1459459/stoke-beat-fulham-late-in-the
Stoke beat Fulham late in the second half 1- 0

Today's match was Fulham's final home game of the season at Craven Cottage. Fulham were returning many players that were rested in the last match.  However, Bobby Zamora did not play today. They played a good first half  of football.  In the second half,  Stoke definitely had some chances to score, and they did capitalize late in the match. Unfortunately, Fulham lost this match 1 - 0 to a late goal by Matthew Etherington in the 83rd minute.

The first half started off a little sluggish. Neither team were really able to take control of the match in the opening 10 minutes. Fulham actually had the better of the start of the two clubs. The closest shot Fulham had was a cross that went to the goalkeeper.

In the 18th minute off of a corner kick Damien Duff had a great chance at a goal and his shot went wide. This was followed up a minute later by a Zoltan Gera shot that just went over the net. He was inside the box.  Fulham started to put some increased pressure on Stoke.

In the 39th minute, Zoltan Gera takes a nice shot on net. It was set up by Clint Dempsey. Fulham had a few chances in the first half, but just could not score. They definitely had more possession than Stoke City. The half ended 0 -0.



The second half saw Stoke have more possession and have a few chances. In the 56th minute, a nice run by Matthew Etherington would lead to a cross that just went wide of the net. Etherington would be key later in the match.

The best chance for Fulham came in the 68th minute. Zoltan Gera sent a great pass into the box for a running Clint Dempsey.  Clint took the pass and shot it right at the goal. The goalkeeper made a great save to keep the game scoreless at that time.

Dempsey would be be very active in the second half. In the 77th minute he took a good shot that goes high over the net.. In the 82nd minute, Dempsey would take another shot as well.  He just couldn't breakthrough with a goal.

In the 83rd minute, the game would change. Ricardo Fuller sent a nice pass that ricocheted to Matthew Etherington. He was in a very dangerous area on the left side of the box. He would strike the ball past Schwarzer. Stoke City were now ahead 1 - 0.

Fulham wouldn't really mount another chance to score the rest of the match. Fulham end up losing their last match at home 1 - 0.

This is a disappointing result for the Cottagers. They dropped to 12th in the league and Stoke City jumped to 10th. Fulham's last match will be Sunday at Arsenal. Let's hope for a better result in their last match of league season.

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6135830,00.html
Hodgson admits Duff concerns
Winger to be assessed on Thursday after injury in Potters defeat

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admits Damien Duff has joined Bobby Zamora in the race to be fit for the Europa League final.

Duff was taken off at half-time of Fulham's 1-0 home defeat to Stoke on Wednesday night, in which Mathew Etherington inflicted defeat in their last game at Craven Cottage this season.

The Cottagers travel to Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday before travelling to Hamburg for the Europa League date.

Zamora was already a major concern, but a recurrence of a calf injury has added Duff to the list of high-profile doubts.

"He couldn't run, he was struggling with an injury," Hodgson told Sky Sports when asked to explain the half-time substitution of his winger.

"He took a kick some time ago but we sincerely hope it's not a serious knee injury. It will be checked tomorrow and we'll see on Friday how that progresses."

Hodgson claims he remains in the dark over whether the key duo will be fit enough to travel to Hamburg, but neither are expected to make the squad to face the Gunners.

"The progress is slow," Hodgson said of Zamora's injury. "We'll just wait to see by Friday or Saturday how things pan out but it's not looking good in the sense that we can't tell.

"But he is feeling much better now and it's just a question of whether we can get him into a stage where he is fit to play [in the final] in the time remaining."

Handball claim
Meanwhile, the Fulham boss was disappointed to have lost to the Potters to a goal which he felt should have been disallowed for a handball.

Ricardo Fuller's cross struck substitute Tuncay Sanli's body before falling kindly to the inspirational Etherington, who crashed home the winner with seven minutes remaining.

However, Hodgson feels the goal should not have stood: "It was a handball - it was knocked past Aaron Hughes by Tuncay's hand and, as a result, pulled Pantsil out of position and they robbed a goal from it.

"It doesn't exactly help to know that the goal could so easily have been disallowed for a handball and because it was one of their few strikes at goal it's frustrating to lose to it."

Hodgson admits he will make changes for the Emirates clash but hopes his team can take confidence from their first half showing against the Potters.

"I thought our first-half play was very good. Our passing and movement was really excellent," added the Cottagers boss.

"It's frustrating to see perhaps a couple of places disappear [out of reach] in the league on the basis of a game like tonight [Wednesday].


WhiteJC

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/05/05/1910673/fulham-manager-roy-hodgson-disappointed-with-referees
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson disappointed with referee's decision to allow goal in 1-0 loss to Stoke City
Cottagers boss bemoans Tuncay handball...

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his disappointment at referee Peter Walton's decision to allow the only goal of the game in their defeat to Stoke City, which could scupper their hopes of finishing in the top half of the table.

