Saturday Fulham Stuff (25/10/14)...

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Half-Time Report: Fast-starting Fulham in control of London derby with Charlton Athletic

Two goals in the first 12 minutes have helped Fulham take half-time control of their London derby with Charlton Athletic in the Championship this evening.

Scott Parker scored against his former club after just six minutes before Hugo Rodallega quickly doubled Fulham's lead as they started rapidly at Craven Cottage.

Parker smartly intercepted the ball in the Charlton half and drove to the edge of the box before slipping in Ross McCormack, whose return pass set up Parker to thrash home off the underside of the crossbar.

Caretaker Whites manager Kit Symons saw his side go further ahead six minutes later when Rodallega had an easy close-range conversion after Stephen Henderson parried McCormack's volley into his path.

The Addicks, who can climb to third in the table with victory, threatened only from distance as both Franck Moussa and George Tucadean dragged wide from 25 yards, when better options were available.

Tim Hoogland could have perhaps put the game beyond the visitors, but he glanced a header from McCormack's free-kick narrowly wide as Charlton survived with just a 2-0 deficit heading into the break.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/half-time-report/half-time-report-fast-starting-fulham-in-control_184393.html?

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Fulham 3-0 Charlton: Scott Parker goal and Hugo Rodallega double lift caretaker boss Kit Symons' men out of relegation zone
Scott Parker scored opener in Championship match after just six minutes
Hugo Rodallega doubled Fulham's lead in the 12th minute against Charlton
Rodallega sealed win in 89th minute to give Fulham third home win in a row
Important win lifts Fulham away from the relegation zone to League One

Kit Symons believes he has done enough to land the manager's job at Craven Cottage after he guided Fulham out of the bottom three.

Under Symons Fulham have won 13 of their 14 points this season since he replaced Felix Magath in September.

And Fulham wrapped up their third home win in a row against London rivals Charlton thanks to a goal from Scott Parker and two from Hugo Rodallega.


Scott Parker scores Fulham's first goal after just six minutes en route to three important points on Friday


Parker slots home for Fulham's first of the night as they went on to claim the win over visitors Charlton


Parker runs away in celebration after giving Fulham a 1-0 lead on a successful night at the Craven Cottage


Parker celebrates scoring his opening goal against Charlton with Fulham team-mate Sean Kavanagh


Kit Symons of Fulham looks happy enough about claiming three points in the Championship against Charlton

And Symons said: 'I am very confident I will get the job. It has got to be becoming more and more difficult not to when the team keep winning. I would like to think the five man panel will see what the obvious thing and the right thing to do for this football club.

'I think they are very aware that I want the job and take this brilliant club forward.

'The chairman is over the week after next. I don't know what to expect, I understand the process but not when a decision will be made or how it will, come about. Hopefully we'll find out sooner rather than later.'

Parker opened the scoring when he picked up a loose ball in the middle of the Charlton half and made a driving run forward before a neat one-two with Ross McCormack before turning the ball in off the cross bar from five yards out after just six minutes.

Fulham doubled their lead through Rodallega, who was alert enough to poke home from close range after McCormack's volley from the edge of the area was parried into his path by Stephen Henderson.

Charlton did their best to get back into the game and looked neat and tidy in possession, but lacked the killer instinct in front of goal, George Tucudean had a shot from the edge of the area but it did little to trouble Marcus Bettinelli.


It took Fulham just six minutes after Parker's opener to double their lead through Hugo Rodallega

   
Fulham striker Rodallega made it 2-0 inside the opening 15 minutes at Craven Cottage on Friday night


Fuham's Rodallega runs away in celebration after scoring against Charlton to make it 2-0 after 12 minutes


Championship strugglers Fulham desperately needed three points and got them against Charlton Athletic


Rodallega slides in celebration after scoring Fulham's second goal against Charlton on Friday night

Tim Hoogland almost extended Fulham's lead on the half hour mark, but headed just wide from a McCormack free kick.

Bettinelli was forced to make a save when Johnnie Jackson ghosted in to meet Chris Solly's cross, but saw his effort tipped round the post for a corner.

Charlton came to life at the start of the second half but were still restricted to shots from distance as Franck Moussa saw his effort go just wide.

As Charlton looked for a way back into the game, they left gaps at the back and substitute Cauley Woodrow and Lasse Vigen Christiansen combined well but the Danish midfielder saw his effort go just wide.


Rodallega scores his second goal of the night against Charlton as Fulham escape the relegation zone

But a third did come right at the end when Rodallega added his second when he was played in by Christiansen, he turned Chris Solly and slotted the ball past Henderson.

Charlton manager Bob Peeters said: 'After 10 mins we were comfortable and then Solly lost the ball in the centre and they punished us.

'We kept on doing the same things and created chances, then we did the same thing on the left and they punished us again.

'I was very happy with response. Everyone gave their max second half. It's about scoring the goals and that is what we lacked.

'We have given Kit a gift today. He owes my players especially for the first half if he gets the job.'

It was a comprehensive win and one that is sure to have been noticed on the other side of the Atlantic by owner Shahid Khan
Khan is due in England in the next fortnight to appoint the new manager but after Symons' fourth league win from seven he has put himself in the box seat.


Charlton manager Bob Peeters suffered a frustrating night at Craven Cottage against Fulham on Friday


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2806986/Fulham-3-0-Charlton-Cottagers-away-Championship-relegation.html#ixzz3H8UFDmRy
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Result: Fulham out of drop zone with Charlton Athletic win

Fulham have climbed out of the Championship relegation zone for the first time since August with a 3-0 victory over London rivals Charlton Athletic this evening.

Early goals from Scott Parker and Hugo Rodallega put the Whites in control and they saw out a difficult second-half period unscathed before the Colombian added a late third to earn caretaker boss Kit Symons another win.



Parker gave the hosts the lead on six minutes against the club with whom he started his career.

The former England midfielder smartly stole the ball in the Charlton half and drove to the edge of the box before slipping in Ross McCormack, whose return pass allowed Parker to thrash home via the crossbar.

Fulham were two up six minutes later, with McCormack again involved. The £11m striker's instinctive chest control set himself up for a volley which was parried by Stephen Henderson, and Rodallega had the simplest of close-range conversions.



The Addicks threatened only from distance before the break as both Franck Moussa and George Tucudean dragged wide when better options were available, but Fulham continued to have clear chances.

Tim Hoogland should have headed them further ahead when he glanced a McCormack free-kick just wide from six yards, while Rodallega fired powerfully over after spinning away from his marker.

Charlton, who could have gone third in the table with a win, started the second half as quickly as Fulham did the first, but could not get on the scoresheet as Bikey shot at Marcus Bettinelli and Tucudean struck wide.

