Sunday Fulham Stuff (26/04/15)...

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Last One: Norwich City

Join us at Carrow Road next Saturday (12.15pm) as Fulham conclude their 2014/15 season against Norwich City.

The Whites will be looking to sign off in style and put a dent in the Canaries' promotion ambitions by extending their unbeaten run against the Norfolk outfit which dates back to 1986.

Tickets for the match are priced at £35 adults, £25 for 65s and over, £20 for under-17s, and £12 for under-12s.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/april/25/last-one-norwich?

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Boro blow after seven-goal thriller
Ross McCormack sealed his hat-trick in stoppage time as Fulham dented Middlesbrough's automatic promotion hopes with a dramatic 4-3 win at Craven Cottage.


Ross McCormack: Celebrates with Sean Kavanagh

Boro - reduced to 10 men and 3-1 down after 67 minutes when George Friend was dismissed for conceding a penalty subsequently converted by McCormack  - thought they had rescued a point when substitute Kike made it 3-3 with a minute to go.

But Aitor Karanka's side were punished for pressing for a winner when goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos went up for a corner that was cleared, allowing McCormack to find the net at the other end.

The defeat, coupled with Norwich's draw at Rotherham, saw Watford promoted to the Premier League after a 2-0 win at Brighton while Bournemouth, who have a superior goal difference, can join them if they beat Bolton on Monday.

Boro began brightly and Fulham were under pressure when Michael Turner fouled Patrick Bamford, Boro's on-loan Chelsea striker.

Lee Tomlin nudged the free-kick to Grant Leadbitter, who flicked the ball up and launched a fierce shot that was touched over by Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Boro had Konstantopoulos to thank for the save that denied Hugo Rodellega after Adam Clayton had been dispossessed by Danny Guthrie just outside the area. Rodellaga could not get enough power on it and it was tipped wide.

Fulham took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Shaun Hutchinson headed on Bryan Ruiz's corner to defensive partner Turner, who stooped to nod into the net from close range right in front of the Boro fans.

Boro began the second half with intent but Fulham almost doubled their lead when Bettinelli came out to clear and found McCormack on the right flank. The Scot's cross was met by the head of Rodallega at the back post but somehow Konstantopoulos was able to pull off a superb save.

Boro were living dangerously and somehow McCormack and Rodallega were unable to set each other up as defenders failed to clear.

The reprieve was short-lived however as Daniel Ayala barged McCormack over from the next attack and the Scot dispatched the penalty himself.

A response was required and sub Adam Reach, part of a triple substitution on the hour, provided it within four minutes of coming on, firing in a shot that Bettinelli could not keep out.

Boro were immediately back in trouble, however, and Friend was shown a red card for upending Rodallega to concede another penalty which was converted once more by McCormack.

There was nothing left for Boro to do put press forward in the hope of a comeback and Tomlin saw an effort blocked again before Ayala headed home a cross from the right from Albert Adomah.

Patrick Bamford almost fashioned an equaliser but saw his back-post effort go across goal and wide before Ayala's curling effort clipped the crossbar.

Fulham almost caught Boro again from a counter-attack but this time McCormack blazed over.

Still Boro came forward and Bettinelli had to dive to deny Reach, whose block of a clearance almost found the top corner.

There was still time for Kike to make it 3-3 after being set up by Tomlin - but Boro decided to carry on attacking and were made to pay by McCormack.


http://www.football365.com/match/3736141/report?

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Result: Seven-goal thriller sees Fulham edge Middlesbrough

Fulham got the better of a seven-goal thriller at home to Middlesbrough this afternoon to help Watford book their place in the Premier League next season.

The Cottagers edged out the visitors 4-3 in a result that sees Aitor Karanka's men stay third in England's second tier.

Grant Leadbitter went close inside the first five minutes with a powerful free kick that whistled past the post, and it was the visitors who started the brighter.

Albert Adomah was next to try his luck, but his effort sailed wide of the goal on nine minutes, before Ross McCormack fired in Fulham's first effort from range.

Boro keeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos was forced into his first saved of the afternoon on 21 minutes when he got down well to deny McCormack.

The visitors responded through George Friend who flashed an effort just past the upright after a driving run took him towards goal before the half-hour mark.

McCormack went close with a free kick 40 minutes but neither side were able to carve out a clear-cut chance, before Turner headed home on the cusp of half time.

Boro had Konstantopoulos for keeping the score at 1-0 shortly after the restart when he denied Hugo Roadallega from McCormack's cross.

However, the Greek stopper could do little to thwart McCormack 10 minutes into the second period when the former Leeds striker netted from the penalty spot to extend the Cottagers' advantage.

Adam Reach reduced the deficit shortly after the hour mark for Boro, but the joy was short-lived for the visitors who were reduced to 10 men almost immediately.

Friend was dismissed for a professional foul before McCormack restored the two-goal advantage from the penalty spot for Fulham.

Aitor Karanka's men were back in it on 73 minutes when former Liverpool centre-back Daniel Ayala headed home, and Boro began to press for the equaliser.

Patrick Bamford should have made it 3-3 inside the final 10 minutes, but the on-loan Chelsea striker's effrot trickled agonisingly wide for Boro.

A neat exchange put Ayala through once more for Boro, but the Spaniard chipped his effort wide of the post late on as Karanka's side continued to push for the leveller.

Their pressure finally told late on when Kike's effort beat Marcus Bettinelli despite the Fulham stopper getting a palm on the strike with around three minutes of normal time remaining.

However, the 10 men were caught cold in stoppage time when they pushed forward to secure an unlikely win when a breakaway from Fulham at a corner saw McCormack roll the ball into the net.

