Sunday Fulham Stuff (21/02/16)...

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Results

Saturday
Cardiff	4-1	Brighton
Bolton	1-1	QPR
Brentford	1-3	Derby
Burnley	2-0	Rotherham
Fulham	3-0	Charlton
Huddersfield	1-0	Wolves
MK Dons	0-2	Bristol City
Preston	1-0	Sheff Wed

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A wonderful Tom Cairney brace sandwiched Michael Madl's header to earn Fulham a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.

   

A wonderful Tom Cairney brace sandwiched Michael Madl's header to earn Fulham a 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The visitors began the game well but went behind to a moment of brilliance from Cairney shortly after half an hour when he rifled home after Scott Parker had rattled the crossbar.

Madl was introduced at half-time and made a telling contribution 59 minutes in when he nodded in Ross McCormack's corner to give his side some breathing space.

Moussa Dembélé then thumped a rising shot against the crossbar as the Whites attempted to put the game to bed, something they duly did when Cairney volleyed home a sumptuous third from 20 yards out.

Slaviša Jokanović made two changes to the side that lost at Blackburn Rovers in midweek, with Parker and Alexander Kačaniklić coming in for Madl and Sakari Mattila.

Charlton had the first decent chance of the game in the ninth minute when Zakarya Birgdich cut the ball back to Callum Harriott who rifled in a low drive that drew a good reflex stop from Andrew Lonergan.

Fulham responded quickly at the other end with a Parker shot from distance that flew off the head of a man in red and behind for a corner, which came to nothing.

After Johann Berg Gudmundsson had smashed a free-kick – for which Fernando Amorebieta was booked for conceding – into the wall after 20 minutes, Fulham survived a couple of hairy moments as the visitors fired pellets at the Hammersmith End goal. A succession of vital tackles and blocks, though, namely by Parker and Ryan Fredericks, saw the danger pass.

The Addicks were not looking like a side who currently sit 23rd in the league standings, and Fulham had to wait until the 31st minute for another opening, although we then had a four in quick succession, with the last one finding the net.

First Fredericks had a left-footer from 20 yards deflect behind for corner, from which McCormack forced another as Stephen Henderson turned his low shot behind. That set-piece dropped to Parker in the box and he crashed a half volley off the crossbar. Back it came to Cairney who kept his composure to send a sweet effort into the top left-corner on his weaker right foot.

Charlton may well have felt that opener was against the run of play, and they threatened to equalise soon after when Bergdich flicked on Gudmundsson's inswinging cross, but his glancing header sailed wide of the far post.

In the 39th minute a fantastic Morgan Fox cross found Simon Makienok at the near post, but he could only poke wide at full stretch.

A couple of minutes before half-time Dan Burn was booked for a lunge on Gundmundsson. The home fans were rightly furious about the situation as Fulham only lost possession courtesy of an interception by referee Kevin Friend.

It should have been 2-0 just before half-time. A sweeping team move orchestrated by Cairney ended with the playmaker squaring to McCormack in space 12 yards out, but he couldn't get over the ball and missed the target by some distance.

Jokanović rang the changes at half-time, with Madl replacing Kačaniklić, and Jamie O'Hara making way for Chris Baird, who made his second debut for the Club. Having gone 4-4-2 in the first half, the team reverted to the wing-back formation for the second.

Charlton had the first chance after the restart when Harriott made a good connection from outside the box. It was straight at Lonergan but was viciously struck and moving in the wind, making the goalkeeper's parry a decent one in the circumstances.

Dembélé then had a tame shot from the edge of the area, but it lacked power or accuracy and Henderson got down easily to save. He certainly got power on his next effort which arrived mere moments later, but he couldn't control it and fired into Row Z of the Hammy End.

With Charlton playing well, the next goal in the game would be crucial and thankfully Madl nabbed it just before the hour mark. McCormack whipped a corner into a dangerous area and the Austrian was there to nod home his maiden goal for the Club. It was also the first time Fulham have scored from a set-piece, that was direct, this season.

That was the encouragement Fulham needed and Dembélé was denied a world class third minutes later by the woodwork. After skipping beyond a challenge 20 yards out he rifled in a thunderbolt that almost broke the crossbar in half before landing just the wrong side of the line.