Fulham thought that they had a third when Hoogland bundled over the line following a Dan Burn flick on, only for the offside flag to deny him, and should have been out of sight when Bryan Ruiz sliced over McCormack's cross.

Moussa, Johnnie Jackson and lively 17-year-old substitute Karlan Ahearne-Grant all shot wide as Charlton failed to convert their much-improved second-half performance into any sort of comeback.

Henderson kept his misfiring teammates in the contest with good saves from Rodallega and Cauley Woodrow late on, but could do nothing to prevent the former securing the points in the 87th minute.

Lasse Vigen Christensen saw the overlapping run of Rodallega and timed his pass perfectly for the striker to cut inside Tal Ben Haim and guide a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, as Symons strengthened his claim for the permanent job with a fifth win in eight games.

The result takes Fulham to 19th, while Charlton remain seventh after a second loss of the season.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-fulham-out-of-drop-zone-with-charlton-win_184403.html

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Fulham exit drop zone with big win over Charlton

Hugo Rodallega scored twice and Scott Parker was on target against his old club as Fulham climbed out of the bottom three of the Championship with a 3-0 win over Charlton.

Parker struck after just six minutes and Rodallega doubled the lead shortly afterwards as the Cottagers came racing out of the traps.

And Rodallega wrapped up the points with a minute to go to surely secure the permanent manager's job for Kit Symons.

Former Fulham defender, scout and youth coach Symons has transformed the side from the mess he inherited from Felix Magath, and has now won five of his eight matches in charge.

The Cottagers had previously taken just one point from seven under Magath, but they are now out of the drop zone for the first time this season and up to the dizzying heights of 19th.

The players want Symons in charge, as do the fans, but chairman Shahid Khan still seems in no hurry to make the appointment.

However, Khan is due back in the country over the next fortnight when he could finally take what appears the easiest of decisions.

Fulham tore apart a Charlton side who had previously lost just once all season in a breathtaking opening quarter of an hour.

First Parker, who spent six successful years at Charlton at the start of his career, intercepted Chris Solly's wayward pass and raced forward.

The former England midfielder attempted to tee up Ross McCormack in the area, and although the striker was forced wide he managed to cut the ball back to Parker, who had continued his run and smashed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.

Six minutes later rampant Fulham doubled their lead when McCormack's half-volley was superbly saved by Stephen Henderson, only for Rodallega to react first and tuck away the rebound.

A win would have taken Charlton to within a point of leaders Derby but they looked anything but promotion contenders - the closest they came to replying in the first half was when Tim Hoogland's sliced clearance landed on top of his own crossbar.

Hoogland came agonisingly close to scoring at the right end when his header flew wide and in stoppage time Rodallega volleyed over.

Charlton improved after the break but could not find a way back into the match, with Marcus Bettinelli saving well from George Tucudean's header and Franck Moussa firing wide.

Instead Fulham wrapped up the victory, and sent an emphatic message to Khan, when Lasse Vigen Christensen set up Rodallega for the third.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/story/2107687/fulham-3-0-charlton-athletic?

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Charlton lose at the Cottage

Two goals for Fulham in the first eleven minutes led to defeat for Charlton at Craven Cottage tonight. Lacking four regular first team players, Charlton staged a spirited fight back in the second half but to no avail with Fulham adding a third in the closing minutes.

The first attack from Fulham almost led to an own goal from Morgan Fox, in for Wiggins, but Solly retrieved the situation. However, after a foul throw decision, Charlton won the first corner of the evening, but Bikey's shot went five yards wide. Moussa put it wide when he could have put the ball out to Solly on the right.

Solly gave the ball away and the unmarked Parker put the ball into the roof of the net on five minutes. Ben Haim put in excellent work to frustrate the next Fulham attack. There was a late flag against Tucudean who was onside.

Henderson made an initial save, but the follow up saw Fulham made it 2-0 through Rodallega on 11 minutes as the rain came pouring down. Charlton's passing game wasn't working. They were giving away possession too much. Parker was finding too much space in midfield.

A good ball in from Fox gave Charlton a corner, but the keeper saved. Charlton had settled down and were having a better spell of possession, but then Fulham attacked again. Jackson got a gash over his right eye and had to go off for treatment. He had a bandage on his head.

Charlton nearly conceded a third from Hoogland after the popular Parker, who was serenaded by the Addickted, won a free kick.

Fulham won a corner on 33 minutes, but Henderson claimed it. Bikey made an important interception. After some good work on the right, Charlton won a corner which was cleared. After losing his man, Bulot shot well wide.

When Charlton did get the ball, they were closed down.

Half time: Cottagers 2, Addicks 0

After good work by Bulot Charlton won a corner, which was followed by a second. A shot by Bikey was deflected and then led to a third corner, and then a fourth which was cleared.

Charlton won their eighth corner which was cleared. Fulham counter attacked, but Wilson defended well and got the ball back to Henderson.

Burn put the ball in the net for Fulham, but it was ruled offside. Moussa turned and put in a shot with his right foot, but it went just past the post. He was then taken off and was replaced by Gudmundsson. Bulot moved up alongside Tucudean.

Gudmundsson made an early impact, winning Charlton their ninth corner, followed by their tenth and then their eleventh. This ended in a goal kick, but it was a good spell of pressure from Charlton.

Fox was taken off and replaced by Ahearne-Grant with Jackson coming out to the left. Ahearne-Grant twisted and turned to put in a shot which led to a corner. Bulot pulled his hamstring and Morrison came on with Bikey going up front. Bulot is likely to be out for a few weeks, adding to our injury list. A dangerous Fulham ball flashed across the goal. Bikey clattered Parker. In the 88th minute Rodallega scored the third for Fulham as Morrison slipped over. Wilson hit the inside of the post but the offside flag was raised anyway.

Possession was 50-50, Charlton led on corners 13 to two, but of 23 Charlton shots on goal, only three were on target.


http://addickschampionshipdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/charlton-lose-at-cottage.html

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Improving Fulham out of drop zone

Hugo Rodallega scored twice and Scott Parker was on target against his old club as Fulham climbed out of the bottom three with a 3-0 win over Charlton.