The result, coupled with Rotherham United's 1-1 draw with Norwich City means Watford will play in England's top tier next term.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/result/result-seven-goal-thriller-sees-fulham-edge-boro_219199.html

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Fulham 4 Boro 3: Full time match report

Boro were edged out in a seven-goal thriller at Craven Cottage that leaves them with a huge mountain to climb to achieve automatic promotion


Patrick Bamford in action for Boro at Fulham

Boro were punished for a stoppage time keeper clanger as they lost 4-3 in a pulsating game at Craven Cottage.

Boro had somehow clawed back to be level after trailing by two goals and having George Friend sent off when they won a corner and Dimi Konstantopoulos went forward to join the attack.

But the ball was pumped clear leaving the keeper desperately trying to scramble back as Ross McCormack broke free to slot the winner into an open net.

Boro had looked flat in a pedestrian first half and went in a goal down as unmarked Michael Turner headed home from a stoppage time corner.

Then Ross McCormack scored two penalties either side of an Adam Reach goal before Boro launched an incredible fight back with Daniel Ayala and Kike netting to make it all square – and put Boro into second spot - before the last gasp sucker punch.

Boro's trio of walking wounded from the side that won 1-0 at Norwich – Patrick Bamford, Jelle Vossen and Albert Adomah - all shrugged off ankle injuries to start.

The only change was at right-back as Ryan Fredericks returned to take the place of Tomas Kalas whose loan deal had expired.

Boro kicked off roared on by almost 6000 Boro fans in both the official away end and the 'neutral' section.

Fulham won an early free-kick that drifted well wide then former transfer target Ross McCormack pumped a ball into the box that was easily collected by Dimi Konstantopoulos.

Then in the fifth minute Bamford won a free-kick for Boro 25 yards out and in a clever routine Lee Tomlin rolled it short for Grant Leadbitter to flick up then send a dipping a volley the keeper tipped over for a corner that was hoofed away.

Straight down the other end Turner won a loose ball just inside the Boro half and pushed it into the path of McCormack who lashed over from distance.

On eight minutes Adomah raced down the right but his cross was over hit and drifted wide of the far post.

Boro were closing quickly and forcing Fulham into errors but failing to impose themselves on the game in the opening exchanges.

Fulham had a half-chance on 13 minutes as a clearance from Konstantopoulos screwed to Rodallega but his first time lob from 30 yards aimed ot the open goal drifted well wide.

Boro threatened soon after as a crisp move Tomlin found Vossen on the edge of the box but his shot on the turn was weak and straight at the keeper.

Fulham had a half-chance on 16 minutes as after a corner there was a scramble on the edge on the box and a Ruiz shot into the crowd deflected off Frederick then was pumped away by Leadbitter.

And Boro had a let off on on 21 minutes as Guthrie robbed a sluggish Adam Clayton 30 yards out then slotted into the path of Rodallega who wriggled past Daniel Ayala to rifle in a low shot that sent Konstantopoulos full length to save at the foot of the far post.

Boro responded with a good chance on 24 minutes as Tomlin controlled and turned then pushed a neat ball into the feet of overlapping Friend who charged to the edge of the box then drilled a low shot a foot outside the far post.

Then on 29 minutes Adomah got got the right and skinned his man to send a low cross to the far post where Vossen chested down, turned inside and fired in a shot that was charged down and deflected behind for a corner which came to nothing.

Boro had a good spell of possession and zipped the ball about as they probed but they were struggling to find a final ball.

They almost carved through on 38 minutes Friend carved in from the left and slotted inside to Tomlin and kept racing into the box but couldn't quite reach the return.

Leadbitter conceded a free-kick 35 yards out on 40 minutes but McCormack sent it bouncing outside the near post.

On 42 minutes Fulham's Kavanagh was booked for a foul on Fredericks then Leadbitter's free-kick was nodded behind for a corner which came to nothing.

Boro almost broke clear on 44 minutes as Ayala cut out a crossfield ball and then carried it forward but as the strikers started to break forward his ball forward was woefully overhit and zipped through to the keeper.

In stoppage time Fulham won a corner that was taken short then whipped in by Ruiz and when it was nodded on by Hutchinson unmarked MICHAEL TURNER stooped to head home from close range.

HALF-TIME: FULHAM 1 BORO 0

Boro were quickly on the attack after the break as Tomlin went weaving forward in the first minute and got into the box before being tackled as he shaped to shoot.

Then a quick ball over the top sent Vossen down the inside left channel but the keeper came out of his box and chested down then hoofed the ball down the right flank for McCormack to chase and whip a cross to the far side for Rodallega to head towards the top corner sending Konstantopoulos full length to claw it away.

Straight up the other end Boro threatened as a free-kick out to the left found Friend and he crossed in for Bamford but his low shot was cleared off the line and the offside flag went up anyway.

Straight up the other end there was chaos in the box box as first McCormack then Rodallega had shots charged down in a furious scramble.

But Boro were left reeling on 55 minutes as Ayala bundled over McCormack in the box and the ref pointed to the spot leaving the ex-Leeds striker to slot home the penalty.

On 59 minutes Gibson was booked for a foul on Rodellaga.

On 61 minutes Boro made a treble substitution with Kike, Adam Forshaw and Adam Reach coming on for Vossen, Clayton and Fredericks in a bid to salvage the game.

And Boro were back in it on 62 minutes as the subs combined, Forshaw cutting forward through the middle and slotting into the box for ADAM REACH to collect, take a touch and lash inside the far post.