With the confidence flowing, Fredericks was then put in on goal and saw his shot deflect off a Charlton arm, but his protests for a penalty went unheard.

Cairney was then sent in behind the Reds backline, but was put off by the advancing Henderson and dinked over the bar as the unrelenting pressure continued.

In the 67th minute the Addicks made their first changes, replacing central midfielders Diego Poyet and El-Hadji Ba with full-back Marco Motta and striker Ademola Lookman.

Charlton's heads had dropped after conceding the second but a driving run from Gudmundsson on 77 minutes caused problems as he worked space for a shot. Lonergan got down well to deny him, though.

But the game was well and truly over a minute later. A high ball dropped to Cairney 20 yards out and he showed fantastic technique to send a dipping volley beyond Henderson and inside the far post.

It could have been four seconds later when Luke Garbutt's fizzed cross found McCormack, but he couldn't beat Henderson with a deft flick.

Fulham made their final substitution in the 83rd minute as Ryan Tunnicliffe made a welcome return to action. Cairney was the man to be replaced, and he departed to a standing ovation.

The Reds were shown a first yellow card not long after, as Fox went in late on the lightning Fredericks. Tunnicliffe followed him into the book moments later after his enthusiasm got the better of him as he went to win a loose ball back.

Charlton should have grabbed a consolation with a minute left when Makienok flicked the ball back to the unmarked Harriott, but he wildly lashed over the bar, much to the frustration of the visiting fans behind the goal.

Dembélé had another effort deep into stoppage time that was never in danger of finding the net as Fulham were forced to settle for three in their return to winning ways.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2015_2016/league/home/charlton-athletic

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Fulham's Dallas Return

Fulham has accepted an invitation to compete in the Dallas Cup in March, our third appearance at the tournament.

An Under-19 side first took part in the esteemed youth competition back in 2013, with a squad featuring Jack Grimmer, Sean Kavanagh, Emerson Hyndman, Lasse Vigen Christensen, George Williams and Cauley Woodrow bringing home the trophy.

Attempts to defend their crown started well the following year when FC Dallas and IF Brommapojkarna were beaten 4-0 and 2-1, respectively, but a 3-0 defeat by Brazilian outfit Coritiba meant they did not progress to the knock-out stage.

This year the tournament will take place from 20-27th March, and the Whites will be up against Real Salt Lake and Dallas again.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/february/20/fulhams-dallas-return?

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Fulham 3-0 Charlton: Tom Cairney and Michael Madl strikes secure victory at Craven Cottage
Midfielder Tom Cairney fired Fulham ahead in the 32nd minute
Substitute Michael Madl doubled Fulham's advantage after half-time 
Cairney added his second to make it 3-0 late on at Craven Cottage
Fulham were without Cauley Woodrow due to a broken metatarsal

Two excellent strikes from midfielder Tom Cairney ensured Fulham eased their relegation worries with a 3-0 victory against struggling Charlton.

Cairney opened the scoring for the hosts on 31 minutes before a 59th-minute header from Michael Madl doubled their advantage.

Cairney then sealed the win for Slavisa Jokanovic's side with a cracking volley in the 79th-minute from outside the box for his sixth goal of the season.


Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney fires the home side ahead in the 32nd minute at Craven Cottage


Cairney races away to celebrate after his first-half strike puts the home side ahead 


The 25-year-old's strike secured a precious early lead for Slavisa Jokanovic's side


Cairney's goal was the perfect reply as Fulham looked to bounce back from their 3-0 defeat at Blackburn


Michael Madl is mobbed by his Fulham team-mates after his second-half strike against the Addicks


Madl, who replaced Alexander Kacaniklic at half-time, doubled Fulham's advantage in the 58th minute


Cairney added a second late on with a superb volley to complete the rout over the visitors


Cairney slides on the Craven Cottage turf after he completed his brace in the second-half

Despite the scoreline, Fulham were not at their best, particularly in the first half, but the excellence of Scott Parker against his former club and the dynamic display from Cairney saw them finish on top in this London derby.

It was a vital three points for Fulham as they moved up to 18th in the league standings, nine points above the drop zone. Charlton, however, are in serious trouble as defeat saw Jose Riga's men drop to the bottom of the table, six points from safety.

