Sunday Fulham Stuff (01/03/15)...

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U21s Report: Fulham 1 Leicester City 3

Leicester City's Development Squad stretched their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions after securing a 3-1 Barclays U21 Premier League victory over Fulham at Motspur Park on Saturday.
The Foxes were 2-0 up within nine minutes thanks to strikes from Jak McCourt and Harry Panayiotou, before Patrick Roberts pulled one back for the hosts just before the break.

And as Fulham went in search of an equaliser, it was Anthony Knockaert who grabbed a third for City from the penalty spot, sending Leicester home with three points.

Steve Beaglehole's side were boosted by the influence of first-teamers Knockaert and Tom Lawrence and were captained by right-back James Pearson.

Leicester had already faced Fulham in the league in September, but despite carving out a handful of goalscoring chances, it was the Cottagers who recorded a 2-0 win at King Power Stadium on that day.

Knowing a win in London could move City as high as eighth in the table, it was Knockaert who mustered up the first opportunity of the game. The lively winger cut in from the right flank before firing over with his left foot with two minutes on the clock.

It was a bright start from the Foxes, who were keen to capitalise on their chances. McCourt, who looked a threat throughout, curled a superb strike in past goalkeeper Magnus Norman on six minutes to open the scoring.

And just three minutes later, City had doubled their lead. Good work down the left from Jack Barmby saw the winger swing the ball into Panayiotou, who calmly side-footed in to make it 2-0.

A neat one-two between Lawrence and Knockaert saw the former find space in the area on 22 minutes, but shot-stopper Norman came off his line quickly to smother the ball.

Teasing crosses from Barmby and Joe Dodoo were cut out by Fernando Amorebieta as City looked for a third, while at the other end, Joe Davis stood strong to deny Ange-Freddy Plumain's effort.

The hosts pulled one back on 36 minutes. City couldn't clear Plumain's dangerous cross and Roberts hammered in the loose ball past Adam Smith from 12 yards.

Fulham were just inches away from levelling the score three minutes after their first goal. Jack Grimmer rattled Smith's crossbar before Barmby dispossessed Plumain, who looked to slot in the rebound – 2-1 to City at the break.

An early second-half chance for the visitors fell to Simonas Stankevicius. The Lithuanian international hit an effort towards goal, only for captain Jonathan Buatu to block the frontman's shot.

Knockaert then fired a 20-yard free kick over Fulham's wall, but couldn't beat 'keeper Norman, who collected the Frenchman's effort with ease on 52 minutes.

Ryan Williams tried his luck from range but couldn't hit the target, while at the other end, Norman halted Panayiotou's surging run.

City restored their two-goal advantage with 18 minutes to go. Substitute Ben Chilwell was upended in the Fulham box and Knockaert slotted in from the spot to make it 3-1 to Beaglehole's side.

Fulham tried to orchestrate a late siege on Smith's goal, but a combination of hard work and composure from the visitors meant there was no way through for the men in white.

Up next for the Foxes is a testing U21 Premier League trip to high-flying Chelsea on Friday 6 March.

FULHAM: Norman, Grimmer, Evans, Donnelly, Buatu (c), Amorebieta, Roberts, Tu Na Bangna, Taggart, Williams, Plumain

SUBS NOT USED: Barnes, Della Verde, Casasola, Redford

GOAL: Roberts 36

CITY: Smith, Pearson (c), Barmby (Kennedy 82), McCourt, Sesay, Davis, Lawrence, Panayiotou, Stankevicius (Chilwell 61), Knockaert (Rowley 85), Dodoo

SUBS NOT USED: Maddison, Scott

GOALS: McCourt 6, Panayiotou 9, Knockaert pen 72

REFEREE: Mr R. Hyde



Read more at http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/u21s-report-fulham-1-leicester-city-3-2302268.aspx#hTHYsyKAD0RPx8iF.99

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Fulham 2 Derby County 0

Fulham showed exactly what they are capable of with an excellent all-round performance to convincingly defeat Sky Bet Championship leaders Derby County.

When Nikolay Bodurov provided a clinical striker-like finish to fire the Whites ahead on 31 minutes, his first goal for the club, it was no less than Kit Symons' Team deserved.

And Fulham were making a mockery of the 29 points and 19 places that separated the sides in the division when they doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Cauley Woodrow seized his opportunity to score his fifth goal of the campaign after Captain Scott Parker turned over possession and Ross McCormack provided the cross.

A fluid 45 minutes of attacking was complimented by a second-half filled with grit and determination, as the Whites defended solidly from the front, and threatened on the break, to secure a valuable victory.

Parker returned to the Whites eleven and provided a composed influence in midfield, with Seko Fofana dropping to the bench, and Woodrow seized his opportunity, selected in place of Hugo Rodallega, who is suffering with a swollen foot.

Following some scrappy opening exchanges, the Rams' first signal of intent arrived when Darren Bent skipped around Shaun Hutchinson's challenge but the ex-White, returning to Craven Cottage for the first time since his season-long loan expired in the summer, pulled his shot across Marcus Bettinelli's goal.

Shortly afterwards, Fulham were putting pressure on the visitors. Lasse Vigen Christensen caught a glimpse of goal but his shot was bravely blocked by Craig Forsyth.

Ross McCormack then bore down on goal and took aim from 25 yards in the ninth minute, only to not catch his strike cleanly as it fizzed wide.

Ryan Tunnicliffe was rightly cautioned for scything down Cyrus Christie as Derby looked to counter on 11 minutes. Their fast breakaways are a key feature of their attacking threat, and Hutchinson had to be alert to clear after Thomas Ince charged past Kostas Stafylidis.

Omar Mascarell bent a curling long-range effort well past Bettinelli's far post before the Rams defence had a scare when a goal-mouth scramble evaded Woodrow and Christensen and Tunnicliffe's improvised header flew over Derby goalkeeper Lee Grant's crossbar.

Bent gave the Whites a reminder of his presence on 16 minutes, arriving quickest to meet a near-post corner, but sending his glancing header wide.The game continued to ebb and flow and Grant was forced to react to keep out Woodrow's clever headed flick, after Parker volleyed a half-cleared corner back towards goal.

A golden opportunity passed the Whites by on 23 minutes when McCormack played Tunnicliffe clear on goal, but a lack of composure on his left foot saw the unpressured eight-yard show skew harmlessly wide.

The Whites continued to defy their underdog status, taking the game to the Championship leaders, and the pressure finally paid. After a series of Fulham corners, Bryan Ruiz worked himself space and drilled a shot at goal. The Costa Rican's effort was charged down before Bodurov pounced on the loose ball and provided a finish like an accomplished goal-scorer, lifting the ball over Grant into the top corner. It was his first Whites goal in 38 appearances.