Parker struck after just six minutes and Rodallega doubled the lead shortly afterwards as the Cottagers came racing out of the traps. And Rodallega wrapped up the points with a minute to go to surely secure the permanent manager's job for Kit Symons. Former Fulham defender, scout and youth coach Symons has transformed the side from the mess he inherited from Felix Magath, and has now won five of his eight matches in charge. The Cottagers had previously taken just one point from seven under Magath, but they are now out of the drop zone for the first time this season and up to the dizzying heights of 19th. The players want Symons in charge, as do the fans, but chairman Shahid Khan still seems in no hurry to make the appointment. However, Khan is due back in the country over the next fortnight when he could finally take what appears the easiest of decisions. Fulham tore apart a Charlton side who had previously lost just once all season in a breathtaking opening quarter of an hour. First Parker, who spent six successful years at Charlton at the start of his career, intercepted Chris Solly's wayward pass and raced forward. The former England midfielder attempted to tee up Ross McCormack in the area, and although the striker was forced wide he managed to cut the ball back to Parker, who had continued his run and smashed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar. Six minutes later rampant Fulham doubled their lead when McCormack's half-volley was superbly saved by Stephen Henderson, only for Rodallega to react first and tuck away the rebound. A win would have taken Charlton to within a point of leaders Derby but they looked anything but promotion contenders - the closest they came to replying in the first half was when Tim Hoogland's sliced clearance landed on top of his own crossbar. Hoogland came agonisingly close to scoring at the right end when his header flew wide and in stoppage time Rodallega volleyed over. Charlton improved after the break but could not find a way back into the match, with Marcus Bettinelli saving well from George Tucudean's header and Franck Moussa firing wide. Instead Fulham wrapped up the victory, and sent an emphatic message to Khan, when Lasse Vigen Christensen set up Rodallega for the third.



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/improving-fulham-out-of-drop-zone-1745139.html?

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Scott Parker comes back to haunt Charlton

Skipper sets Fulham on their way to fifth win in eight games


Reason to cheer: Hugo Rodallega celebrates after wrapping up the points

Fulham 3-0 Charlton

Scott Parker silenced the Charlton boo-boys as Fulham claimed bragging rights in the London derby at Craven Cottage.

Addicks fans have never forgiven the midfielder for quitting the Valley for Chelsea a decade ago, but Parker set the hosts on their way to a fifth win in seven games under caretaker Kit Symons.

The Cottagers made five changes from the side that drew at Rotherham on Tuesday, reverting back to the team that beat Norwich last weekend.

Parker opened the scoring after six minutes. The skipper exchanged passes with Ross McCormack before scrambling the ball in from close range off the underside of the bar.

The Cottagers doubled their lead shortly after. Stephen Henderson could only parry McCormack's thumping effort, and Hugo Rodallega pounced on the loose ball to slot home.

Tim Hoogland almost added a third on the half-hour mark, but his header from a McCormack free-kick drifted just wide.


Pole position: Fulham caretaker manager Kit Symons
Charlton came back into it as the half wore on but they failed to test Marcus Bettinelli in the Fulham goal.

Bettinelli was called into action at the beginning of the second period when he dived low to his left to turn away George Tucudean's header.

Hoogland had the ball in the Charlton net 10 minutes after the break, but his joy was short-lived after being flagged offside.


Clincher: Rodallega fires the third goal for Fulham
Fulham came under some brief pressure, but the hosts weathered the storm as Rodallega wrapped up victory late on when he slotted past Henderson.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Stafylidis, Parker, Christensen, Kavanagh, Ruiz (Woodrow 76), Rodallega (Roberts 90), McCormack (Zverotic 87).

Subs (not used): Kiraly, Hutchinson, Williams, Smith.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/scott-parker-comes-back-haunt-7996827?

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Fulham 3–0 Charlton: Addicks dominate second half but rue missed chances

CHARLTON Athletic suffered their second league defeat of the season at Fulham this evening and were left to rue a number of missed chances.

The Addicks bossed the second period after conceding twice inside the opening 13 minutes at Craven Cottage, but couldn't find the back of the net after a big improvement.

Hugo Rodallega scored a third late on to flatter the scoreline for the hosts.

Bob Peeters had to make do without key players in the shape of Igor Vetokele, Yoni Buyens and Rhoys Wiggins, but all three are set to return next week for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday.

Morgan Fox's wayward header nearly allowed Bryan Ruiz to capitalise early on but Charlton goalkeeper Stephen Henderson diverted the danger area.

Andre Bikey was unlucky not to get a good connection on the ball from a corner as he got away from his markers, while Franck Moussa dragged a shot wide soon after.

But it was Fulham who struck first, and it had to be Charlton academy graduate Scott Parker up against his former club, finding the back of the net from close range via the crossbar.

And it was soon number two on 11 minutes. Tal Ben Haim did his best to acrobatically clear a cross, but it fell to Ross McCormack inside the box.

The summer signing forced a good save from Henderson but the ball fell into the path of Hugo Rodallega, who did the rest.

Charlton, missing four key players in the shape of Igor Vetokele, Yoni Buyens, Rhoys Wiggins and Johann Berg Gudmundsson, were stunned and they certainly had a mountain to climb.

Tim Hoogland nearly scored a bizarre own goal and the ball sliced up towards goal but Fulham goalkeeper Betinelli did well to push the ball over the crossbar.

Hoogland had a chance at the right end just past the hour-mark, glancing a header just wide from a free-kick.

Johnnie Jackson, sporting a head bandage following a cut just above his eye, nearly connected with a cross from the right but was blocked off for a corner.

As the first half came to a close, Rodallega volleyed over after getting the better of Talk Ben Haim and Chris Solly.

Charlton started the second half superbly and went close through Jordan Cousins, whose shot was blocked for a corner, before Andre Bikey nearly turned home and then Tucudean went close from a another corner.

Fulham thought they had grabbed a third goal against the run of play when the ball was bundled home but the assistant referee has raised his flag for the use of a hand.

Moussa drove a decent effort a yard the wrong side of the post, and it proved to be his last action of the evening as Icelandic international Gudmundsson came off the bench following injury to replace him.

Bryan Ruiz should have killed the game off just past the hour-mark when he blazed a first-time effort way over the bar after finding space in the box following a cross.

And then Rodallega volleyed over from eight yards when he should have done better.

The corner count at this stage was 14-1 in favour of Charlton, while they were ruling the chance rate too, but had nothing to show for it just yet.

Karlan Ahearne-Grant came on for Fox as Charlton reshuffled their pack, and the striker was soon in the action, winning a corner after a good shot on the turn.

Jackson snatched at a shot with his weaker foot as the Addicks kept going in search of a comeback, and then Lawrie Wilson fluffed his lines with another effort inside the box.

Skipper Jackson saw an effort go over after good play from Tucudean and Gudmundsson, while they suffered an injury to Frederic Bulot and were forced to bring Michael Morrison on.

Ahearne-Grant looked to have been stopped in tracks inside the penalty area but played on and drove a wonderful ball across the box only for Fulham to clear.

For all of Charlton's dominance, they were punished late on as Rodallega hit a third for Fulham.

And the Addicks' evening was summed up as Wilson struck the inside of the post before rolling away in stoppage time.

Charlton: Henderson, Solly, Ben Haim, Bikey, Fox (Ahearne-Grant 68), Wilson, Cousins, Jackson ©, Bulot (Morrison 77), Moussa (Gudmundsson 58), Tucudean.