Fulham had won just once in their previous seven Championship matches and they were unconvincing in the opening exchanges. Moussa Dembele had already spooned an effort from 20 yards out for a throw-in when Callum Harriott, the pacey Charlton midfielder, forced a decent low save from Andrew Lonergan in the Fulham goal.

There was a delay as assistant referee Matthew Wilkes was allowed time to re-gather his senses after Luke Garbutt had clattered a ball into his face. After treatment, Wilkes groggily returned to his feet and received warm applause from the crowd - a rare treat indeed for a linesman.

Charlton had not enjoyed victory at Craven Cottage in the league since April 1986 but they snapped into tackles and were sprightly in attack.

Harriot's speed caused problems and Fernando Amorebieta, Fulham's Venezuelan defender, was booked for chopping him down on the edge of box on 20 minutes.

Fulham, though, took the lead against the run of play on 32 minutes as Ross McCormack's near-post shot was pushed away for a corner by Stephen Henderson, the Charlton goalkeeper.


Fulham striker Ross McCormack (right) shields the ball from Charlton's Chris Solly

McCormack crossed and Scott Parker's initial shot rattled the bar. The rebound fell kindly for Cairney and the former Blackburn and Hull midfielder blasted his shot into the top corner.

The best move of the match came from Fulham just before the interval. Cairney burst forward from midfield and played a neat one-two with Dembele. The ball was slipped to McCormack but his first time shot from 10 yards was high over the bar.

Chris Baird, who re-joined Fulham on season-long loan from Derby, replaced Jamie O'Hara after the break as Fulham switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Fulham were lively and Charlton looked nothing like the team that had competed well for the first 45 minutes.


Addicks striker Simon Makienok heads clear under pressure from Ryan Fredericks

The second goal arrived on 50 minutes as McCormack's delivery from the corner was once again perfect and Madl, another half-time substitute in place of Alex Kacaniklic, expertly headed home.

Craven Cottage was in full voice and Dembele so nearly made it 3-0 as he tricked his way up the left, cut inside and smacked a 25-yard effort that rattled the crossbar.

Cairney added his brilliant third goal in a victory that could well keep Fulham in the Championship, but Charlton's immediate future does not look quite so promising.


Charlton midfielder El-Hadji Ba (left) takes on Jamie O'Hara during the first-half


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3456030/Fulham-3-0-Charlton-Tom-Cairney-Michael-Madl-strikes-secure-victory-Craven-Cottage.html#ixzz40jqiXZwB
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Another nail in the coffin

Charlton went down 3-0 at Fulham this afternoon, confirming the likelihood of their relegation. Once again the goals were conceded from corners. The Addicks had their chances to score, but could not find the back of the net.

It was a wet afternoon at Craven Cottage as Charlton faced Fulham with Scott Parker as their captain. After two minutes Lennon had to head behind for a Fulham corner. Henderson came out and claimed the ball.

Lennon had to put the ball out again for a corner. Makienok connected with his head and cleared the ball a good distance. After good play from Bergdich, Harriott was tripped for a free kick 30 yards out. The move ended with a harsh foul awarded against Makienok.

Harriott put in a shot after good work down the left by Bergdich, but it was well saved by Lonergan. Fulham had a corner which was followed by a second, Solly putting it out when it was going out anyway.

The lino went down after being hit in the face by an attempted clearance by Garbutt.

A great counter attack with Makienok holding the ball up well and Harriott won a free kick on the edge of Fulham's box. Gudmundsson's shot came off the wall. After brilliant work by Harriott down the right, Gudmundsson had two shots on goal, the second going wide.

At the other end Fox did well to defend a cross and get a goal kick off the Fulham man.

O'Hara cynically tripped Harriott off the ball, but no card was shown, Amorebieta having been booked earlier for a foul on Harriott. A good free kick from Poyet required good work by Lonergan who beat Makienok to the ball.

Henderson dealt with a dangerous free kick from McCormack. Charlton won a corner after a low ball from Fox nearly reached Big Mak.

Fulham won a corner just past the half hour mark. Henderson had to turn a shot away for another corner. It was a good corner from McCormack, Charlton did not defend well, the ball came off the crossbar from Parker, it dropped to Cairney and he scored. Charlton had been the better side, but they had gone behind.