The Rams responded well to the set-back and almost caught Fulham cold when Ince found space on the overlap but an expertly-timed challenge from Stafylidis thwarted the danger. The Whites refused to sit back and protect the lead and Parker and McCormack both saw shots blocked as Derby were pressed backwards towards their own goal.

Christensen went down with an injury on 42 minutes, and Symons was forced to replace him with Sean Kavanagh, but the stoppage did not stem Fulham's flow. Parker leapt onto Will Hughes' stumble and the Whites Captain fed McCormack on the left, who turn the balled across goal for Woodrow to power in a far-post header and send the Cottage into delirium heading into the interval.

Given the threat Derby pose and, with memories of September's Capital One Cup defeat where visitors came from 2-0 down to win 5-2, there was no room for complacency. There were dangerous Rams attacks to fend off at the start of the season half, as Ryan Shotton and Bent both missed the target with headers.

But Fulham continued to provide Derby with timely reminders of their menace. Moving the ball quickly and precisely, Woodrow found space to shoot but hit a wall of Rams players. More cheers went around the Cottage on 66 minutes, this time because of Bent's substitution. The forward had been fairly ineffective but was struggling with an injury, so Manager Steve McClaren introduced Craig Bryson to the fray.

But Derby remained on the back foot. Parker surged to the by-line and cut the ball back. It agonisingly rolled across the six yard box before McCormack's acute effort was blocked. Ince, the visitors' most influential player, attempted to single-handedly take the game to the Whites. His deflected effort looped skywards but a grateful Bettinelli plucked it out of the air.

Bettinelli again showed good composure to hold Jeff Hendrick's header on 69 minutes, unlike his opposite number moments later. Grant stood on the ball after receiving a back-pass and Woodrow almost embarrassed the Derby keeper before he cleared his lines.

With the game entering the final quarter of an hour, Derby threw players forward and the Whites retreated to soak up the pressure. A tiring Parker was replaced by Tim Hoogland, making his first appearance in over four months following surgery on a hernia injury.

Derby's lack of focus on defence allowed McCormack space to break free on goal but, one-on-one with Grant, the Rams keeper stood firm to block the Scotman's strike. Ince fired a 25-yard free-kick at the wall and substitute Johnny Russell scooped a shot over as the league-leaders began to run out of ideas.

Moussa Dembélé was introduced on 86 minutes for Woodrow, who departed to a standing ovation, and the French substitute promptly rattled the crossbar with a thunderous drive.

The Whites were asking the questions as the game ticked into stoppage time. Dembélé's skilful flick diverted Tunnicliffe's cross wide of goal and that was the final action as Craven Cottage celebrated a long-awaiting, and comfortable, victory.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2014_2015/league/home/derby-county

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Fulham upset the odds with 2-0 win over Championship leaders Derby


Nikolay Bodurov of Fulham scores (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Fulham exorcised their Derby demons with an impressive 2-0 victory over the league leaders at Craven Cottage.

The Whites have conceded 10 goals against Steve McLaren's side this season, but goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow saw Fulham claim revenge with their first win in nine games.

After a cagey opening it was the hosts who had the first meaningful attack as a measured pass from Ross McCormack sent Ryan Tunnicliffe through. The midfielder skewed his shot wide, however, with just the goalkeeper to beat.

Former Fulham striker Darren Bent had two early sights of goal, pushing a shot wide before just missing with a glancing header from a corner.

But the England international was starved of service as the hosts began to dominate proceedings.

Fulham made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute through the unlikely source of Bodurov. The ball fell to the Bulgarian defender after a blocked shot from Bryan Ruiz, and he made no mistake with the finish as he looped a half-volley into the far corner.

Derby focused their attack down the right flank as they searched for an immediate equaliser, but Konstantinos Stafylidis coped well with the threat of Tom Ince.

Fulham were making the league leaders look very average and it was soon 2-0 to the Whites as Scott Parker started a break and played Ross McCormack in with a clever through ball. The Scotsman clipped it back across goal and Cauley Woodrow was there to head home just before half time.

Derby piled on the pressure after the break as Fulham looked to defend their lead. The shadow of the last time these sides met at Craven Cottage, when Derby came back from two down to win 5-2, loomed large.

But it was nearly 3-0 to the hosts as Parker rolled the ball across goal and a sliding McCormack was denied by a last-ditch block by Craig Forsyth.

Derby continued to look for a crucial goal to get themselves back into the game. Jeff Hendrick had a header well saved at the back post before Tom Ince's deflected strike from 20 yards whistled over the Fulham crossbar.

The Whites continued to have the better of the chances, however, and McCormack had a chance to put the game beyond doubt as his strike from inside the box was well saved by Lee Grant.

Fulham saw the game with a level of confidence they have rarely shown this season. Substitute Moussa Dembele rattled the post in stoppage time as the Whites earned their most impressive result of this difficult campaign.



http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/fulham_upset_the_odds_with_2_0_win_over_championship_leaders_derby_1_3974391

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Sky Bet Championship: Fulham grab crucial 2-0 home win over Derby

Nikolay Bodurov (3rd r): Celebrates scoring the opening goal

Fulham boosted their Championship survival bid and dented Derby's automatic promotion hopes with a shock 2-0 win at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Sky Bet Championship leaders arrived at Craven Cottage unbeaten in seven matches, but were undone by a Fulham side previously without a win in six thanks to goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow.

In a lacklustre display, it took the Rams over an hour to register an effort on target against a team who they had put 10 goals past in their previous two meetings this season.

Former Fulham loanee Darren Bent fired an early shot wide for the Rams, but the hosts dominated the rest of the first half and had a two-goal lead at the break which they never looked like relinquishing.

Ross McCormack and Ryan Tunnicliffe flashed shots wide, Shaun Hutchinson headed over and Lee Grant made a good save after Scott Parker's drive flicked off the head of Woodrow before Fulham made the breakthrough in the 31st minute.

Bryan Ruiz skipped past Tom Ince on the left-hand side of the Derby area and when the Costa Rica forward's shot was blocked by Cyrus Christie, the ball looped up towards Bodurov on the corner of the six-yard box.

The Bulgarian centre-half, not renowned for his finishing, had only stayed upfield following a corner but he expertly guided the ball over Grant with the outside of his right boot for his first goal since joining Fulham last summer.

And on the stroke of half-time Woodrow, only in the starting line-up because of an injury to Hugo Rodallega, doubled Fulham's lead.

Parker won the ball in midfield and scampered forward before laying the ball off to McCormack, who chipped in an inviting cross for the onrushing Woodrow to nod in at the far post.

Derby had come from two goals down to thrash Fulham 5-2 in the Capital One Cup in October but there was no sign a of a repeat performance, especially after Bent limped off holding his hamstring.