But the game swung back against Boro as Fulham won a second penalty after Friend chopped down Rodellaga with a sliding tackle.

The Boro defender was sent off and ROSS McCORMACK stepped up to score his second from the spot.

Boro desperately stepped up a gear and started throwing the ball – and bodies into the box – and were soon back in the game.

After a scramble Kike laid off for Tomlin to drill in a low shot thatwas deflected behind for a corner.

When that was punched away Adomah collected and quickly scooped it back into the crowd for DANIEL AYALA to head home on 73 minutes,

On 75 minutes Fulham put on Fofana for Guthrie

Boro went close on 78 minutes as a good build up found a Bamford run into the box but his shot on the turn flew into the side netting.

And then on 80 minutes Reach wriggled down the left and crossed to the far post where Bamford got a touch but could only poke it into the side netting.

On 80 minutes Fulham put on Woodrow for Ruiz.

Then Boro almost levelled on 84 minutes as Leadbitter, Bamford and Kike combined to get the ball into the box before Ayala chipped from the left only to graze the top of the bar.

There was a scare on 86 minutes as Boro got caught on the break, Rodallega twisted past Gibson wide on the right then crossed for McCormack but his angled effort flew high and wide.

Boro almost levelled again on 87 minutes as Bamford touched on a long ball forward from the keeper into the path of Ayala and as a defender came sliding in to tackle the ball rebounded off the defender and screwed up towards the top corner bringing a fantastic save.

On 87 minutes Fulham put Smith on for Rodallega.

And Boro forced a dramatic leveller on 88 as a corner was cleared and Tomlin scooped it back into the mixer and Ayala nodded on for KIKE to send a looping header dipping over the dive of the keeper and in.

In stoppage time Boro piled forward and won a corner and Konstantopolous came up – but Boro were punished as Fulham broke clear leaving the keeper sprinting back but to no avail as ROSS McCORMACK skipped inside his despairing lunge and slotted into the open net.

BORO: Konstantopoulos, Fredericks (Reach, 61), Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Leadbitter, Clayton (Forshaw 61), Adomah, Tomlin, Vossen (Kike 61), Bamford. Subs: Ripley, Tiendalli, Whitehead, Nsue.

FULHAM: Bettinelli, Hoogland, Hutchinson, Turner, Richards, Tunnicliffe, Guthrie (Fofana, 75), Ruiz (Woodrow, 80), Kavanagh, McCormack, Rodallega (Smith 87). Subs: Kiraly, Burn, Voser, Roberts.

Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Att: 22,731



http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-4-boro-3-full-9112470?

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McCormack sinks Boro in wild finale

Middlesbrough's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a potentially fatal blow by Ross McCormack, who scored three including a stoppage-time winner as Fulham won 4-3 at Craven Cottage.

Boro thought they had clawed back a precious point when substitute Kike made it 3-3 with a minute to go.

But Aitor Karanka's side were punished for pressing for a winner when goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos went up for a corner that was cleared, allowing McCormack to find the net at the other end.

It was a crazy day and Boro must now hope Bournemouth, who play on Monday as well as next week, slip up in similar circumstances.

Boro began brightly and Fulham were under pressure at the other end when Michael Turner fouled Patrick Bamford, Boro's on-loan Chelsea striker.

Lee Tomlin nudged the free-kick to Grant Leadbitter, who flicked the ball up and launched a fierce shot that was touched over by Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Boro had Konstantopoulos to thank for the save that denied Hugo Rodellega after Adam Clayton had been dispossessed by Danny Guthrie just outside the area. Rodellaga could not get enough power on it and it was tipped wide.

Fulham took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Shaun Hutchinson headed on Bryan Ruiz's corner to defensive partner Turner, who stooped to nod into the net from close range right in front of the Boro fans.

Boro began the second half with intent but Fulham almost doubled their lead when Bettinelli came out to clear and found McCormack on the right flank. The Scot's cross was met by the head of Rodallega at the back post but somehow Konstantopoulos was able to pull off a superb save.

Boro were living dangerously and somehow McCormack and Rodallega were unable to set each other up as defenders failed to clear.

The reprieve was short-lived however as Daniel Ayala barged McCormack over from the next attack and the Scot dispatched the penalty himself.

A response was required and sub Adam Reach, part of a triple substitution on the hour, provided it within four minutes of coming on, firing in a shot that Bettinelli could not keep out.

Boro were immediately back in trouble, however, and George Friend was shown a red card for upending Rodallega to concede another penalty which was converted once more by McCormack.

There was nothing left for Boro to do put press forward in the hope of a comeback and Tomlin saw an effort blocked again before Ayala headed home a cross from the right from Albert Adomah.

Patrick Bamford almost fashioned an equaliser but saw his back-post effort go across goal and wide before Ayala's curling effort clipped the crossbar.

Fulham almost caught Boro again from a counter-attack but this time McCormack blazed over.

Still Boro came forward and Bettinelli had to dive to deny Reach, whose block of a clearance almost found the top corner.

There was still time for Kike to make it 3-3 after being set up by Tomlin - but Boro decided to carry on attacking and were made to pay by McCormack.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/395398/fulham-middlesbrough/report?

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Manager Reaction

Kit Symons was thrilled to see his Fulham team sign off at Craven Cottage with a strong performance against Middlesbrough, and the three points that went with it.

The 10-man visitors fought back in SW6 to maintain their promotion hopes, but Ross McCormack struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to clinch a 4-3 win.

"It was a proper rollercoaster of a game," Symons admitted. "I thought we actually played very well, it was a good performance and I was very keen to make sure we gave that to the fans.

