MALMO 0 FULHAM 0

[mrska]

The Whites travelled to the impressive Swedbank Stadium for their second and final fixture, where a bright start saw Bobby Zamora held back by Guillermo Molins and a penalty awarded after just five minutes.

However, the usually dependable Danny Murphy fired wide.

The Whites continued to press, although at the other end Molins made a more telling contribution, threading through to Daniel Larsson who was expertly beaten to the ball by Aaron Hughes.

The Northern Ireland defender also did well to block Edward Ofere moments later, with the Malmo striker taking up a dangerous position in the Fulham box.

Managed by former Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry defender Roland Nilsson, the hosts certainly suggested they were a side that would pose problems, with Brede Hangeland also on hand to out-jump Ofere and see the ball to safety.

Having found their early rhythm, it was Fulham that again went closest to a breakthrough, with Zamora meeting Bjorn Helge Riise's excellent delivery from the right. Unfortunately, last season's top goal-scorer's header dropped the wrong side of the bar.

With 20 minutes gone Murphy tested Johan Dahlin from distance, while Zamora had the ball in the net moments later, only to be ruled offside from Zoltan Gera's clever through ball.

An equally intelligent free-kick from Molins tested David Stockdale, with the young 'keeper quick to react to the midfielder's near post effort.

Impressing from the off, Dickson Etuhu could well have put his side in front with the goal at his mercy, but the Nigerian international took his eye off Zamora's teasing pull-back.

Malmo also saw a chance come and go on 35 minutes, with Miljan Mutavdzic seeing his strike deflect wide off the boot of Freddie Stoor when well placed.

The Whites certainly finished the half on top, in what was a controlled and professional 45 minutes of football.

A positive start to the second-half followed, with Zamora all but finding the breakthrough but for some brave goalkeeping from substitute Dusan Melicharek five minutes in.

Chris Baird almost found the net with a deflected strike from Gera's cross, while Hughes rose highest to one corner from the right.

Simon Davies fashioned a half chance for Zamora on the hour as Fulham continued to threaten.

That said, the home side still frustrated Fulham at every opportunity, showing exactly why they currently sit second in the Swedish Allsvenskan, five points behind leaders Helsingborgs.

Hughes was called into action again with 12 minutes remaining, beating Dardan Rexhepi to what looked a certain goal from Jiloan Hamad's drag back.

With the game drawing to a close Eddie Johnson flashed a low delivery across the box, where David Elm was unlucky not to turn the ball past the Malmo 'keeper.
 

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/PreSeason/MalmoAway.aspx#ixzz0uuYqCw7E

[Tom]

Not happy with another 0-0 draw. We need to start scoring some goals. The season is fast approaching and we need to name a new coach like it was yesterday.

[mrska]

Manager appointment is a must.. im suprised how well we're doing without a gaffer...

If we'd be losing the press could of had a field day.. saying Fulham were in disarray..

Please appoint Mark Hughes... NOWWWW!

[Tom]

Manager appointment is a must.. im suprised how well we're doing without a gaffer...

If we'd be losing the press could of had a field day.. saying Fulham were in disarray..

Please appoint Mark Hughes... NOWWWW!

100% agree with you mrska!!!

[JBH]

For Fcuk sake, this is pre season all its about is fitness and sharpness training with match practice thrown in.

Yes we need a manager but the knee jerk reaction about a draw in a pre season friendly is just pathetic! we are not losing (unlike United, Blackburn etc) and hopefully no one has picked up injuries, the lads now come back and join up with JP Clint and Schwazer ready for another FRIENDLY on Saturday .

Lighten up guys and get a life. 

[BarryP]

I would rather have no injuries and 1st team players getting a lot of minutes for fitness than a lot of preseason wins.

[Fernhurst]

Lack of goals is a legitimate worry. Looks like the lads are carrying on our kindly old Uncles legacy..... A new manager who invests some freshness and guile to midfield and some "edge" in front of goal will help us not lose 1-0 at The Reebok Stadium in 3 weeks....

[Lighthouse]

Well besides the fact we need a manager. The problems of last season still exist this season. We need a couple of forwards and a couple of central midfielders. Plus replacements for anybody that leaves. But these games are just fitness games and good to see BZ finding fitness etc.

[beijing ben]

For Fcuk sake, this is pre season all its about is fitness and sharpness training with match practice thrown in.

Yes we need a manager but the knee jerk reaction about a draw in a pre season friendly is just pathetic! we are not losing (unlike United, Blackburn etc) and hopefully no one has picked up injuries, the lads now come back and join up with JP Clint and Schwazer ready for another FRIENDLY on Saturday .

Lighten up guys and get a life. 

Plus, Malmo are playing competetive football at the moment. Their fitness should be right up. A draw and not conceding is ok

[Nick the Swede]

Plus, Malmo are playing competetive football at the moment. Their fitness should be right up. A draw and not conceding is ok

Well, Malmö is of course in the middle of the season, but have only played two competitive games since end of May due to the world cup break. They are place 2nd in the Swedish top flight at the moment, but in all honesty that's mid-table in the Championship in England at best.

[beijing ben]

Plus, Malmo are playing competetive football at the moment. Their fitness should be right up. A draw and not conceding is ok

Well, Malmö is of course in the middle of the season, but have only played two competitive games since end of May due to the world cup break. They are place 2nd in the Swedish top flight at the moment, but in all honesty that's mid-table in the Championship in England at best.

Fair enough Nick. So really they are pretty much at the same level of fitness. But if their position in the Swedish league is the equivalent to mid table in the premiership then i'm happy with a 0-0 draw. If we get draws away to the likes of Blackburn and Birmingham, i think we should be happy with that

[Nick the Swede]

Well, Ben, I did write Championship NOT Premiership but still  :003:

Many teams in Sweden could beat Premiership sides from time to time, but over the course of a season they'd surely be relegated  :011:

[beijing ben]

Well, Ben, I did write Championship NOT Premiership but still  :003:

Many teams in Sweden could beat Premiership sides from time to time, but over the course of a season they'd surely be relegated  :011:

Sorry misread it, which of course changes everything. That's not good at all. And we did lose to a championship side yesterday...

Pre season though doesn't bother me at all though. Just hope to get through it with no injuries

[Lighthouse]

Also hope that the England friendly a few days before the Prem kicks off doesn't include BZ. Mad to make his debut only to be injured. Very Fulhamish