Ryan Shotton headed an early chance wide while Ince's deflected shot finally gave Marcus Bettinelli something to do, before the Fulham keeper kept out a Jeff Hendrick header at the far post.

But it was Fulham, who were starting to look anxiously over their shoulders at the relegation battle following their recent poor run, who came closest to scoring again.

McCormack was denied by a last-ditch block by Craig Forsyth and a point-blank save from Grant before sub Moussa Dembele crashed a shot against the crossbar late on.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/314169/report?

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Cottagers curtail Rams' charge

Derby's march towards the Barclays Premier League stuttered as they fell to a shock 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

The Sky Bet Championship leaders arrived at Craven Cottage unbeaten in seven matches, but were undone by a Fulham side previously without a win in six thanks to goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow. In a lacklustre display, it took the Rams over an hour to register an effort on target against a team who they had put 10 goals past in their previous two meetings this season. Former Fulham loanee Darren Bent fired an early shot wide for the Rams, but the hosts dominated the rest of the first half and had a two-goal lead at the break which they never looked like relinquishing. Ross McCormack and Ryan Tunnicliffe flashed shots wide, Shaun Hutchinson headed over and Lee Grant made a good save after Scott Parker's drive flicked off the head of Woodrow before Fulham made the breakthrough in the 31st minute. Bryan Ruiz skipped past Tom Ince on the left-hand side of the Derby area and when the Costa Rica forward's shot was blocked by Cyrus Christie, the ball looped up towards Bodurov on the corner of the six-yard box. The Bulgarian centre-half, not renowned for his finishing, had only stayed upfield following a corner but he expertly guided the ball over Grant with the outside of his right boot for his first goal since joining Fulham last summer. And on the stroke of half-time Woodrow, only in the starting line-up because of an injury to Hugo Rodallega, doubled Fulham's lead. Parker won the ball in midfield and scampered forward before laying the ball off to McCormack, who chipped in an inviting cross for the onrushing Woodrow to nod in at the far post. Derby had come from two goals down to thrash Fulham 5-2 in the Capital One Cup in October but there was no sign a of a repeat performance, especially after Bent limped off holding his hamstring. Ryan Shotton headed an early chance wide while Ince's deflected shot finally gave Marcus Bettinelli something to do, before the Fulham keeper kept out a Jeff Hendrick header at the far post. But it was Fulham, who were starting to look anxiously over their shoulders at the relegation battle following their recent poor run, who came closest to scoring again. McCormack was denied by a last-ditch block by Craig Forsyth and a point-blank save from Grant before sub Moussa Dembele crashed a shot against the crossbar late on.



Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/derby-county/cottagers-curtail-rams-charge-1760637.html?

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Derby County: Rams beaten 2-0 at Fulham

DERBY County's seven-game unbeaten league run was ended by a 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

First-half strikes from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow sent the Rams to a rare defeat in West London on Saturday.

However, defeat for Middlesbrough at Sheffield Wednesday means Steve McClaren's men remain top of the Championship table.

Darren Bent fired across the face of goal in the seventh minute against his old club but the Rams created few chances in the opening period.

Fulham were causing Derby problems and Ryan Tunnicliffe sent a diving header over the bar in the 16th minute.

Bent glanced Omar Mascarell's inswinging corner from the left wide of the near post moments later.

After 22 minutes, Scott Parker's volley was diverted goalwards by the head of Woodrow but the ball flew straight into the arms of a relieved Lee Grant.

Two minutes later, Ross McCormack got the better of Richard Keogh and fed Tunnicliffe in the box on the left but he sliced a shot wide of the near post.

Fulham went ahead after 31 minutes, following a corner that was initially cleared.

Bryan Ruiz sold Mascarell a dummy on the left and when his shot was blocked by Cyrus Christie, the ball broke to central defender Bodurov, who finished neatly into the far corner with the outside of his right foot.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 45th minute.

Parker dispossessed Will Hughes and surged into the Derby half before slipping a pass to McCormack on the left.

McCormack chipped a cross-shot beyond Grant and Woodrow arrived to gleefully head home from a yard out.

Derby made a double change at the break - bringing on Jake Buxton and Johnny Russell for Christie and Jesse Lingard, with Ryan Shotton moving to right-back.

Shotton headed wide from a Mascarell corner soon after the restart as the Rams looked for a way back into the game.

But they suffered a further blow when striker Bent limped off holding his hamstring shortly after the hour, leaving Russell to lead the line.

Fulham might have had a third in the 66th minute but Craig Forsyth made a vital tackle to deny McCormack as he tried to convert Parker's cut-back from the left.

Tom Ince saw a deflected effort saved by Marcus Bettinelli and another shot diverted just wide off a Fulham defender.

In the 78th minute, Fulham had a chance to seal the points when a long ball over the top sent McCormack clear but his powerfully struck shot was well parried by Grant.

But the hosts held on to their lead with relative ease - and almost scored a third in the 90th minute.

Sustitute Moussa Dembele nutmegged Keogh before blasting an angled shot against the outside of the post.

FULHAM: Bettinelli, Richards, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Stafylidis, Tunnicliffe, Christensen (Kavanagh, 43), Parker (Hoogland, 78), Ruiz, McCormack, Woodrow (Dembele, 86). Other subs: Kiraly (gk), Burn, Kacaniklic, Fofana.

DERBY COUNTY: Grant, Christie (Buxton, 46), Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth, Mascarell, Hendrick, Hughes, Ince, Lingard (Russell, 46), Bent (Bryson, 64). Other subs: Roos (gk), Albentosa, Ward, Dawkins.

REFEREE: M Jones (Cheshire).

ATTENDANCE: 20,424.



Read more: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Derby-County-Rams-beaten-2-0-Fulham/story-26099109-detail/story.html?#ixzz3T48lms3U
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Fulham 2-0 Derby County: Championship leaders suffer setback at Craven Cottage
Championship leaders Derby County suffer damaging defeat
Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow strike in first half for Fulham
Rams stay top after promotion challengers Middlesbrough also lose 

Derby's march towards the Barclays Premier League stuttered as they fell to a shock 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

The Sky Bet Championship leaders arrived at Craven Cottage unbeaten in seven matches, but were undone by a Fulham side previously without a win in six thanks to goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow.

In a lacklustre display, it took the Rams over an hour to register an effort on target against a team who they had put 10 goals past in their previous two meetings this season.


Nikolay Bodurov of Fulham scores the opener against Derby County at Craven Cottage


Bodurov celebrates after putting his side in front after 21 minutes against the league leaders

Former Fulham loanee Darren Bent fired an early shot wide for the Rams, but the hosts dominated the rest of the first half and had a two-goal lead at the break which they never looked like relinquishing.