"Although that makes us five unbeaten, recent games – especially here – haven't been particularly pretty. They've been scrappy and a bit ugly and we've had to play a different way and I've had to sort of forgo some of my footballing principles to make sure we got the results that we needed.

"Today the pressure was off us and as much as the spectre of relegation was no longer around, I wanted a really good performance from the players, as well as getting a result.

"Any time these players pull on a Fulham shirt I'm expecting 100 per cent, and that's exactly what they'll give. The Championship season deserves a real stand-up finish because it has been fantastic all the way through and I'm sure there's going to be twists and turns next week as well."

With the score at 3-3, Middlesbrough won a corner at the death and such was their desire to win the game, goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos went up for the set-piece.

It backfired massively as Fulham countered and McCormack ran half the length of the pitch before rounding the recovering Konstantopoulos to secure his hat-trick and the win.

"The game is about taking risks," Symons said of the dramatic conclusion to the game. "The way it had gone for them – 3-1 down, a man light – they took big risks and it got them back into the game so they maybe thought lady luck was smiling on them today. They're an excellent side with a very good manager.

"Ross could have gone early [with the shot], I'm sure that temptation was there and I'm sure he thought about it but in the end he made the right decision and I was delighted to see that one roll over the line into the back of the net."

He earlier netted twice from the spot, planting the ball in a different corner each time, and Symons had no doubt that his top scorer would do the business from 12 yards.

He said of the 19-goal man: "That's a pressure situation but that's something that Ross thrives on. He loves those situations and he was probably the calmest man in the Cottage."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2015/april/25/manager-reaction

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Fulham 4-3 Middlesbrough: Ross McCormack hat-trick breaks Boro hearts at Craven Cottage 
Middlesbrough's hopes of securing automatic promotion were dealt a hammer blow after losing a seven goal thriller to Fulham at Craven Cottage
Fulham stormed into a 3-1 lead through Michael Turner's header and two Ross McCormack penalties with Adam Reach scoring for Boro
George Friend was sent off for his challenge on Hugo Rodallega that led to the second penalty kick
Daniel Ayala and Kike brought Boro level as part of a brave fight-back
But McCormack completed his hat-trick in injury time to seal the points for the home side

Middlesbrough's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a potentially fatal blow by Ross McCormack, who scored three including a stoppage-time winner as Fulham won 4-3 at Craven Cottage.

Boro thought they had clawed back a precious point when substitute Kike made it 3-3 with a minute to go.

But Aitor Karanka's side were punished for pressing for a winner when goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos went up for a corner that was cleared, allowing McCormack to find the net at the other end.


Middlesbrough's Jelle Vossen (left) tussles for the ball with Fulham's Shaun Hutchinson (right)


Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford (centre) has a headed effort at goal against Fulham on Saturday


Boro's Lee Tomlin (right) is chased down by Fulham midfielder Danny Guthrie (left) at Craven Cottage

It was a crazy day and Boro must now hope Bournemouth, who play on Monday as well as next week, slip up in similar circumstances.

Boro began brightly and Fulham were under pressure at the other end when Michael Turner fouled Patrick Bamford, Boro's on-loan Chelsea striker.

Lee Tomlin nudged the free-kick to Grant Leadbitter, who flicked the ball up and launched a fierce shot that was touched over by Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Boro had Konstantopoulos to thank for the save that denied Hugo Rodellega after Adam Clayton had been dispossessed by Danny Guthrie just outside the area. Rodellaga could not get enough power on it and it was tipped wide.

Fulham took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Shaun Hutchinson headed on Bryan Ruiz's corner to defensive partner Turner, who stooped to nod into the net from close range right in front of the Boro fans.

Boro began the second half with intent but Fulham almost doubled their lead when Bettinelli came out to clear and found McCormack on the right flank. The Scot's cross was met by the head of Rodallega at the back post but somehow Konstantopoulos was able to pull off a superb save.

Boro were living dangerously and somehow McCormack and Rodallega were unable to set each other up as defenders failed to clear.

The reprieve was short-lived however as Daniel Ayala barged McCormack over from the next attack and the Scot dispatched the penalty himself.


Michael Turner scores Fulham's first goal during the 4-3 win over Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage


Fulham striker Ross McCormack scores a penalty for Fulham against Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage


McCormack celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot on his way to a hat-trick against Boro


Daniel Ayala claws a goal back for Middlesbrough as they try to mount a fight-back against Fulham


Kike scores Middlesbrough's third goal during the match against Fulham, but it isn't enough

A response was required and sub Adam Reach, part of a triple substitution on the hour, provided it within four minutes of coming on, firing in a shot that Bettinelli could not keep out.

Boro were immediately back in trouble, however, and George Friend was shown a red card for upending Rodallega to concede another penalty which was converted once more by McCormack.

There was nothing left for Boro to do put press forward in the hope of a comeback and Tomlin saw an effort blocked again before Ayala headed home a cross from the right from Albert Adomah.

Patrick Bamford almost fashioned an equaliser but saw his back-post effort go across goal and wide before Ayala's curling effort clipped the crossbar.

Fulham almost caught Boro again from a counter-attack but this time McCormack blazed over.

Still Boro came forward and Bettinelli had to dive to deny Reach, whose block of a clearance almost found the top corner.

There was still time for Kike to make it 3-3 after being set up by Tomlin - but Boro decided to carry on attacking and were made to pay by McCormack.


Tomlin (left) looks dejected as Middlesbrough's automatic promotion hopes suffer a hammer blow


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3055388/Fulham-4-3-Middlesbrough-Ross-McCormack-hat-trick-breaks-Boro-hearts-Craven-Cottage.html#ixzz3YLQOxYuK
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Fulham 4 3 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough's hopes of automatic promotion have been severely dented by losing a seven-goal thriller at Fulham.