Subs Not Used: Pope, Thomas, Munns, Harriott.



Read more: http://www.sevenoakschronicle.co.uk/Fulham-3-8211-0-Charlton-Addicks-dominate-second/story-23465612-detail/story.html?#ixzz3H8Yokupp
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Rodallega stars in Fulham win

Hugo Rodallega scored twice and Scott Parker was on target against his old club as Fulham climbed out of the Sky Bet Championship bottom three with a 3-0 home win over Charlton.

Parker struck after just six minutes and Rodallega doubled the lead shortly afterwards as the Cottagers came racing out of the traps.

And Rodallega wrapped up the points with a minute to go to surely secure the permanent manager's job for Kit Symons.

Former Fulham defender, scout and youth coach Symons has transformed the side from the mess he inherited from Felix Magath, and has now won five of his eight matches in charge.

The Cottagers had previously taken just one point from seven under Magath, but they are now out of the drop zone for the first time this season and up to the dizzying heights of 19th.

The players want Symons in charge, as do the fans, but chairman Shahid Khan still seems in no hurry to make the appointment.

However, Khan is due back in the country over the next fortnight when he could finally take what appears the easiest of decisions.

Fulham tore apart a Charlton side who had previously lost just once all season in a breathtaking opening quarter of an hour.

First Parker, who spent six successful years at Charlton at the start of his career, intercepted Chris Solly's wayward pass and raced forward.

The former England midfielder attempted to tee up Ross McCormack in the area, and although the striker was forced wide he managed to cut the ball back to Parker, who had continued his run and smashed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.

Six minutes later rampant Fulham doubled their lead when McCormack's half-volley was superbly saved by Stephen Henderson, only for Rodallega to react first and tuck away the rebound.

A win would have taken Charlton to within a point of leaders Derby but they looked anything but promotion contenders - the closest they came to replying in the first half was when Tim Hoogland's sliced clearance landed on top of his own crossbar.

Hoogland came agonisingly close to scoring at the right end when his header flew wide and in stoppage time Rodallega volleyed over.

Charlton improved after the break but could not find a way back into the match, with Marcus Bettinelli saving well from George Tucudean's header and Franck Moussa firing wide.

Instead Fulham wrapped up the victory, and sent an emphatic message to Khan, when Lasse Vigen Christensen set up Rodallega for the third.


http://www.teamtalk.com/match/report/978/9532940/-?

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Fulham 3 - Charlton 0: Rodallega and Parker fire Symons' side out of drop zone
FULHAM caretaker boss Kit Symons guided the Cottagers to another victory to press home his claims for the managerial role on a full-time basis.


HERO HUGO: Hugo Rodallega fires home Fulham's third goal [GETTY]
Symons made five changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Rotherham and Scott Parker smashed home Ross McCormack's cross in the sixth minute to put the hosts ahead.

Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega then doubled the lead six minutes later from close range after McCormack's shot was saved by Charlton keeper Stephen Henderson.

The visitors, who suffered their first defeat of the season last Saturday against Bournemouth, piled on the pressure in the second half but struggled to find a way past a solid home defence.

With full-time looming impressive Danish midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen dribbled his way to the edge of Charlton's box and played in Rodallega, who beat his marker and slotted home a tidy finish for the third goal.

The win pushes Fulham out of the relegation zone and into 19th place in the Championship while Bob Peeters' Charlton remain seventh.



http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/406827/Fulham-3-Charlton-0-Rodallega-Parker-Symons

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Fulham 3 Charlton 0: Kit Symons claims he is 'obviously' right man for job after Hugo Rodallega double seals win
Fulham v Charlton, Championship match report: Fulham's 3-0 win - including two goals for Hugo Rodallega - pushes Kit Symons' claims to be permanent manager


Lively start: Hugo Rodallega scores his first and Fulham's second goal against Charlton 
Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Kit Symons is convinced he is making a compelling case to be appointed full-time manager after early goals from Scott Parker and Hugo Rodallega set Fulham on course for a victory that moved the club out of the Championship bottom three for the first time this season.

Rodallega added his second in the 89th minute to wrap up the fifth win of Symons' eight-game reign, achieved impressively against a Charlton side that had lost just once in the league before this match.

Symons believes he can do little more to strengthen his case to succeed Felix Magath, but admits he has little idea how long he will have to wait before Shahid Khan, the club's US-based owner, finalises his plans for the future.

"I haven't heard anything at all, although I haven't looked at my phone yet," said Symons. "I'm very confident I'll get it. It has to be getting more difficult, with the team winning games, for the five-man panel not to see the obvious thing to do for this football club.

"I won't get giddy or carried away. The chairman? He's over the week after next. I don't know what to expect. I understand the process but not when a decision will be made to how it will come out. Hopefully we'll find out sooner rather than later. We'll chat on the phone Monday, we had a long chat last Monday, although not about the job unfortunately."

Fulham's performance during the opening half offered a timely reminder that this group of players has been transformed since taking just one point in the opening seven league games under Magath.

Charlton arrived at Craven Cottage full of confidence after Tuesday's win over Bolton Wanderers that meant they could have increased the pressure on the leading group ahead of the weekend fixtures.

However, they were caught cold by Fulham's vibrant start, much to manager Bob Peeters' frustration. "We've done Kit a gift today," he said. "He owes my players, ­especially for the first half, if he gets the job."

Parker led the way for the home side, advancing towards the visiting penalty area before exchanging passes with Ross McCormack and finishing from 10 yards after just six minutes. Fulham maintained the momentum, doubling the lead six minutes later when Rodallega reacted first after McCormack's shot had been parried.

It was always unlikely Fulham could maintain the tempo of the first half and Charlton began to exert themselves after the break, demonstrating the qualities that have consolidated their place in the top half of the table.

Marcus Bettinelli, in goal for Fulham, brilliantly saved Charlton striker George Tucudean's header six minutes after the restart and was then relieved to see Franck ­Moussa's powerful low shot drift outside of his post moments later. Home nerves were calmed, however, when Rodallega found the corner from a tight angle in the final moments.

Match details
Fulham (4-4-2) Bettinelli; Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Stafylidis; Christensen, Parker, Ruiz (Woodrow 76), Kavanagh; Rodallega (Roberts 90), McCormack (Zverotic 87). Subs Kiraly, Hutchinson, Zverotic, Roberts, Williams, Smith.

Charlton (4-4-2) Henderson; Solly, Ben Haim, Bikey, Fox (Ahearne-Grant 68); Wilson, Jackson, Cousins, Bulot (Morrison 77); Moussa (Gudmundsson 59), Tucudean. Subs Pope, Harriott, Munns, Thomas.

Referee K Stroud (Gillingham).