Ross McCormack and Ryan Tunnicliffe flashed shots wide, Shaun Hutchinson headed over and Lee Grant made a good save after Scott Parker's drive flicked off the head of Woodrow before Fulham made the breakthrough in the 31st minute.

Bryan Ruiz skipped past Tom Ince on the left-hand side of the Derby area and when the Costa Rica forward's shot was blocked by Cyrus Christie, the ball looped up towards Bodurov on the corner of the six-yard box.

The Bulgarian centre-half, not renowned for his finishing, had only stayed upfield following a corner but he expertly guided the ball over Grant with the outside of his right boot for his first goal since joining Fulham last summer.

And on the stroke of half-time Woodrow, only in the starting line-up because of an injury to Hugo Rodallega, doubled Fulham's lead.


Cauley Woodrow then headed home from close range to put Fulham 2-0 in front


Woodrow celebrates putting Fulham 2-0 in front just before half time

Parker won the ball in midfield and scampered forward before laying the ball off to McCormack, who chipped in an inviting cross for the onrushing Woodrow to nod in at the far post.

Derby had come from two goals down to thrash Fulham 5-2 in the Capital One Cup in October but there was no sign a of a repeat performance, especially after Bent limped off holding his hamstring.

Ryan Shotton headed an early chance wide while Ince's deflected shot finally gave Marcus Bettinelli something to do, before the Fulham keeper kept out a Jeff Hendrick header at the far post.

But it was Fulham, who were starting to look anxiously over their shoulders at the relegation battle following their recent poor run, who came closest to scoring again.

McCormack was denied by a last-ditch block by Craig Forsyth and a point-blank save from Grant before sub Moussa Dembele crashed a shot against the crossbar late on.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2973556/Fulham-2-0-Derby-County-Championship-leaders-suffer-setback-Craven-Cottage.html#ixzz3T49KloTZ
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Fulham Ram raid Derby - but there is injury worry for midfielder

Whites produce fabulous show against County


Goal! Cauley Woodrow scores the second for Fulham

Fulham 2-0 Derby County

Crisis? What crisis?

Kit Symons survived the dreaded vote of confidence in the match programme by chairman Shahid Khan to bring about a first win in nine.

Bearing in mind, only two changes from the side that surrendered so meekly to Wolves on Tuesday night, it says much for the influence of returning captain Scott Parker.


Fulham's Cauley Woodrow and Derby's Ryan Shotton in action
The 34-year-old was magnificent and throughly deserved the ringing applause when subbed on 79 minutes for Tim Hoogland - himself making a first appearance in over three months.

The welcome win might have come at a cost, however. Lasse Christensen limped off with what looked liked a knee injury in the first half. The midfielder has already had his fair share of hamstring injuries.

Even so, Fulham bossed the first portion like they were the table toppers - and not the other way round.


Fulham's Bryan Ruiz and Derby's Omar Mascarell in action
Ryan Tunnicliffe was here, there, but not quite there with an early header flighted just over after terrific work from Ross McCormack.

The midfielder had already earned a booking for a red-blooded challenge to go with his red beard.

He then got played in on the left by the buzzing Ross McCormack, but skewed his shot wide of the near upright.

But eventually the Rams were rammed. Bryan Ruiz cleverly worked himself space before firing against Richard Keough. The ricochet saw Nikolay Bodurov improvise wonderfully to dink the ball past keeper Lee Grant and into the corner for a debut goal at the 39th attempt.


Cauley Woodrow (second left) celebrates scoring the second goal for Fulham with Shaun Hutchinson, Bryan Ruiz and team mates
Whites pressed home a first 45 advantage, with McCormack again as chief provider with a left-foot cross laid on a plate for Cauley Woodrow to head home.

It was the supplier who came closest after 65 minutes when Parker slid a ball across the goal line only for McCormack's effort to get blocked at the far post.

Marcus Bettineli had been largely one of the 20,424 spectators up till the moment he did well to clutch Tom Ince's deflected effort out of the air as it back spun viciously towards goal.

McCormack was afforded the freedom of the final third as he latched on to a through ball, but taking an age his hammered right-footed to bring a fine stop from Grant as Whites pressed forward.

Make no mistake. This was a Fulham show of energy, determination and not a little skill - not least from Ruiz.

Where's it been for the last two months?

Whites, 4-1-3-2: Bettinelli, Richards, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis; Parker (Hoogland 78), Christensen (Kavanagh, 43) Ruiz, Tunnicliffe; McCormack, Woodrow (Dembele 86); subs not used: Kiraly, Kacaniklic, Fofana, Burn


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-ram-raid-derby---8742811?

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Fulham's Nikolay Bodurov fires in volley to sink leaders Derby County


Nikolay Bodurov puts Fulham 1-0 up in the Championship match against Derby County at Craven Cottage.
Photograph: Ian Walton/Getty Images

This was not part of the script for Derby County. Their seemingly rampant drive for promotion was met by a hefty, if slightly surprising obstacle in Fulham. It should not derail Steve McClaren's side but, entering March, a month that usually separates the wheat from the chaff in the race to go up, this display served as a key reminder that no matter how impressive a squad at the former England manager's disposal, they are there to be shot down.

For Fulham, the threat of consecutive relegations still looms relatively large but, led by a tenacious Scott Parker, they showed great endeavour. You get the sense that if they performed like this every weekend, they would be looking towards the play-offs rather than nervously over their shoulder.

The goals arrived late in the first half from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow but it was at the back where they really shone. Derby, who had scored at least twice in seven of their past eight league games, looked bereft of ideas and ponderous in possession but their threat was convincingly negated by a pair of rocks in Shaun Hutchinson and Bodurov.

Early on, Derby were lively down the right, where Tom Ince was complemented by the regular overlapping of Cyrus Christie, but it was on that side that Fulham showed most promise, too, especially when Ross McCormack occasionally wandered.

Darren Bent, whose every touch was greeted by boos from the Fulham faithful, having failed to impress in a loan spell at Craven Cottage last season, had the first chance of note when shooting wide six minutes in but Fulham soon settled and took control.

Ryan Tunnicliffe and Lasse Vigen Christensen both spurned decent opportunities at the opposite end before the hosts took the lead on the half-hour when Bryan Ruiz's blocked shot from an overhit corner fell kindly for Bodurov via Christie's backside. From a tight angle and with Richard Keogh in his way, the centre-half produced an unorthodox right-footed finish with no back lift that flew across Lee Grant and into the far corner.