Ross McCormack completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, with Boro goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos upfield for a corner as their 10 men chased a winner.

Michael Turner's header and two McCormack penalties put Fulham 3-1 up, Adam Reach replying for the visitors, who had George Friend sent off.

Daniel Ayala and Kike brought Boro level before the dramatic conclusion.

Fulham's win, coupled with Norwich's draw at Rotherham, confirmed Watford's promotion to the Premier League.

If Bournemouth beat Bolton on Monday, the second-placed Cherries would move three points clear of Boro and with a vastly-superior goal difference over Aitor Karanka's side heading into the final day.

The defeat was harsh on the Teessiders, who fought back bravely in the final 20 minutes with 10 men after Friend was dismissed for the foul on Hugo Rodallega that led to Fulham's second spot-kick.

Turner, on loan from Middlesbrough's promotion rivals Norwich, nodded in the opener from close range after Shaun Hutchinson met a Bryan Ruiz corner.

After the break, Konstantopoulos made a superb save to keep out Rodallega's header but Fulham soon doubled their lead when Ayala fouled McCormack in the area and the Scotland striker converted from 12 yards.

Karanka made a triple substitution in an attempt to change the game and it worked almost immediately, with replacement Reach's low shot beating Marcus Bettinelli.

McCormack's second penalty looked to have killed the game as a contest, but Ayala headed in Albert Adomah's cross with 17 minutes to go to set up a tense finish.

And after Ayala and Patrick Bamford narrowly missed the target, Kike popped up with the equaliser.

But as they pressed for a winner, Boro left their net unguarded and Fulham cleared a corner to McCormack, who rolled the ball into an empty net to seal a dramatic victory.


Patrick Bamford, the Championship's Player of the Year, recovered from a knock to start for Boro


Michael Turner's first goal for Fulham put the hosts ahead before half-time


Kike's header completed Middlesbrough's comeback from 3-1 down


McCormack raced clear in added time to complete his hat-trick earn victory for Fulham


Middlesbrough may have to settle for a play-off spot as they look to end their six-year top-flight exile


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32362246

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Fulham's Ross McCormack deals blow to Middlesbrough's promotion hopes


Ross McCormack, second right, completes his hat-trick to give Fulham a 4-3 Championship victory over Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage.
Photograph: BPI/Rex Shutterstock

Middlesbrough's hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a huge blow by Ross McCormack, who scored three goals, including a stoppage-time winner, as Fulham took all three points at Craven Cottage.

Boro thought they had clawed back a precious point when the substitute Kike made it 3-3 with a minute to go, but Aitor Karanka's side were punished for pressing for a winner when goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos went up for a corner that was cleared, allowing McCormack to find the net at the other end. Middlesbrough must now hope Bournemouth, who play on Monday as well as next week, slip up in similar circumstances.

Boro began brightly and Fulham were under pressure at the other end when Michael Turner fouled Patrick Bamford, Boro's on-loan Chelsea striker. Lee Tomlin nudged the free-kick to Grant Leadbitter, who flicked the ball up and launched a fierce shot that was touched over by the Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

Boro had Konstantopoulos to thank for the save that denied Hugo Rodallega after Adam Clayton had been dispossessed by Danny Guthrie just outside the area. Rodellaga could not get enough power on his shot and it was tipped wide.

Fulham took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Shaun Hutchinson headed on Bryan Ruiz's corner to defensive partner Turner, who stooped to nod into the net from close range right in front of the Boro fans.

In the second half, Fulham almost doubled their lead when Bettinelli came out to clear and found McCormack on the right flank. The Scot's cross was met by the head of Rodallega at the back post, but somehow Konstantopoulos pulled off a superb save.

Boro were living dangerously and somehow McCormack and Rodallega were unable to set each other up as defenders failed to clear.

The reprieve was short-lived, however, as Daniel Ayala barged McCormack over during the next attack and the Scot dispatched the penalty himself.

A response was required and Adam Reach, part of a triple substitution on the hour, provided it within four minutes of coming on, firing in a shot that Bettinelli could not keep out. Boro were immediately back in trouble, however, and George Friend was shown a red card for upending Rodallega to concede another penalty, which was converted once more by McCormack. There was nothing left for Boro to do but press forward in the hope of a comeback and Tomlin saw an effort blocked again before Ayala headed home a cross from the right from Albert Adomah.

Patrick Bamford almost fashioned an equaliser but saw his back-post effort go across goal and wide before Ayala's curling effort clipped the crossbar.

Fulham almost caught Boro again from a counter-attack but this time McCormack blazed over.

Still Boro came forward and Bettinelli had to dive to deny Reach, whose block of a clearance almost found the top corner.

There was still time forKike made it 3-3 after being set up by Tomlin, but Boro went on attacking and were made to pay by McCormack.


http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/apr/25/fulham-middlesbrough-championship-match-report?

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Fulham 4 Middlesbrough 3

Michael Turner's first Fulham goal and a Ross McCormack hat-trick secured a thrilling 4-3 win over Middlesbrough in our final home game of the season.

The Whites went in front in first half stoppage time when Turner stooped to turn in Shaun Hutchinson's flick-on from a Bryan Ruiz cross to cap his final appearance for the Club with a goal. He's ineligible to feature at parent club Norwich City next week.

The lead was doubled 10 minutes after the break when McCormack was fouled in the box. He dusted himself down and calmly found the net with his spot-kick.