Charlton won a corner down the other end, but it was unproductive. Great work by Harriott played Gudmundsson down the wing and his cross was headed wide by Bergdich.

Harriott received the ball on the edge of the box, stepped on it and fell over.

A cross from Bergdich found Makienok at the near post, but he put the ball just wide.

Gudmundsson was brought down 30 yards from goal by Burn and the charm merchant was booked. Fox's shot went over the bar.

McCormack had a chance to kill the game from seven yards, but put his shot over.

Fox did well to win a corner in time added on. Lennon got a volley on the corner, but it went out for a throw in. Dembele pushed Poyet over for a Charlton free kick. The delivery was cleared.

HT Fulham 1, Charlton 0

Fulham made a double substitution, Kacaniklic and O'Hara were replaced by Madl and Baird, going 3-5-2 with two wing backs.

Fox delivered a good ball towards the back post, but Fulham cleared their lines.

Lennon was beaten to the ball by McCormack, but Fox covered with a great challenge.

Harriott tested Lonegan with a long-range effort, he spilt his save, but Fulham cleared.

A cross from Fredericks was cut out by Lennon. Fulham won a corner after Bergdich gave the ball away. A second corner followed with Charlton under pressure at set pieces again. The McCormack delivery was spot on and Madl scored with the header from five yards to make it 2-0. The defending was very poor.

Dembele had a free run on goal and almost scored, but the ball came smashing back off the crossbar.

Charlton won a corner through Bergdich. Lennon was penalised for a foul, but Ba smashed it wide anyway.

On 66 minutes Ba and Poyet went off and Motta came on for his Charlton debut along with Lookman. Bergdich went across to the right. It did look a little unbalanced. Solly and Gudmundsson seemed to be central in midfield. Lookman was left midfield and Harriott was up off Makienok.

Lonergan saved well from a low shot from Gudmundsson after he broke through in midfield.

Fulham won a corner and made it 3-0, Cairney putting the ball into the bottom left hand corner. Henderson had no chance. Bergdich was replaced by Reza.

It was nearly four, but Henderson saved at his near post. Gudmundsson was fouled 25 yards out, an elbow in the back of Makienok's head having been ignored by referee Friend. Gudmundsson's free kick was narrowly over. Harriott fired well over from 25 yards. Cairney was replaced by Tunnicliffe.

Fox was booked for a late challenge on Fredericks, possibly a little harsh. Tunnicliffe made a reckless tackle on Fox and received a yellow card. It could have been a red.

Makienok flicked the ball into Harriott, he only had the keeper to beat, but he put it into Row Z. Stewards in the Charlton end had to stop a female pitch invader. A few came down the stairs to join in.

A shot from Gudmundsson was spilled by the keeper, Makienok fired the rebound straight at Lonergan.

The result was no surprise, but it still leaves a bitter taste.


http://addickschampionshipdiary.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/another-nail-in-coffin.html

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Tom Cairney strikes twice as Fulham earn vital win over Charlton

Two excellent strikes from midfielder Tom Cairney ensured Fulham eased their relegation worries with a 3-0 victory against struggling Charlton.

Cairney opened the scoring for the hosts on 31 minutes before a 59th-minute header from Michael Madl doubled their advantage.

Cairney then sealed the win for Slavisa Jokanovic's side with a cracking volley on 79 minutes from outside the box for his sixth goal of the season.

Despite the scoreline, Fulham were not at their best, particularly in the first half, but the excellence of Scott Parker against his former club and the dynamic display from Cairney saw them finish on top in this London derby.

It was a vital three points for Fulham as they moved up to 18th in the league standings, nine points above the drop zone. Charlton, however, are in serious trouble as defeat saw Jose Riga's men drop to the bottom of the table, six points from safety.

Fulham had won just once in their previous seven Championship matches and they were unconvincing in the opening exchanges. Moussa Dembele had already spooned an effort from 20 yards out for a throw-in when Callum Harriott, the pacey Charlton midfielder, forced a decent low save from Andrew Lonergan in the Fulham goal.

There was a delay as assistant referee Matthew Wilkes was allowed time to re-gather his senses after Luke Garbutt had clattered a ball into his face. After treatment, Wilkes groggily returned to his feet and received warm applause from the crowd - a rare treat indeed for a linesman.