Their second arrived a minute before the break due to some lackadaisical midfield play from the visitors, which was deservedly punished. Parker dispossessed a floundering Will Hughes, unaware of the former England international's presence alongside him in the centre circle. Parker then broke from midfield and picked out McCormack to his left. The club's big-money signing last summer, who was meant to spearhead an immediate return to the Premier League rather than drag them from a relegation fight, steadied before clipping a cross to the back post and Woodrow arrived to power a header past Grant.

McClaren brought off Christie and the ineffective Jesse Lingard at the break, replacing them with Johnny Russell and Jake Buxton, and when they won a corner inside 30 seconds, spawning roars of encouragement from the 3,000 travelling fans behind the goal, many would have expected an onslaught to ensue.

As it transpired, Fulham, mostly through McCormack, looked more threatening. It took until the 70th minute before Derby began to pour forward. Ince's shot, deflected by Tunnicliffe, could easily have spun fortuitously past Marcus Bettinelli's grasp, while the striker watched a stinging drive deflect over for a corner soon after. Jeff Hendrick also had a header easily saved by Bettinelli.

Going all out in attack left Derby exposed at the back. McCormack's shot was saved by Lee Grant 11 minutes from time and Moussa Dembélé hit the post at the beginning of injury time.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/28/fulham-derby-county-championship-match-report?

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Fulham beat Derby to boost survival bid

Fulham 2 Derby 0

Struggling Fulham beat the league leaders – their first win in seven Championship matches – to ease their relegation fears.

First-half goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow [pictured]  gave the Whites a deserved half-time lead before an excellent defensive performance in the second half ensured three vital points.

And they could have had a third goal right at the death when substitute Moussa Dembele fired against the post.

The return of Scott Parker to the starting line-up proved crucial as he produced a superb display as the Whites' midfield anchor.

After early pressure from Derby produced chances for former Fulham loanee Darren Bent and Tom Ince, Parker almost saw a volley fly in via Ross McCormack's head.

And the pair combined well again to set up Ryan Tunnicliffe for a great chance that he wasted.

Bodurov put Fulham ahead with his first goal for the club when a Bryan Ruiz shot was blocked and sat up nicely for him to volley past keeper Lee Grant.

Woodrow, who replaced the injured Hugo Rodallega up front, headed home the second in first-half stoppage-time after Parker set up McCormack to provide a delicious cross.

The title-chasing Rams put intense pressure on Fulham throughout the second half, with Bent and Omar Mascarell both missing with close-range headers and Ince firing numerous shots on goal from the edge of the box.

But the hosts held on for only their third victory of 2015, which moved them seven points clear of the drop zone, and Dembele was unlucky not to make it more emphatic in stoppage time.

Fulham (4-4-2): Bettinelli; Richards, Bodurov, Hutchinson, Stafylidis; Christensen (Kavanagh 42), Tunnicliffe, Parker (Hoogland 78), Ruiz; Woodrow (Dembele 85), McCormack
Subs not used: Kiraly, Kacaniklic, Fofana, Burn.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-beat-derby-to-boost-survival-bid?

[WhiteJC]

 
How Fulham Went From European Finalists To League One Certainties

Heros to zeros...

How Fulham Went From European Finalists To League One Certainties

Where has it all gone wrong? Less than five years ago I struggled to hold back tears of pride as Fulham ran out into the Nordbank Arena to play in a Europa League final. Now I sit here admitting to myself that back-to-back relegations could become a real possibility. Capitulation of the highest order has occurred in less than two years.

Last season saw our 13-year stay in the top-flight come to a disastrous end, thanks to a campaign that rivalled voluntary euthanasia for self-destruction. We witnessed three changes in management, culminating in more titles for the managerial position than a student trying to fill up his word count. After suffering mental abuse on a weekly basis, I thought things could only improve. Oh how I was wrong.

A mass exodus ensued, as the countless number of mercenaries scarpered out of the Motspur Park exit door quicker than they had ran all season. As they looked to steal a profession elsewhere, we were left with only a handful of first-team players, as a mad German began rubbing his hands, ready to inflict his demonic ways.

Deception kills

To be fair to Magath, he had instilled a sense of optimism and the general consensus amongst fans was that instant promotion was viable. But like a number of bad relationships, deception is commonly found.

Pre-season helped Magath in his cunning plan to convince the Fulham faithful that he was in fact a human exerting moderate levels of sanity. This was soon to vanish as the competitive season took shape.

We saw a coat hanger arrive in the form of Adil Chihi, and a competition winner in Mark Fotheringham. The latter had been released by Notts County prior to his arrival, which evidently ticked all the boxes. Many had thought he was the club's new groundsman who had overstayed his half-time duties, but we were to be surprised.

Despite popular opinion, I was under no illusion that the Championship would be a breeze. Many believed that our promising crop of youngsters would blitz the league, despite their lack of any experience, which was incredibly naive.

However, one point in eight games ended a reign which most would like to erase. Stories of cheese being strapped to Brede Hangeland puzzled the world and had the lactose intolerant community diving for cover as a number of revelations hit the press. With the 'dictator' out of the door, the only way was up.

The feel good factor temporarily returned as we appointed Under-21 boss, and Fulham man, Kit Symons, producing a somewhat positive change in fortunes. A great start to his tenure had our promotion thoughts re-entering the brain, but his inexperience was soon to take precedence.

Despite his arrival reintroducing a sense of hope around Craven Cottage, the fun train looks to have ground to a halt and emphatically derailed. Our deadly habit of flirting with relegation has resurfaced and reignited the dire displays we were so keen on nullifying. Bleak is one way to describe the circumstance, but was it always so inevitable?

Who is to blame?

For me, the blame lies in a number of places and it cannot be directed towards a sole individual.

As much as the man has done for this club – which is beyond belief – it has to be said that former owner Mohamed Al-Fayed has played his part in our downfall.

Having been the catalyst towards our meteoric rise through the leagues, our decline of late lies partly down to his lack of investment in his final years at the club. For many a transfer window, we were restricted to free transfers and short-term loan deals. This eventually left us with an ageing squad that was unable to compete in our final season in the Premier League.

Mark Hughes had stated that he left the club due to our lack of ambition, and at the time, that seemed big headed and ludicrous, but in hindsight he was 100% right. After reaching the summits of the Europa League Final, the summer window that followed was the perfect opportunity to attract a higher quality of players to the club, but we abstained and slowly started our demise.

Unfair criticism

This leads me onto another point, which revolves around the unfair criticism surrounding the input of current owner Shahid Khan. Many are under the belief that he is the sole perpetrator for the current mess we found ourselves in, but I cannot see how this can be attributed towards him.

For me, Al-Fayed knew he was selling the club at the right time, with all appearing rosy on the outside – leading to Khan buying the club – but internally the club was slowly eroding.