The Cottagers now lie 12th in the table following their 1-0 loss to Tony Pulis' men at Craven Cottage, and have to draw away to Arsenal on Sunday to stand a chance of finishing in 10th position.

Stoke forward Tuncay Sanli appeared to handle the ball in the build up to Matthew Etherington's late winner, and Hodgson believes his side deserved to win the game.

"It's very disappointing because it was clearly hand ball which took the cross past Pantsil and the Stoke player admitted it had caught his hand," he told reporters.

"The referee didn't see it and that's the way things go sometimes. We've had so much go for us this season that something had to go against us sooner or later.

"It's tough on us because we certainly didn't deserve to lose the game and we were very keen to finish in the top half of the Premier League table."


WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/HodgsonStokeReaction.aspx
Roy's Stoke Reaction




Speaking after the final home match of the season, Roy Hodgson gave his assessment of Wednesday evening's defeat to Stoke City.

"It's very disappointing to lose, especially seeing as the evidence showed it was handball which deflected the ball over for the goal," he said.

"When you consider the few chances we conceded it was very harsh to lose 1-0.

"It was an easy night for the referee. He didn't have much to do but it's the big decisions that count.

"We'll have to accept it though, that's the way things go. I'm sure it was a genuine error.

"The Stoke player admitted to Aaron Hughes it was handball apparently but we'll pick ourselves up for next week now.

With next Wednesday's UEFA Europa League Final approaching, Hodgson commented on the potential availability of Damien Duff, who was substituted at half-time on Wednesday, and Bobby Zamora.

"We think one of Damien Duff's muscles was cramping up. That was a blow of course. We hope it's not too serious. I hope he'll be fit for the Final. The medical staff don't think it's a muscle tear or anything like that.

"Bobby Zamora stands a chance of making it but he's not making vast amounts of progress on a daily basis so it could be touch and go."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/HodgsonStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz0n87SzRCk

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/NevlandStokeReaction.aspx
Erik's Cottage Farewell




Erik Nevland admitted great disappointment as his final Craven Cottage appearance ended with a galling defeat against Stoke City.

Very little went Fulham's way on a night when the Whites enjoyed plenty of possession, but struggled to come to terms with the visitors' physical approach.

Despite the majority of attacking possession, the Potters delivered a sucker punch inside the last 10 minutes when Matt Etherington fired home with his side's first real attempt at goal, ruining the striker's last home appearance before he returns to Norway at the end of the season.

"It was obviously not the sign off I would have liked," admitted the 32-year-old. "I would have loved to win the game but it wasn't to be today."

Nevland watched from the sidelines in the first-half as Tony Pulis' charges produced some questionable challenges on the likes of Dickson Etuhu and Clint Dempsey, living up to their reputation as Premier League bully boys, but the Norwegian refused to blame the end result on Stoke's approach.

"It was as we expected really," he said. "They came to get a point and maybe steal all three, and unfortunately for us they did steal them.

"Even though we were the better team in general play, we didn't really threaten them too much, so that was disappointing."

But although the result came as a blow to the Whites' hopes of achieving the targeted top 10 finish, he was quick to remind us that greater glories potentially lie ahead.

"It's been a great season and it still is. There are still two big games to go, so we just have to keep it going and who knows, maybe there will be a big prize at the end of it."

And after completing the traditional end of season lap of honour to rapturous applause from the Fulham faithful with whom he has been so popular for the past two-plus years, Nevland reflected on what he will treasure as a special period in his career.

"It's been a great journey from day one and a period of my career I will always remember. It will always be a part of my life I look back on with fondness. I really appreciate having had the chance to play for Fulham in the Premier League, so I thank the fans for their support."

And with a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal, and the UEFA Europa League final still to come, Erik has two great opportunities to end his Whites career with one more trademark coolly finished goal, and potentially a fantasy finale.

"That would be nice personally," he considered. "But most important is that the team does well.
"The most important game now is obviously the Final and if we can get a win there that would be absolutely amazing, whether I score or not.

"Leaving Motspur Park on my last day here with a Europa League medal around my neck would be an absolute dream."

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/May/NevlandStokeReaction.aspx#ixzz0n87rCeqo


WhiteJC

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/05/05/1910855/fulham-boss-roy-hodgson-unsure-if-damien-duff-and-bobby
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson unsure if Damien Duff and Bobby Zamora will be fit for the Europa League final
Cottagers take on Atletico Madrid next Wednesday

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson confessed that Damien Duff will join Bobby Zamora as injury doubts for the Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

Duff was substituted after the first half of the Cottagers' 1-0 defeat by Stoke City at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Fulham will visit Arsenal on Sunday to finish their Premier League campaign before heading to Hamburg for the Europa League final.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered a calf injury on Wednesday and Hodgson is concerned about the health of Duff and Zamora ahead of their clash with Atletico.