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/championship/11187312/Fulham-3-Charlton-0-Kit-Symons-claims-he-is-obviously-right-man-for-job-after-Hugo-Rodallega-double-seals-win.html

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Hugo Rodallega double helps Fulham thrash sorry Charlton

Fulham 3 Charlton 0


Scott Parker scores the opening goal for Fulham in the Championship game against
Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage. Photograph: Javier Garcia/BPI/Rex

Kit Symons is "very confident" he will be made Fulham's next permanent manager. The former Craven Cottage defender made it five wins out of eight games in caretaker charge as his side blew Charlton away 3-0.– who has put together a five-man committee to identify a new manager – still seems in no hurry to make the appointment. However, Khan is due back in the country over the next fortnight when he could finally take what appears the easiest of decisions. Symons said: "I haven't checked my phone yet but I am very confident I'll get it. It has to be getting more difficult, with the team winning games, for the five-man panel not to see the obvious thing to do for this football club. The chairman is over the week after next. I don't know what to expect, I understand the process but not when a decision will be made or how it will come about. Hopefully we'll find out sooner rather than later." Scott Parker opened the scoring against his old club after six minutes, latching on to Chris Solly's wayward pass and playing in Ross McCormack before smashing the return ball in off the crossbar. Hugo Rodallega doubled the lead in another six minutes when he snaffled the rebound after Stephen Henderson had palmed out McCormack's half-volley. Charlton, who had lost only once all season, improved after the break but could not find a way back into the match, with Marcus Bettinelli saving well from George Tucudean's header and Franck Moussa firing wide.

Instead Fulham wrapped up the victory, and sent another emphatic message to Khan, when Lasse Vigen Christensen set up Rodallega for the third.

Addicks boss Bob Peeters, whose side missed the chance to move to within a point of Championship leaders Derby, said: "Solly played the ball into the centre and they punished us. So we said 'okay, keep on doing the same things and create chances', but then we do the same thing on the left and they punished us again.

"At half-time we changed the system and there was only one team on the pitch. If we score we are back in the game, and we had more attempts on goal than in our last five or six games put together.

"Everyone gave their maximum in the second half but it's about scoring the goals and that is what we lacked."


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/24/fulham-charlton-athletic-championship-match-report

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Fulham vs Charlton match report: Kit Symons constructs strong case to get the Fulham job

Fulham 3 Charlton 0

Form is temporary and so at the moment is Kit Symons's position in charge of Fulham's first-team. But for how much longer? Further evidence that he has transformed a demoralised squad since taking charge eight matches ago was offered on the banks of the Thames tonight with a fifth victory in that run to take the West Londoners out of the bottom three, until Saturday afternoon at the very least. Symons left the pitch looking a very satisfied man.

"I'm very confident I'll get the job," he said later. "You'd like to think the five-man panel [selecting the manager] will see what's the obvious and the right thing to do for this football club."

Charlton, losing for only the second time this season, had been hoping to move into the top three but they found recovery impossible from a dreadful start, conceding two goals to Scott Parker and Hugo Rodallega in the first 12 minutes of the game.

There was a seeming inevitability about Parker, a Charlton youth product, having a major say in events. His driving run towards goal in the sixth minute set up Ross McCormack, who did well to cut the ball back for Parker to knock in off the crossbar from five yards.

If the captain's celebration was sensitively muted, there was no such restraint when Fulham scored a second goal only six minutes later. This time André Bikey-Amougou cleared a cross acrobatically but only to McCormack. His shot, well saved by Stephen Henderson, fell for Rodallega to drive past the goalkeeper.

Had Tim Hoogland directed a header the right side of the post from McCormack's free-kick before half-time the contest would have been over much earlier. Instead Marcus Bettinelli had to make a fine low save from George  Tucudean's header as Charlton produced some sustained pressure at last.

The 17 year-old Karlan Ahearne-Grant, one of many successors to Parker from a successful academy, introduced a more direct threat in attack. Lawrie Wilson hit the inside of the post but not until added time, just after Rodallega had turned inside his man beautifully for the third goal.

Fulham (4-4-2): Bettinelli; Hoogland, Burn, Bodurov, Stafylidis; Christensen, Parker, Ruiz (Woodrow 76), Kavanagh; Rodallega (Roberts 89), McCormack (Zverotic 87). Substitutes not used: Kiraly, Hutchinson, Smith, Williams.

Charlton  Athletic (4-4-2): Henderson;  Solly, Ben Haim, Bikey-Amougou, Fox (Ahearne-Grant 68); Wilson, Cousins, Jackson, Bulot (Morrison 78); Moussa (Gudmundsson 59) ,Tucudean. Substitutes  not used: Morrison, Harriott, Munns, Pope, Thomas.

Referee: K Stroud (Hampshire)


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-vs-charlton-match-report-kit-symons-constructs-strong-case-to-get-the-fulham-job-9817316.html

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Fulham to assess injured striker

Cottagers to check on Rodallega on Saturday after limping off against Addicks

Fulham will assess Hugo Rodallega on Saturday after he limped off against Charlton.

The striker scored twice to seal a 3-0 win after Scott Parker had set them on their way to victory at Craven Cottage.

However, Rodallega was withdrawn late on and boss Kit Symons revealed the Colombian is struggling with an ongoing problem.

"He had a little knock that he's been carrying," Symons said. "It's nothing too bad. We'll assess it in the morning."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-to-assess-injured-striker-7996921?

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Resurgent Fulham climb out of bottom three

Fulham 3 Charlton 0

Hugo Rodallega scored twice and Scott Parker was on target against his old club as Fulham climbed out of the bottom three with a 3-0 win over Charlton.

Parker struck after just six minutes and Rodallega doubled the lead shortly afterwards as the Cottagers came racing out of the traps.

And Rodallega wrapped up the points with a minute to go to surely secure the permanent manager's job for Kit Symons.

Former Fulham defender, scout and youth coach Symons has transformed the side from the mess he inherited from Felix Magath, and has now won five of his eight matches in charge.

The Cottagers had previously taken just one point from seven under Magath, but they are now out of the drop zone for the first time this season and up to the dizzying heights of 19th.

The players want Symons in charge, as do the fans, but chairman Shahid Khan still seems in no hurry to make the appointment.

However, Khan is due back in the country over the next fortnight when he could finally take what appears the easiest of decisions.

Fulham tore apart a Charlton side who had previously lost just once all season in a breathtaking opening quarter of an hour.

First Parker, who spent six successful years at Charlton at the start of his career, intercepted Chris Solly's wayward pass and raced forward.

The former England midfielder attempted to tee up Ross McCormack in the area, and although the striker was forced wide he managed to cut the ball back to Parker, who had continued his run and smashed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.

Six minutes later rampant Fulham doubled their lead when McCormack's half-volley was superbly saved by Stephen Henderson, only for Rodallega to react first and tuck away the rebound.