Boro substitute Adam Reach then volleyed his side back into the game, only for Fulham to restore the two-goal advantage four minutes later, once again from the spot. This time Hugo Rodallega was the man felled as he went to shoot, with George Friend sent off for the challenge. McCormack once again made no mistake.

But credit to our promotion-chasing visitors, they refused to lie down and fought their way level through headers from Daniel Ayala and Kike.

Their desire to win the game was evident as, with the scores tied, goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos went up for a corner deep into stoppage time. Boro's risk proved to be Fulham's gain as we cleared the danger and McCormack ran half the pitch to slot home his third of the afternoon to ensure our final Craven Cottage game of the campaign ended with smiles all round.

Kit Symons made three changes to the side that won at Blackpool last time out. In came Shaun Hutchinson, Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega, replacing Dan Burn, Matt Smith and the ineligible James Husband.

Boro had the first effort on goal in the fifth minute when Patrick Bamford bought a free-kick off Turner 25 yards out. The dead ball was rolled to Grant Leadbitter who flicked it up and fired in a volley, but his effort was tipped over by Marcus Bettinelli. Full marks for ingenuity, though.

The Whites hit back quickly with a strike of their own, but McCormack's powerful attempt from distance was always rising and missed the target.

Bettinelli got down easily to a Jelle Vossen snapshot as we approached the quarter of an hour mark of what had been a relatively quiet opening to the game.

But the Whites went within a whisker of the lead six minutes later when Danny Guthrie won possession from Adam Clayton 30 yards from goal and advanced before slipping in Rodallega. The Colombian had a defender for a company but managed to squeeze a shot in that Konstantopoulos did well to get down to and push past the post.

Some neat link-up play presented Boro with the game's next chance on 26 minutes, with the ball worked to Friend who marauded forward from left-back and let fly from outside the box, missing the far post by just a yard or so.

Albert Adomah was given the first yellow card of the afternoon shortly after half an hour when he went in late on Sean Kavanagh as the youngster made a clearance.

McCormack was presented with a sight of goal with five minutes remaining of the half when Fulham were awarded a free-kick a good 30 yards from goal. He bent a low effort around the wall but it didn't quite have enough curve on it to get back in and on target.

Kavanagh was then yellow carded by referee Kevin Friend for pulling back Ryan Fredericks.

In the one minute of time added on at the end of the first half, Fulham made the breakthough. Ruiz played a short corner with Guthrie and sent over a dangerous cross which Hutchinson just wanted more than Fredericks. He nodded it towards goal where Turner was lurking to nod unmarked beyond the exposed Konstantopoulos.

If that goal had knocked the stuffing out of the visitors, they didn't show it when they emerged for the second half, with Lee Tomlin embarking on a determined run before pulling the trigger, only for Jazz Richards to make a crucial block.

But it was the Whites who went closest to the second goal. Bettinelli began the move when he raced out of his area to beat Patrick Bamford to a loose ball, took a touch and volleyed an exquisite pass down the right flank to McCormack. He dribbled to the byline and stood up an inviting cross to the lurking Rodallega who looked to find the top corner with his header, only for Konstantopoulos to claw the ball away magnificently.

It was a blistering start to the second period and Tomlin went close again on 53 minutes when he drilled a low shot just wide from Adomah's square ball.

Fulham then thought they should have been awarded a penalty when McCormack was tugged back in the area. That one wasn't given but seconds later referee Friend did point to the spot when the Scotsman was pushed over by Ayala. Our top scorer then coolly rolled the ball into the bottom right to double his side's lead.

Next, Ben Gibson was carded just before the hour mark for a crude lunge on Rodallega. Boro head coach Aitor Karanka then made a triple substitution to try and swing the momentum in his side's favour. Adam Clayton, Jelle Vossen and Fredericks departed to be replaced by Reach, Kike and Adam Forshaw.

Reach made an immediate impact as a ball bounced kindly for him and his dipping volley found a way under Bettinelli and into the back of the net.

But Fulham were almost instantly presented with a chance to score a third as Rodallega was scythed down by Friend in the area. It was a clear goalscoring opportunity and so the referee had no choice but to dismiss his namesake.

Captain McCormack took responsibility once again and swept it into the opposite corner this time to make it 3-1. Rodallega was having treatment as the kick was taken and McCormack quickly ran to celebrate with his teammate afterwards, with the crowd then recognising his involvement in the goal with cries of 'Hugo, Hugo, Hugo.'

Tomlin met a corner at the other end on 70 minutes. His accurate header would have nestled inside the far corner but Ruiz was there to clear off the line without too much distress.

After Rodallega was fouled in wide position moments later McCormack swung in a brilliant free-kick that picked out his strike partner, but he misjudged the flight of the ball and his header sailed way over.

The game was far from over and Boro fought back again with another goal in the 74th minute when Ayala planted a firm header inside the post having connected with Adomah's pinpoint cross.

Symons then made his first change as Guthrie departed to make way for Fofana.

The game was so open and although the 10-men of Boro were pressing hard, Fulham had a great opening on 78 minutes when Rodallega twisted and turned in the box before hitting a low shot that Konstantopoulos got down to save.

A wonderful Reach cross found Bamford moments later but he didn't make a firm connection and sliced the ball back across goal and wide.

Cauley Woodrow then came on for Ruiz, who departed to a very warm reception from the home fans.

Following a corner with seven minutes remaining, the ball fell to Ayala in the box and the defender showed great technique to bend it towards the postage stamp. Thankfully it missed by mere inches.

A swift counter-attack started by Fofana and involving Woodrow then ended with Rodallega slipping in McCormack, but his first time shot went over as he looked to curl it beyond Konstantopoulos.