In no way is this a dig at Mo, as I feel like he wanted to relax, particularly at his age – but the club was left in a right old state. This put Khan in an unfortunate position as he tried all in his power to salvage our top-flight status. During his first transfer window, he splashed a hefty amount of cash towards new signings to help our survival bid and since his arrival he has invested when necessary.

It is evident that the Jacksonville Jaguars owner has limited knowledge in our world, hence why I believe many of his advisors are to blame. One of which is CEO Alistair Macintosh, who has been inept in the last couple of years.

Firstly, the signing of Kostas Mitroglou for £12million reeked of desperation, particularly with the Greek arriving injured, restricting him to a laughable three appearances during his time in SW6.

Added to the Mitroglou fiasco, we have seen our last two windows end in utter dejection. During the summer of 2014, Macintosh admitted we had brought in all targets, which is a crime against humanity if that was the case.

Of course you cannot solely blame the man for how players perform on the pitch, but when he was responsible for targeting and attracting talent to the club, you have to wonder whether he is doing his job well.

Symons is not the man

Finally, we have our current manager Kit Symons, who has seen his honeymoon period slowly crash and burn. Not only have results of late been catastrophic, so have the performances and it has filled me with little belief that he can turnaround our current rut.

Symons is demonstrating his clear lack of experience and ability to manage a first-team side. His tactics have been nothing short of puzzling at times with his unhealthy obsession of playing a diamond formation that clearly does not work. Setup is laughable at times, his in-game decisions even more so, along with leaving it until the post-match interviews to make a substitute. The combination becomes a bit too much for my small brain to handle.

It pains me to heavily criticise the man like this, as I would enjoy nothing better than an ex-Fulham player steering us to glory, but we have to be honest and realistic.

Whilst I respect the opinions of others, I find the persistent backing of his incapabilities quite odd, and would suggest that if the rose-tinted glasses were removed, it would be a different story.

I supported the campaign to give the man the job, but everybody makes mistakes. Continuity is preffered, but it is hard to see us continue to accept mediocrity of such an order. It seems as if our expectations have significantly lowered due to his affiliation with the club and that needs to change.

Whether he should be sacked is an incredibly hard question. I do not think I can struggle through another viewing like some of which I have witnessed, but reshuffling once again could provide an even worse knock-on effect.

Continuously dissecting performances has been an almighty task this season, and I see myself giving up. I just hope I do not slip into the mindset of comfortable mediocrity that others have chosen to do.

I will leave you with a map of the average position of each Fulham player in our 2-1 loss to Ipswich Town yesterday, and it will pretty much sum up what I mean.

http://sabotagetimes.com/reportage/how-fulham-went-from-european-finalists-to-league-one-certainties/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham to assess new Christensen injury

Fulham manager Kit Symons hopes a hamstring injury picked up by Lasse Vigen Christensen does not prove to be serious.

The 20-year-old was forced off after 43 minutes of the Whites' 2-0 win at home to Derby on Saturday.

The Denmark Under-21 international only returned from a previous hamstring injury in January.

"I'm hoping it's not serious and he won't be out for too long," Symons said.

"He'll be assessed and we'll know more tomorrow. It looks like he's tweaked his other hamstring this time.

"He'd been in scintillating form before his last injury and he's played his way back in.  But he's been frustrated because that pace and explosiveness hadn't quite come back.

"He's disappointed because he wants to play every minute of every game but he'll be fine.

"He'll bounce back and he's beginning to learn to manage his own body."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-to-assess-new-christensen-injury?

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby boss McClaren credits Fulham's 'Premier League players' after 2-0 defeat

Derby County manager Steve McClaren was gracious in defeat after his side were comfortably beaten 2-0 at Fulham.

Kit Symons' side dominated proceedings at Craven Cottage and earned their first win in nine games with goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow.

Derby entered the game on the back of a seven-game unbeaten run, but McClaren admitted the Cottagers deserved their surprising victory.

"It's a long season," McClaren said. "We have been playing at a high level for the majority of the season and we came across a Fulham team today that were hurt after losing to Wolves."

"They got blocks, they stopped crosses, they defended with their lives and credit to Fulham. They deserved to win."

"This is a Premier League club with Premier League players. They have got quality to beat anybody. This was their day."

"Ruiz, McCormack and Parker caused us problems in the middle. Fifth-bottom with the quality they have got? And we are expected to come here and win games. It's always going to be difficult."

Prior to the season Fulham were tipped as potential promotion candidates, but the Whites have had a difficult season in the Championship.

The win over Derby sees them climb to 19th in the league table, eight points clear of the relegation zone after Millwall were beaten by fellow strugglers Rotherham.


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/derby_boss_mcclaren_credits_fulham_s_premier_league_players_after_2_0_defeat_1_3974425

[WhiteJC]

 
Symons provides Fulham injury update after stunning 2-0 win over Derby

Fulham manager Kit Symons says star midfielder Lasse Vigen Christensen appears to have suffered a hamstring injury in the victory over Derby.

The Danish midfielder limped off just before half time iin the clash at Craven Cottage, but the Whites went on to beat the league leaders with goals from Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow.

Christensen, who has been one of Fulham's best players in a difficult season in the Championship, endured a spell on the sidelines with a pulled hamstring earlier in the season and only returned in January.

Symons believes Christensen has now injured his other hamstring, but hopes the injury will only keep the 20-year-old out for a short period.

"I'm hoping it's not serious and he won't be out for too long," the manager said. "He'll be assessed and we'll know more tomorrow. It looks like he's tweaked his other hamstring this time.

"He hadn't had a hamstring injury his whole career and now he's had two in a short space of time.

"He'd been in scintillating form before his last injury and he's played his way back in. But he's been frustrated because that pace and explosiveness hadn't quite come back.

"He's disappointed because he wants to play every minute of every game but he'll be fine. He'll bounce back and he's beginning to learn to manage his own body."

Star striker Hugo Rodallega missed the game with an injury he picked up in the 3-0 midweek defeat against Wolves.

The Colombian is close to a return, but Symons insists his place in the side is not guaranted after Woodrow impressed in attack against Derby.

"Cauley did very well so there's no guarantee for anyone," Symons said.

"Matt Smith will also be back. It's what we want at this club - competition for places."


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/symons_provides_fulham_injury_update_after_stunning_2_0_win_over_derby_1_3974435

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham boss frets over midfielder - but confident forward will return to face Watford

One in, and probably one out for Fulham after beating Derby


Fulham's Lasse Vigen Christensen and Derby's Craig Forsyth in action
Fulham boss Kit Symons has called for another great push at Watford on Tuesday night - but fears he has lost Lasse Christensen to a second dose of hamstring trouble.

The 20-year-old came off after 43 minutes in the fine 2-0 win over leaders Derby to herald another concern for the manager.