Charlton improved after the break but could not find a way back into the match, with Marcus Bettinelli saving well from George Tucudean's header and Franck Moussa firing wide.

Instead Fulham wrapped up the victory, and sent an emphatic message to Khan, when Lasse Vigen Christensen set up Rodallega for the third.

FULHAM: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Bodurov, Burn, Stafylidis, Parker, Christensen, Kavanagh, Ruiz (Woodrow 76), Rodallega (Roberts 90), McCormack (Zverotic 87).

CHARLTON: Henderson, Solly, Ben Haim, Bikey, Fox (Ahearne-Grant 68), Wilson, Cousins, Jackson, Bulot (Morrison 78), Moussa (Gudmundsson 59), Tucudean.

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

© Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved


http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/resurgent-fulham-climb-out-of-bottom-three-293979.html?

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Ruthless Fulham Find Charlton's Faults

Such was the extent to which Charlton responded in the second half, a late Fulham third meant the score didn't particularly reflect the overall margin between the two sides.

The effort shown by the Addicks after the break was commendable, delivering the energy 2,000 incredibly noisy supporters in Craven Cottage's away end demanded and deserved. It was a huge improvement on an opening period that lacked fight, any sense of team structure and individual ability.

Bob Peeters' depleted side went from incompetent to competitive.

But any suggestion that Charlton didn't get what they deserved is wide of the mark.

For Fulham were ruthless when they needed to be ruthless; capitalising on an embarrassing effort from the Addicks in the opening 15 minutes.

The booed Scott Parker and the lively Hugo Rodallega were gifted goals to put the Cottagers two ahead early on, with Charlton's normally resilient defensive quality being made to look like nothing more than a myth. Moments of calm defending from those in orange and yellow as numerous as praise from the away end for Parker.

By contrast, Charlton were tame.

In the first half, there was no way forward for the Addicks, who were prevented from playing out from the back by Fulham's persistent pressing. In the second, the positive response was tempered by individual errors in promising positions and a composed effort from the hosts at the back.

In fact, the Cottagers had clearly opted to sit back, soak up Charlton's forward moves and only attempt to add to their advantage if an opportunity to break forward arrived. Countless crosses and corners were dealt with with relative ease by Fulham's dominant back four. Rarely were Kit Symons' side not in control.

And when they did break forward, they did so with considerable threat. The ball flashing past the post on a number of occasions, and Stephen Henderson was not without work.

So while the Cottagers' third, with Rodallega striking for a second time, was cruel on the determined Addicks, it was a fair reflection in the real gulf between the sides. At both ends of the pitch, where it really matters, Fulham were considerably more efficient than Charlton

Although few predicted such a scoreline, even fewer Addicks were confidently predicting victory as their depleted side took to the Craven Cottage pitch.

Already without the injured Igor Vetokele and the suspended Yoni Buyens, a foot injury meant Rhoys Wiggins was an unpredicted absentee, with youngster Morgan Fox starting in his place. The appearance of Johann Berg Gudmundsson, the lack of fit first team players possibly forcing the Iceland international back earlier than planned, on the bench at least offered some positive news.

By contrast, Fulham had rested a number of players in midweek, and the likes of Parker, Rodallega and Bryan Ruiz all returned to the starting XI.

But, despite the odds being stacked against them, it was Charlton, cheered on by an unrelenting visiting support, who started the brighter of the two sides.

Andre Bikey scuffed an early chance wide following a corner, while Franck Moussa, although failing to force Fulham stopper Marcus Bettinelli to so much as move, dragged an effort just beyond the far post.

But that was as good as it got for the Addicks, who saw the game taken away from them, or more accurately they gifted if to the opposition, in the space of six minutes.

First, a misplaced pass from Chris Solly allowed Parker, booed as he did so, to collect the ball and drive forward undeterred.

When on the edge of the box, the one-time England skipper fed through Ross McCormack, who unselfishly set the ball across goal, where Parker was on hand to thump the ball against the roof of the net and finish off the move he started. Some frustration was certainly displayed as Parker ran off to celebrate.

And before the visiting supporters had finished off their volleys of abuse towards the man whose departure from SE7 still upsets some, Fulham had doubled their lead.

Again, the hosts were invited to come forward as they pleased, resulting in a scuffed clearance from Tal Ben Haim only finding McCormack on the penalty spot.

Allowed to do his best impression of seal, the Scot took two touches of the ball with his head, before chesting it down and volleying towards goal, only for Henderson to parry the effort away.

But no Addick was alive to the loose ball, giving Rodallega the simplest of chances to increase his side's advantage. The curse of appearing live on TV, the third kit and Fulham's class could all be blamed for such a deficit after 12 minutes, but most supporters in the away end were ignoring all excuses and casting eyes on their side's dreadful efforts.

An improvement was desperately needed, but Peeters' side couldn't provide it. There was seemingly little shape, possession was given up far too easily and the back four's efforts to prevent further embarrassment were largely unconvincing. In fact, Charlton already looked beaten.

A skewed clearance from Tim Hoogland, sent back towards his goal, at least gave Bettinelli something to do, as did a desperately tame effort from Tucudean, but there was no sense the Addicks were to get back into the contest.

So much so that they really should have been 3-0 down just beyond the half hour.

Johnnie Jackson, impersonating Terry Butcher after a nasty cut had him leaking claret in concerning quantities, clattered into Parker on the edge of Charlton's box, and the resulting free-kick saw Hoogland fire a free header narrowly wide. Again, the defensive efforts were questionable.

Whether it was the knock to the head or purely frustration at his side's performance, Jackson was the one Addick showing as much fight as the still vocal Charlton supporters demanded.

Constantly attempting to motivate his troops, and occasionally letting them know in no uncertain terms than their performance was not good enough, the Skipper's spirit at least offered some hope to his beleaguered fans.

In fact, Jackson was involved in Charlton's best chance of the half, coming desperately close to making the sort of contact that would have turned Solly's low cross beyond Bettinelli.

But it was far from a sign the Addicks were growing into the game. There was almost a reluctance to get forward, with Frederic Bulot and Lawrie Wilson lacking the confidence to run at Fulham's defence, while a persistent struggle in holding onto the ball and constant panic as Fulham pressed made the visitors as vulnerable as ever.

The half ended with Rodallega, after more hesitant Charlton defending, looping a volley over Henderson's bar. The following half-time whistle was met with rather strong boos from the visiting supporters, and it was hard to begrudge such a response. There have been few worse 45 minute performances from the Addicks in recent years.

While the Charlton Upbeats won a half-time penalty shoot-out, there were few Charlton supporters feeling upbeat about their side's chances. Unless an early second half goal was scored, the game was certainly gone, but some degree of fight needed to be shown at the very least.