"He [Duff] couldn't run, he was struggling with an injury," Hodgson told Sky Sports.

"He took a kick some time ago but we sincerely hope it's not a serious knee injury. It will be checked tomorrow and we'll see on Friday how that progresses."

Hodgson is unsure whether Zamora will be able to join Fulham in Hamburg but admitted that the Englishman is feeling better.

"The progress is slow.

"We'll just wait to see by Friday or Saturday how things pan out but it's not looking good in the sense that we can't tell.

"But he is feeling much better now and it's just a question of whether we can get him into a stage where he is fit to play [in the final] in the time remaining."

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/05/06/hodgson-feels-hard-done-by-after-fulham-lose-to-stoke-82029-26386751/
Hodgson feels hard done by after Fulham lose to Stoke

Fulham 0-1 Stoke City

ROY Hodgson reckons Fulham were robbed after Stoke snatched victory at Craven Cottage.

The game looked like heading for a goalless draw until Matty Etherington popped up with a 83rd minute winner.

But Fulham were unhappy about a handball by Tuncay leading up to the goal, which diverted the ball into Etherington's path to inflict a rare defeat on home soil for the Whites.

"It's very disappointing, especially seeing as the evidence shows it was a handball which led up to the goal.

"That was one of the few chances we conceded in the game, so it was very harsh to lose a game we certainly didn't deserve to lose.

"It's the big decisions which count, and had the referee given the correct decision we would be in 10th place this year rather than 12th or 13th. That's the way it goes."

Fulham had the better of a drab first 45 minutes, with Zoltan Gera flashing an effort over then firing straight at Asmir Begovic after neat work with Clint Dempsey.

The Whites had a lucky escape just before the hour mark when Mark Schwarzer spilled Etherington's cross at the feet of Rory Delap, but Brede Hangeland cleared the ball to safety.

Stoke had Begovic to thank for keeping the game goalless when he blocked Dempsey's point-blank effort after Gera picked him out at the back stick.

But Stoke stole the points late on when Tuncay deflected Fuller's cross into Etherington's path, and he smashed the ball home off the post to give the visitors an undeserved victory

WhiteJC

http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2010/05/06/stoke-style-a-turn-off-says-brede-hangeland-82029-26386953/
Stoke style a turn-off, says Brede Hangeland

BREDE Hangeland condemned the strong-arm tactics used by Stoke City during their perfect smash-and-grab raid at the Cottage – saying he's glad Fulham don't play that way.

Stoke's robust challenges had home fans howling in protest, as Clint Dempsey, Damien Duff and Danny Murphy in particular came in for some rough treatment.

And with players anxious to avoid an injury that would put them out of next week's Europa League final, Stoke's approach did not go down well.

"I don't know if they were over physical. That's the way they play. But there's no question of which style of football I prefer between the two teams," Hangeland said.

"Each team can chose the way they want to play, but let's just say I'm much happier with the way we play."

Hangeland admitted to being a little deflated after the 1-0 defeat which ruined the team's final home fixture of the season and their intention to head off to Hamburg in style.

"It's a bit sad we didn't win today," he said. "We played well and deserved to win. It's disappointing we didn't get the goal and to concede one from probably the only shot they had.

"There was no problem with motivation tonight, even with the Europa final so close. We really wanted to finish on a good note here and we tried our best, but hopefully we'll have more luck next week than we did today."


WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-injury-concerns-ahead-europa-final-818691
Fulham with injury concerns ahead of Europa final

Fulham have a few injury concerns ahead of next week's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid.

The Cottagers went down 1-0 to Stoke City at home in their penultimate Premier League match on Wednesday night and lost skipper Damien Duff with a leg injury in the process.

It is unsure how serious Duff's injury is but it adds to the Achilles injury of striker Bobby Zamora who manager Roy Hodgson rates as a 'touch and go' chance for the final in Hamburg.

"Duff was taken off at half time because he took a kick a while ago and we think one of his muscles was cramping up," said Hodgson.

"That was a blow of course. We hope it's not too serious.

"I hope he'll be fit for the final. There's a week to go now. The medical staff don't think it's a muscle tear or anything like that.

"They think that it's something to do with a kick he took a while ago which is switching off the muscle.

"Bobby stands a chance of making it but he's not making vast amounts of progress on a daily basis so it could be touch and go."

WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/birmingham-and-bolton-set-move-fulham%E2%80%99s-konchesky-818771
Birmingham and Bolton set to move for Fulham's Konchesky

Birmingham and Bolton are both believed to be interested in the services of Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky.

The 28-year old has just a year left on his Craven Cottage contract but it is believed that Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is keen to purchase loanee Nicky Shorey permanently.

It has been reported that Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is looking for reinforcements in the left-back position whilst Bolton's Owen Coyle is desperate to strengthen his squad.