However, Hugo Rodallega looks to have allayed fears the forward might will miss a vital clutch of games after his no-show against the Rams.

"It was a funny one for Hugo," said Symons. "He took his boot off against Wolves (last Tuesday) and his leg just swelled up. He did it in the first half and wasn't aware of it.


Fulham's Hugo Rodallega
"After the game, he was on crutches. We were worried, and he had it x-rayed and scanned. But it was like a dead leg.

"He warmed up with the team yesterday and did some straight-line running, and there's a good chance he'll be fit for Tuesday.

"Hopefully, Lasse's not too bad, but it's the other hamstring. We're not sure, and we'll find out more in the morning, but it's a sore one. Hamstrings? You can't really take chances with them, which is why we brought him straight off."

Fulham put in a shift-and-a-half against Derby to end a winless eight-match streak. Needless to say, Symons wants more of the same in the next two games against a second pair of promotion hopefuls.

He is also fortified by the return of Matt Smith on loan from Bristol City, with no guarantee of a place for Rodallega after Cauley Woodrow notched the second goal against Derby

He said: "We need to put in another performance on Tuesday night against Watford like we did today - and back again here against Bournemouth on Friday night.

"Cauley had a good game, and there's no guarantee for anyone. We want competition for places."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-frets-over-midfielder-8743315?

[WhiteJC]

 
Derby boss blames full-backs for defeat

Derby boss Steve McClaren blamed his full-backs for the defeat at Fulham.

The Rams boss said the 2-0 loss at Craven Cottage was "a full-back's game" – and his lacked the quality required to get a result.

McClaren replaced both right and left full-backs at half-time, with Johnny Russell and Jake Buxton coming on for Jesse Lingaard and Cyrus Christie.

"They played a diamond and it was tight in midfield so it was a full-back's game – but ours did not do enough," he said.

"They didn't combine well with the forwards, they didn't overlap, they didn't go around, and were caught in possession. They had no quality today and that's what we lacked.

"It's disappointing but this is a tough league – anyone can beat anyone – and Fulham have Premier League players. They were fifth bottom with the quality they've got.

"It's a long season and we've been playing at high level for the majority of it, and that's why we are where we are, but we came up against a Fulham side who must have looked at the league table and thought '"We're in trouble and we need a result'."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/sport/sport-sport/derby-boss-blames-full-backs-for-defeat

[WhiteJC]

 
Rams Beaten By Fulham
   
Derby County fell to a 2-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage after a disappointing performance from the league leaders. The Cottagers enjoyed the better of the firsthalf as they pressed and harried to win back possession and Nikolay Bodurov hooked the ball home just after the half-hour mark to give them the lead. Cauley Woodrow headed home at the far post just before the break to double the lead and despite seeing more of the ball after the break they didn`t unduly trouble Marcus Bettinelli and fell to only their second league defeat of the year.

Omar Mascarell replaced the injured George Thorne in the only change to the side and despite the home side making the better start Omar Mascarell curled a long range effort wide with the first effort of the match. Ross McCormack flashed an effort wide of the near post a shot from outside the area and Ryan Tunnicliffe headed over from Lasse Christensen`s cut back as Fulham continued to press The Rams and enjoy the better of the match. Darren Bent headed wide from a Mascarell corner before Cauley Woodrow headed straight into Lee Grant`s arms and Tunnicliffe fired wide of the mark when picked out by McCormack.

The pressure eventually told when Bryan Ruiz beat Cyrus Christie but his shot was into a crowded area, as the ball bounced up Nikolay Bodurov hooked it beyond Grant and into the corner of the net. The lead was doubled just before the break when Scott Parker robbed Will Hughes in the middle of the park and found McCormack to the left of the area and his ball to the back post was headed home by Woodrow giving Grant no chance.

Jake Buxton and Johnny Russell were introduced at the break and Derby started brightly with Ryan Shotton heading over from Mascarell`s corner. The home side were holding The Rams at arm`s length and it wasn`t until the midpoint of the half that the next chance came with Tom Ince`s deflected effort being kept out by Marcus Bettinelli before Jeff Hendrick headed Mascarell`s freekick into the Fulham keeper`s arms. Ince had another effort defected over the top before the home side finished strongly with McCormack firing straight at Grant and Moussa Dembele rattling the crossbar just before the final whistle.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Stafylidis, Hutchinson, Bodurov, Parker (Hoogland, 77) Ruiz, Woodrow (Dembélé, 86), Tunnicliffe, Christensen (Kavanagh, 43), Richards, McCormack

Substitutes not used: Király, Kačaniklić, Fofana, Burn

Derby County: Grant, Christie (Buxton, 45), Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth; Mascarell, Hendrick, Hughes; Ince, Lingard (Russell, 45), Bent (Bryson, 64)

Substitutes not used: Roos, Dawkins, Ward, Albentosa


Read more: http://www.derby.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=390580#ixzz3T7pL0Bj0

[WhiteJC]

 
Manager Reaction

Kit Symons believes the level of Fulham's performance in the 2-0 victory over Derby County proves the Whites are capable of beating any team in the division.

Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow's first-half goals put the Whites in the ascendancy and Symons' side comfortably saw the game out with a compact defensive display.

After beating the Sky Bet Championship leaders in such a convincing manner, barely conceding a clear-cut chance on goal, Symons was glowing about a complete performance.

"It's always nice to get a win, but it's especially nice when it's against top of the table and the manner in which we got it," Symons said.

"It is only three points, but it's a big three points because of who it is against and how we did it. I thought it was the all-round game.

"We were very resolute defensively, we looked strong. The work-ethic was excellent, defending from the front to the back. We pressed them high up the pitch which we knew we had to do.

"We looked at all of the scouting reports and teams that sit off Derby, by and large, get put to the sword because they have got real quality throughout the side. So we knew we had to press and harry them high up the pitch. We had a gameplan, we stuck to it and it worked very well."

Ahead of matches at third-placed Watford on Tuesday and at home against fourth-placed AFC Bournemouth on Friday, Symons insists confidence will be sky high.

"It's a real tough run of games and this was obviously one of those games," he continued. "To come out of this one with a positive result, is good for everyone's confidence. We can go and beat anyone. And we can do. Can do and will do are two different things.

"We need to make sure we actually get out there and put in another performance like this one against Watford, and then back here against Bournemouth on Friday."

Derby County, who also have the best goal difference in the Championship, came at the Whites after the interval and Symons admits shutting them out for the duration is an additional bonus.

"I was delighted to get that clean sheet. I think it means a lot to us," added Symons.

"The majority of our defending has been very, very good, but isolated incidents have cost us dearly and you need to do it for the full duration, for 90 minutes, and we did that here.