Boro almost grabbed an equaliser in bizarre fashion as a Hoogland clearance ricocheted off Ayala and looked set to lob Bettinelli, but the Fulham keeper got across to push it behind for a corner.

Rodallega then made way for Matt Smith in the Whites' final change, again to great applause from the Cottage faithful.

But the third goal for the visitors did arrive when a ball over the top from Tomlin was flicked on by Kike and flew over Bettinelli and into the net.

It could have been worse for the Whites shortly after but Forshaw's drilled strike was well held by Bettinelli.

With Boro awarded a corner in stoppage time, Konstantopoulos made the bold decision to go up for it, but it backfired to devastating effect. Turner cleared the ball as far as McCormack who was in his own half and he beat a man in the centre-circle before bearing down on goal. Konstantopoulos had got back by now but McCormack rounded him with ease and slotted into an empty net to secure his second hat-trick of the season and the three points for Fulham.


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

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Dimi goes upfront: Boro fans react to the decision to send goalkeeper upfield

Boro were level at Fulham when head coach Aitor Karanka decided to send goalkeeper

It could be one of the biggest decisions of Boro's season - here's a flavour of how fans reacted to the decision to send Dimi upfront against Fulham.

After pegging the hosts back to 3-3 , the Boro goalkeeper charged forward as his side looked for a late winner that would have taken them to within a point of top spot.

Instead, Fulham hit Boro on the counter and Ross McCormack scored his third goal of the afternoon to wrap up the points and leave Aitor Karanka's side fourth in the table and, in all likelihood, facing the play-offs.

With Norwich drawing 1-1 at Rotherham, a point would have been enough to take Boro back into the top two, temporarily at least ahead of Bournemouth's game at Bolton on Monday night.

Dimi's last minute rush into the box led to Fulham's late winner and was the main talking point today.

@gpowner76 tweeted: "Why not just sit on the point? That would of being like a massive win in the circumstances, now it feels like a crushing defeat. #dimi stay in goal."

Ian Clennett agreed: "Considering how professional we've been all season - Dimi pushing up for that corner is naive in the extreme - totally unnecessary."


http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dimi-upfront-boro-fulham-fans-9118792?

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Former Middlesbrough 'keeper slams current number one Dimitrios Konstantopoulos after dramatic Fulham loss

Marlon Beresford was not pleased with Dimi after he went up for a late corner v Fulham.

Watford FC are promoted to the Premier League after Norwich City drew with Rotherham United and Middlesbrough were stunned by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Those results sent the Glory Hornet Boys back to the Premier League.

But the way Boro lost to Fulham was truly shocking. They were beaten 4-3 in a stunning game in West London.

Fulham were 3-1 up 70 minutes into the game and Boro had been reduced to ten men. At that point, the drama that unfolded was not predicted.

Boro pulled level through goals from Daniel Ayala and Kike before going all out for a win. Knowing they were safe in the play-offs, and a draw would likely hand promotion to Watford and Bournemouth, they went all out for a winning goal - including throwing goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos forward for a late corner.

But Fulham broke and Ross McCormack stroked home his hat-trick goal to wrap up a 4-3 victory.

The decision to send the big Greek forward has now been criticised by a former Boro goalkeeper. Marlon Beresford, who was at Boro for four years, was mainly a back-up during his time on Teesside, and he Tweeted on the subject:


If Bournemouth win on Monday night they are promoted and Boro will have to go through the rigmarole of the play-offs.


http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015/04/25/former-middlesbrough-keeper-slams-current-number-one-dimitrios-k/?

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Fulham boss hails 'thriving' Whites star after thrilling Middlesbrough win

Fulham manager Kit Symons was delighted with Ross McCormack's display as the Whites beat promotion chasing Middlesbrough 4-3 at Craven Cottage.

Fulham had successfully avoided the prospect of relegation a few days earlier and took the lead in first half stoppage time through Michael Turner's corner.

That lead was doubled when McCormack was fouled in the box by Daniel Ayala and the Scot despatched the penalty himself.

Karanka responded by making a triple substitution and Adam Reach, one of the replacements, immediately pulled one back, only for George Friend to concede another penalty, fouling Hugo Rodallega, and be sent off.

McCormack converted again but Ayala's header made it 3-2 and another substitute, Kike, levelled with just a minute remaining to set up a grandstand finish that was eventually settled in Fulham's favour by McCormack.

"The pressure was off us as a football club but that was a pressure situation," said Fulham manager Kit Symons. "But that's something that Ross thrives on - he loves that and was probably the calmest man in the Cottage."

Symons added: "It was a proper roller-coaster of a game. We actually played very well.

"It was a good performance, which I wanted to give to the fans as although that makes it five unbeaten, in recent games here it hasn't been pretty.

"It has been scrappy and ugly and we have had to play a different way and forgo certain elements of my footballing principles to make sure of the results we needed."


http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/fulham_boss_hails_thriving_whites_star_after_thrilling_middlesbrough_win_1_4048789

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Fulham will stay honest – Symons

Fulham boss Kit Symons has vowed to keep the Championship promotion race honest after damaging Middlesbrough's hopes with a stunning 4-3 win.

Ross McCormack completed a hat-trick deep into stoppage time as Boro' poured forward trying to find a winner of their own to maintain pressure on the front-runners.

Fulham's final opponents of the season are Norwich, who could still be in contention for the top two if rivals Bournemouth slip up on Monday.

And Symons promised there would be no let-up in performance if the result at Carrow Road could determine who reaches the Premier League.

He said: "The Championship this year has been fantastic all the way through.