And there were encouraging signs in the early stages of the second period. Encouraging enough to reignite hope in the away end.

In fact, after Bulot, finally coming out of the shell he had been stuck in for the entirety of the first half, forced the first of nine second half corners for the Addicks, only the fully extended fingertips of Bettinelli prevented George Tucudean's header from reducing the deficit.

But Fulham were unwilling to rollover in the face of an increased threat. While they were certainly sitting deeper and somewhat inviting it, Charlton's attacks were all too often forced out wide, with the imperious Dan Burn dealing with anything that did find its way into the box.

Burn, a talented young centre back treated poorly by previous Fulham boss Felix Magath, was also a strong figure down the other end, heading over from Ruiz's free-kick.

The former Birmingham loanee was involved again moments later as his pass was turned into the net by Hoogland, but the assistant's flag denied the Cottagers and kept Charlton with some dignity intact.

Nonetheless, the Addicks were putting in a solid shift in their efforts to restore some pride. Moussa's well struck effort skimmed marginally wide, before the Belgian was replaced by Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who immediately showed his class operating beyond Tucudean.

And with Charlton beginning to compete, there was now an end-to-end feel to the game.

But while more time was spent at Fulham's end, the heads of the hosts surely sore after successfully defending Charlton's umpteenth corner, the more noteworthy chances were occurring in front of Henderson's goal. Ruiz must still be wondering how he failed to convert after being teed up by McCormack, while Rodallega followed up shortly after with a similarly impressive miss.

For Charlton, it was a case of forward moves breaking down at the final moment. After superb work from Solly saw the academy graduate beat two Fulham men at once before picking out Tucudean, the Romanian's flick was just the wrong side of Gudmundsson, while fellow substitute Karlan Ahearne-Grant, on for the struggling Fox, threatened Fulham's back four with his pace and trickery, but was left with a look of anguish on his face after his shot was blocked narrowly wide.

Still the Addicks endevoured to find a way back into the game. Jackson, putting in a sensational shift both covering at left-back and coming forward as a midfielder when the Addicks attacked, scuffed a volley and raised an effort well over the bar either side of Wilson's driven strike wide, but with 15 minutes to go, Charlton's very slim chances had effectively vanished.

In fact, with Bikey pushed forward and the defence weaker because of it, it was Fulham who looked most likely to score as full-time drew closer.

Lasse Vigen Christensen stabbed narrowly wide from Cauley Woodrow's cross, before Henderson made himself big to deny Rodallega and latterly Woodrow himself, but there was little he could do as Fulham pushed forward one last time.

It was incredibly cruel on the Addicks, who had worked hard in the second period, and tough on the Charlton fans, who had stuck with their team throughout, but the third Fulham goal had been coming. Rodallega exploited the space available to him with Charlton bodies forward, and lashed an 89th minute into the corner of the net.

At the very least, the supporters behind the goal the Addicks were attacking deserved to celebrate a goal before the game was done, and only the inside of the post prevented Wilson from making that happen in stoppage time, but the fact it was the first time they had come realistically close to scoring told the story itself. A depleted side had been outclassed.

But, as the full-time whistle blew, there was a clear difference in response from the visiting supporters when compared to the first half. Disgruntled at half-time, Charlton fans were now more than happy to applaud their side for their commendable efforts in the second period.

Such a determined and spirited response to being two goals down and seemingly heading for further embarrassment was promising to see, and the way in which the Addicks moved forward in the final period means that the manner and margin of the defeat, to a Fulham side who were well organised and impressive in attack and defence, might not be quite so damaging as it appears on first viewing.

In fact, a dread to think how horrendous Magath actually was, because there was natural and genuine ability within Fulham's side. Under a competent boss like Symons, they'll compete with the division's best.

Nonetheless, it's very easy to overstate the second half performance. The Cottagers took a step back, content with their two goal lead, and gave the Addicks the opportunities to come forward, with very few leading to a reasonable shooting opportunity. In fact, while the first half exposed Charlton's frailties at the back, the second showed how weak Peeters' side are without Vetokele.

And that first half display was extremely worrying, not least for the fact that the Addicks have come unstuck against another side who press. There's absolutely no way we can play out from the back against opposition who put pressure on our back four in possession, because they're too slow in moving the ball on. It results in the situation that occurred in the opening 45; a panicked display in possession results in a panicked display when out of it. A Plan B is desperately, desperately needed.

It's therefore the case that ignoring the first half and focusing on the semi-positives from the second is counter productive. There are clear issues with the side that, although not leaving Charlton in a desperate state of affairs, need to be addressed.

But, away from the effort shown and Jackson's usual blood and guts performance, there was a rather large positive for the Addicks.

On the night where Charlton's most successful academy graduate was somewhat unfairly booed and abused, Ahearne-Grant against displayed all the makings of an excellent footballer. He remains raw, and his nowhere near the finished product, but it's apparent that he's going to be a very serious player in years to come. In fact, he can do a decent job off the bench for the first team as a 17-year-old.

Ahearne-Grant's energy, although failing to get the Addicks back into the game, pushed the visitors on in the final 25 minutes; he wasn't afraid to take on his man and burst forward. It would be nice is such adventure could spread.

And Peeters now has eight days to rejuvenate his side. Take the effort shown in the second half for what it's worth, and instill that in the side constantly, but don't disregard how poor the first was, and what needs to be improved upon.


http://chrispowellsflatcap.com/2014/10/25/ruthless-fulham-find-charltons-faults/?

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Rodallega fires Fulham out of the relegation zone
by DAN on OCTOBER 25, 2014

You could forgive Kit Symons' confidence after the final whistle. For the first time, Fulham's caretaker manager allowed himself to publicly consider the prospect of being given the job on a permanent basis and his application appears unbeatable after the Cottagers climbed out of the relegation zone with a convincing 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage tonight.

Symons is heavily favoured to be endorsed as Felix Magath's full-time successor by chairman Shahid Khan when the American returns to London in a fortnight's time as his NFL franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars, play at Wembley. Symons has now won five of the eight games since he replaced Magath and has completely transformed the mood at a club who looked dangerously devoid of ideas and far too close to completing consecutive relegations during the German's time in charge. The team that Symons has build looks far removed from the sorry side that went eight games without a win at the straight of the season and they were far too good for a Charlton side, who had only lost one game all season prior to this encounter.

Skipper Scott Parker wasted little time in marking his return to the starting line-up with a goal against the club with whom he started his professional career. The former England captain, who came through the youth academy at the Valley, had been rested for the midweek trip to Rotherham but clinically smashed home a cross from Ross McCormack just six minutes in after full-back Chris Solly had criminally surrendered possession to Parker in his own final third. It was a mistake which seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Addicks, whose most fluent football was reserved for a twenty minute spell at the start of the second half as they sought a way back into the contest.