"That'll give everyone an awful lot of confidence because, it's there, that is why I've been so frustrated. If I thought we weren't good enough I wouldn't be annoyed as I get.

"I know we are, we beat Norwich here 1-0 when they were top of the league. We can match anyone on our day, but we need to have more of our days. If we can be resolute defensively against some of the teams around the bottom, then we can beat them too. It's just managing the game that you are in."

Symons was full of praise for Scott Parker's return to the team. The inspirational Captain was at his influential best, controlling the Fulham midfield and the tempo of our high-pressing approach, which was so pivotal to the victory.

"Scott was excellent," said Symons. "He got a whack, right before half-time. It was touch and go whether he was able to go in the second half, but I don't think wild horses would have stopped him from coming out in that second period and he came out and put in a real shift."

"He sets the tempo for the whole game and if you are going to play that pressing game, which we knew we had to, he really sets the tempo for you. 34 or not, he's got so much energy and drive and determination. He's a great example to this squad which is so full of young players."

Quizzed on whether he used the two previous defeats against Derby County this season as motivation, Symons revealed he did not draw the players' attention to those games.

"I never mentioned it to the players because both were very different games," he said.

"The 5-1 away was under the previous regime. The game here in the cup, we've got a young squad anyway, but we played a really young team on that night. We were 2-0 going into the final seconds of the first half then they scored a penalty which set the tempo for the second half. But very different games, I'm just thankful we got the right result in one of them."

Symons was forced to withdraw Lasse Vigen Christensen in the 43rd minute and says it will be a waiting game to discover the extent of his hamstring problem.

"We'll know more tomorrow. He went in and it looks like he's tweaked the hamstring," he added.

"He never had a hamstring injury in his whole career. He got the one previously and now he's had this on the other leg, so it's just one of those things. We'll assess it and see how he is.

"Before the first injury he was in scintillating form, he was fantastic. He's played his way back in from the first injury; he's been a little bit frustrated because that explosive pace and power he's got that he showed before the original injury wasn't quite there.

"It'll take a little time to come back because he was in the form of his life prior to his injury. He's an excellent player, a real good character, a good lad and he'll bounce back and I hope this one isn't too serious and he won't be out too long.

Another of the Whites' promising young players, Cauley Woodrow, seized his opportunity after being selected to start in place of the injured Hugo Rodallaga, with Symons admitting he could face a selection headache if the 11-goal striker recovers in time for Tuesday.

"Hopefully, [he'll be back]," Symons continued. "His was a funny one. I took him off against Wolves and he took his boot off and his leg just swelled up.

"It was a bizarre one. He actually did it in the first half but he wasn't aware of it. He was moving freely, then after the game he was in a protective boot, on crutches, coming out of the stadium. So we were quite worried.

"We got him x-rayed and scanned, but there's nothing there. It's just soft tissue, like a dead leg. It just swells up. There's a good chance he'll be fit for Tuesday. He did the warm-up with the Team on Friday, and some straight-line running and he was fine doing that.

"It was more precautionary in that if he got a kick, he would be in trouble so he has a good chance of being available for Tuesday. Cauley did very well, and Matt Smith will be back so there is no guarantees for anyone. This is what we want. We want competition for places and we want to be playing people that are in form."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/february/28/manager-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Match Report: Fulham 2 - Derby County 0


Nikolay Bodurov celebrates after scoring against Derby. - Ian Walton/Getty Images

We won?! We won!

At least we're not almost in the relegation zone anymore! Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow's first half goals helped secure a home win against league leaders Derby County.

Not to say that Derby didn't try though, with close efforts from Darren Bent (boo!) and Tom Ince, to mention a couple. The visitors started off well early in the first half, with Bent (boo again!) getting a shot that went wide, while on the other half of the pitch, Craig Forsyth blocked a shot from our own Lasse Vigen Christensen. Another chance for the Cottagers came in the ninth minute when Ross McCormack took a shot on goal from 25 yards out, but unfortunately the shot made it's way straight across the net and out for a goal kick.

Fulham opened the scoring at 1-0 in the 30th minute, after a set of Fulham corners allowed Bryan Ruiz to move into space and fire off a shot at goal, which was deflected by Cyrus Christie, the ball landing in the path of Nikolay Bodurov, who volleyed into the top left corner, out of the reach of Derby keeper Lee Grant. The second goal for the home side came just a minute before halftime, when Scott Parker managed to dispossess Derby midfielder Will Hughes. Parker then passed through to Ross McCormack, the Scotsman crossing to the far post to find Cauley Woodrow, whose close range header again found it's way past Grant, making it 2-0 at the half for the home side.

Steve McClaren brought Christie and midfielder Jesse Lingard (on loan from Manchester United) off, replacing them with Johnny Russell and Jake Buxton, while Kit Symons put Sean Kavanagh on to replace an unfortunately injured Christensen toward the end of the previous half. The visitors tried their hardest to get back into the game, with Bent and Ryan Shotton both putting in headers which were both off target. Attempts also came from the hosts, with Woodrow getting a shot off that quite literally hit a wall of Derby players. McClaren made another substitution, this time replacing Bent with Craig Bryson, with cheers coming from the home fans. McCormack's effort was blocked. Thomas Ince's high shot was picked out of the air by Bettinelli. Jeff Hendrick's header was also saved. Ince's 25-yard free kick hit the wall, and Russell shot over the net as the game began to reach it's end. Moussa Dembele was bought on in the 86th minute, recieving a standing ovation from the home fans. He almost made it 3-0, but his drive at goal hit the crossbar. Dembele flicked a cross from Tunniclife, it went wide and the final whistle blew for the Whites' first win in 6 league games.

Hopefully the team will keep it up on Tuesday when they visit Vicarage Road to face Watford. COYW!


http://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2015/2/28/8126123/match-report-fulham-2-derby-county-0

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham's Lasse Vigen Christensen suffers hamstring injury

Fulham boss Kit Symons has confirmed that Lasse Vigen Christensen suffered a fresh hamstring injury in this afternoon's Championship victory over Derby County.

The Cottagers ended an eight-game winless streak with a surprise 2-0 win over the league leaders, but Christensen, who recently returned from a different hamstring problem, could now be out of action.

"I'm hoping it's not serious and he won't be out for too long," London 24 quotes Symons as saying. "He'll be assessed and we'll know more tomorrow. It looks like he's tweaked his other hamstring this time.

"He hadn't had a hamstring injury his whole career and now he's had two in a short space of time.

"He'd been in scintillating form before his last injury and he's played his way back in. But he's been frustrated because that pace and explosiveness hadn't quite come back."

Fulham's win saw them move eight points clear of the Championship's bottom three.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/injury-news/news/fulhams-christensen-suffers-injury_208353.html