"We had to do our bit and put in a good performance and we'll do the same next week at Norwich.

"Our focus in the last few weeks has been on avoiding relegation. Now that that's been achieved, we need to go and finish the season as strongly as possible.

"This result makes us five unbeaten. We want to go to Carrow Road and make that six unbeaten.

"We need to maintain the honesty of the division and give it all we've got."

Symons was delighted with his side's display against Middlesbrough and felt the shackles had been lifted after their safety had been confirmed.

He said: "The pressure was off us. The spectre of relegation was no longer around, so I wanted a really good performance from the players.

"Take away the shabby goals we conceded, I thought we actually played very well and I was delighted to get the result in the end.

"Recent games haven't been particularly pretty. We've had to play a different way and forego certain elements of my footballing principles to make sure we got the results that we needed.

"I was very keen to give the fans a good performance."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-will-stay-honest-symons?

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Fulham boss says risk taking backfired massively on Middlesbrough

Symons delighted at performance as Whites sink Boro


Happy chap: Kit Symons

Middlesbrough took the risk of sending their keeper up to win the game at the death – and suffered, says Kit Symons.

The Fulham boss saw his side sign off at Craven Cottage with a 'rollercoaster' of a win, but at 3-3 and seconds left it looked as if both sides would have to settle for a point.

Dimi Konstantopoulos was caught stranded, and Ross McCormack deservedly seized the chance to run the length of the pitch and collect a hat-trick along with the match ball for the 4-3 win.


Fulham's Ross McCormack scores their second goal from the penalty spot

"The game is about taking risks," Symons added. "The way it had gone for them – 3-1 down, a man light – they took big risks and it got them back into the game so they maybe thought lady luck was smiling on them today. They're an excellent side with a very good manager.

"Ross could have gone early [with the shot]. I'm sure that temptation was there and I'm sure he thought about it but in the end he made the right decision and I was delighted to see that one roll over the line into the back of the net."

He earlier netted twice from the spot, placing the ball in a different corner each time, and Symons was in no doubt the top scorer with 19 to his credit, would do the business from 12 yards.

"That's a pressure situation but that's something that Ross thrives on," the manager said. "He loves those situations and he was probably the calmest man in the Cottage."


Middlesbrough's Patrick Bamford in action with Fulham's Tim Hoogland

"It was a proper rollercoaster of a game. I thought we actually played very well, it was a good performance and I was very keen to make sure we gave that to the fans.

"Although that makes us five unbeaten, recent games – especially here – haven't been particularly pretty. They've been scrappy and a bit ugly and we've had to play a different way and I've had to sort of forgo some of my footballing principles to make sure we got the results that we needed.

"Today the pressure was off us and as much as the spectre of relegation was no longer around, I wanted a really good performance from the players, as well as getting a result.

"Any time these players pull on a Fulham shirt I'm expecting 100 per cent, and that's exactly what they'll give.

"The Championship season deserves a real stand-up finish because it has been fantastic all the way through and I'm sure there's going to be twists and turns next week as well."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-says-risk-taking-9119397?

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Patrick Roberts on Manchester City radar as Fulham face fight to hang on to £10m-rated starlet

City are hoping to steal a march on Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham in the race for the England Under-19 international

Manchester City have turned to Fulham's 18-year-old forward Patrick Roberts as they look to fall into line with the Premier League's home-grown regulations.

City are hoping to steal a march on Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham – all frequent visitors to Craven Cottage to run the rule over the England Under-19 international.

Fulham know Roberts is their prize asset and are dangling a huge wage increase in front of him in their bid to keep the youngster who can operate as a conventional striker or winger.

The London club will be looking for £10million if they fail to persuade Roberts that his future is with them.

City are keen because they face losing James Milner to either Arsenal or Liverpool and Scott Sinclair wants to make his loan to Aston Villa a permanent move while Frank Lampard is off to America.

That's why they have been linked with 'homegrown' Englishmen such as Burnley's Danny Ings and Everton midfielder Ross Barkley.

They know Roberts is not the finished article but they are determined not to miss out on England prospect.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/patrick-roberts-manchester-city-radar-5584028?

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Kit Symons hails Fulham's attacking display after victory against Middlesbrough

Fulham manager Kit Symons has praised his side after they beat Middlesbrough 4-3 in their final home game of the Championship season.

Ross McCormack scored a last-minute penalty to give the West London side victory, and Symons was happy with their attacking intent.

He told BBC Sport: "It was a proper roller-coaster of a game. We actually played very well. It was a good performance, which I wanted to give to the fans as although that makes it five unbeaten, in recent games here it hasn't been pretty.

"It has been scrappy and ugly and we have had to play a different way and forgo certain elements of my footballing principles to make sure of the results we needed."

Fulham finish the season away at promotion hopefuls Norwich City next week.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/symons-it-was-a-roller-coaster_219313.html

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Fulham 4 Middlesbrough 3: Boro title tilt left in tatters



FOOTBALL always produces 'what if?' moments and this game had them in spades, with Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka living to rue the impulse to gamble and send up goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos for a stoppage-time corner.

That resulted in the winning goal but for Fulham, not Boro, with Ross McCormack completing a hat-trick by locating the unguarded net at the other end. That was a 'what if?' as well, as Middlesbrough had targeted signing the Scottish international, who ended up leaving Leeds United for Craven Cottage last summer.

Karanka's thinking was straightforward enough even though his side had just come back from 3-1 down to level: a point would not put enough pressure on second-placed Bournemouth, who are at home to Bolton tomorrow and possess a far superior goal difference.


http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/football/Football_League/article1548809.ece