By then, though, they were two goals adrift. Fulham's fast start saw them double their lead on twelve minutes. The visitors failed to deal with a cross from Kostas Stafylidis and, although McCormack's measured shot was palmed away by Stephen Henderson, Hugo Rodallega was on hand to steer home the rebound from close range. It might have been worse for Bob Peeters' side but full-back Tim Hoogland, who has been in fine goalscoring form for Fulham so far this season, inexplicably sent a free header wide from a corner and Rodallega's deflected strike just before the break flew inches over the bar.

Charlton emerged after the interval with renewed vigour and the orange shirts pressed Fulham back for much of the second period. For all their possession and territory, the visitors rarely tested Marcus Bettinelli. The Fulham goalkeeeper's first real save of note came when he clawed away a header from George Tucudean after a succession of corners and Franck Moussa sent a shot narrowly wide. Hoogland had the ball in the net at the other end but was flagged offside after Dan Burn's header had sparked a goalmouth scramble and Bryan Ruiz spurned a glorious chance to put the game to bed, by spooning a shot from the edge of the box high in the Hammersmith End.

Both Rodallega and the lively Lasse Vigen Christensen had gone close to extending Fulham's lead before the pair were involved in creating the clinching third goal a minute from time. The Danish under-21 international burst forward and released Rodallega into the inside right channel with a perfectly weighted pass. The Colombian tricked his way inside Tal Ben-Haim and curled his shot around Henderson and into the far corner. Such a comprehensive win might have Khan arranging a press conference far sooner than might have been envisaged. Symons certainly deserves the opportunity to build on his encouraging start.

FULHAM (4-1-2-1-2): Bettinelli; Hoogland, Stafylidis, Bodurov, Burn; Parker; Kavanagh, Christensen; Ruiz (Woodrow 76); McCormack (Zverotic 87), Rodallega (Roberts 90). Subs (not used): Kiraly, Hutchinson, G. Williams, Smith.

GOALS: Parker (6), Rodallega (12, 89).

CHARLTON ATHLETIC (4-4-1-1): Henderson; Solly, Fox (Ahearne-Grant 68), Ben-Haim, Bikey; Cousins, Jackson, Wilson, Bulot (Morrison 77); Moussa (Berg Gudmundsson 59); Tucudean. Subs (not used): Pope, Thomas, Harriott, Munns.

REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Dorset).

ATTENDANCE: 17,923.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/10/rodallega-fires-fulham-out-of-the-relegation-zone/?

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Fulham 3 Charlton Athletic 0

A little bit of perspective needed.

Fulham have a huge parachute payment, a bigger budget, a bigger squad and better players. We have punched above our weight so far this season, Fulham have had a really poor start and Felix Magath must be the worst man-manager that ever lived.

We lost tonight's game in the first 12 minutes and after that Fulham could pretty much dominate the pattern of the game. It was a dismal 1st half that no doubt set off all kind of alarm bells amongst Charlton fans, although the many thousands that were in Craven Cottage were absolutely superb.

Just like at Bournemouth on Saturday a miss-placed pass gave away an early goal. We did it a number of times early on Saturday, tonight we got punished again. The defence is in credit, but if they are not careful they won't soon be.

The 2nd half re-ignited belief in our spirit and desire as we dominated proceedings, playing some good stuff in long spells but realistically never really looked like scoring.

Like Dave I have followed the possession stats carefully but tonight they were turned on their heads with us having 23 shots at goal and 13 corners, although they rarely caused a fluttering of excitement.

I am pretty bored of talking about our lack of depth and now Bulot joins the injury list after hurting a hamstring. Ahearne-Grant did very well in his cameo, and a not fully fit Gudmundsson was much more effective from the bench but I wonder if a non-network club would recall two strikers on loan at other clubs?

So often The Championship is a great leveller, but tonight showed the difference between the have and the have-nots. The 2nd half left a good taste but our paper thin squad is so susceptible to paper cuts.

Two last thoughts. My unnatural hatred of Fulham hasn't waned and, please, no more orange.


http://chicagoaddick.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/fulham-3-charlton-athletic-0/?

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Symons 'very confident' of clinching Fulham job
by DAN on OCTOBER 25, 2014

Kit Symons told the press he was 'very confident' of clinching the full-time manager's job after watching his Fulham side move out of the bottom three with a comfortable win over Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage tonight.

Symons has now won five of his eight games in charge since he replaced Felix Magath on a temporary basis in September. An early goal from Scott Parker and a brace from Hugo Rodallega ensured Fulham moved out of the relegation zone for the first time in Symons' tenure after a 3-0 over Charlton, who had only lost once previously this season. The former Fulham centre back was confident that he was the front runner for the post, although insisted he hadn't had anything confirmed.

[I haven't heard anything] at all, although I haven't looked at my phone yet. I'm very confident I'll get it, it has to be getting more difficult, with the team winning games, for the five-man panel not to see the obvious thing to do for this football club.

I won't get giddy or carried away. The chairman is over week after next. I don't know what to expect, I understand the process but not when a decision will be made or how it will come about.

Hopefully we'll find out sooner rather than later. We'll chat on the phone Monday, we had a long chat last Monday, although not about the job unfortunately.

Symons praised the attitude and commitment of his players since he took over the reigns.

The morale and the vibe around training ground is brilliant. There are big smiles around the place now and that's the environment I want. I haven't reinvented the wheel, I just believe in common sense. I have a very simple way of working but it's thorough and the players know what I expect.



http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/10/symons-very-confident-of-clinching-fulham-job/?

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Manager Reaction

Caretaker Manager Kit Symons believes the confidence in the squad is key to their recent run of success.

"Nothing phases this group of players. There's a real confidence and genuine belief that we will win every game we step out onto the pitch to play," said Symons.

"I'm happy and I'm confident I can put any team out. There are players banging the door down to start games of football here now. We've got a great squad, full of young players. Full of great talent, pace and energy and good experienced ones as well. It's just down to me to pick the right balance.

"The aim is to improve every single week," Kit said. "We try and improve from the previous one. That's one of the targets we set the players and they've been responding fantastically."

Friday night's emphatic 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic saw Fulham climb out of the bottom three with two goals from Hugo Rodallega and another from Captain Scott Parker.

"We started very, very well, obviously we got the two goals early on, then I felt we took our foot of the gas a little bit at times," continued Symons.

"They came out the second half and had a right go. A lot of corners and put us under pressure. But we held on pretty comfortably and always looked dangerous on the counter attack. We always looked likely to score a goal from the counter and obviously did in the end.

"We've been playing teams who are well placed in the league and with good runs of form.

"There are a lot of big smiles around the Club and that's the environment I want and that's the environment I have helped to create with the help of a lot of people."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/october/24/manager-reaction