Charlton had not enjoyed victory at Craven Cottage in the league since April 1986 but they snapped into tackles and were sprightly in attack.

Harriot's speed caused problems and Fernando Amorebieta, Fulham's Venezuelan defender, was booked for chopping him down on the edge of box on 20 minutes.

Fulham, though, took the lead against the run of play on 32 minutes as Ross McCormack's near-post shot was pushed away for a corner by Stephen Henderson, the Charlton goalkeeper.

McCormack crossed and Scott Parker's initial shot rattled the bar. The rebound fell kindly for Cairney and the former Blackburn and Hull midfielder blasted his shot into the top corner.

The best move of the match came from Fulham just before the interval. Cairney burst forward from midfield and played a neat one-two with Dembele. The ball was slipped to McCormack but his first time shot from 10 yards was high over the bar.

Chris Baird, who re-joined Fulham on season-long loan from Derby, replaced Jamie O'Hara after the break as Fulham switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Fulham were lively and Charlton looked nothing like the team that had competed well for the first 45 minutes.

The second goal arrived on 50 minutes as McCormack's delivery from the corner was once again perfect and Madl, another half-time substitute in place of Alex Kacaniklic, expertly headed home.

Craven Cottage was in full voice and Dembele so nearly made it 3-0 as he tricked his way up the left, cut inside and smacked a 25-yard effort that rattled the crossbar.

Cairney added his brilliant third goal in a victory that could well keep Fulham in the Championship, but Charlton's immediate future does not look quite so promising.


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/english-league-championship/match/423124/fulham-charlton-athletic/report

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was pleased to see his tactical switch at half-time pay dividends as Fulham claimed a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

The Whites began with a 4-4-2 formation and led at the break through Tom Cairney's fine strike, although the visitors had proved more than a match in the opening 45.

Jokanović introduced Michael Madl and Chris Baird at the interval as we switched to a 3-5-2, and the Austrian defender headed in our second from a corner before Cairney's volley sealed matters.

"We played good football today," Jokanović said. "In the first 45 minutes we found many difficulties and Charlton troubled us many times. It's probably my mistake; we tried to play from the middle.

"I killed Ryan Fredericks and Luke Garbutt and didn't find the right position for them. We scored the goal in the first 45 minutes but I wasn't so happy so decided to switch the structure and we played better football in the second 45 minutes.

"After winning 3-0, after getting a clean sheet, after scoring a set-piece goal, we can be satisfied with our performance today.

"We can be satisfied, we can be happy with what we offered today for our supporters in our stadium. It's over and the new test is in three days [at Leeds United]. Our obligation is to try and be in this level, and Tuesday night is a new chance for us."

The win represented a first clean sheet for the Whites since mid-October, something which Jokanović wants to become more of a regular occurrence.

"It's not easy to finish the game without conceding a goal," he explained. "It's great news for us and it's great news to score a goal off a set-piece.

"It's important, it's not easy to always score three goals to win a game, sometimes you need to win 1-0 or something similar. It's good for our confidence.

"At the end of this strange week we've won two London derbies and had one very poor performance at Blackburn. It's a great afternoon for us but it's over, the only important thing now is this game on Tuesday."

Victory at Leeds will see Fulham leapfrog Steve Evans' side in the table, and Jokanović is keen to see his players start putting wins together.

"We have to try to play with more confidence," he stated. "Generally I believe we are a good group of footballers and we can still be a better team than what we actually are right now.

"To make important things you need to win games in a row. If you win one game but after you lose three then this is the wrong direction for us."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/february/20/jokanovic-reaction

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Two for Cairney as Fulham see off Charlton

Fulham 3 Charlton 0

Tom Cairney scored twice and Michael Madl netted on his home debut for Fulham as they enjoyed a derby victory at Craven Cottage.

Cairney's first-half goal put the Whites ahead and recent loan signing Madl headed in Ross McCormack's corner before Cairney capped a fine win with a stunning left-footed volley from near the edge of the penalty area.

The first goal, like the second, came after Charlton failed to deal with a corner by McCormack from the left.

Cairney nudged the ball towards Scott Parker and after the former Charlton man's shot came back off the bar, Cairney calmly controlled the rebound and fired home.

The corner came as a result of keeper Stephen Henderson's near-post save to deny McCormack, who missed a great chance to make it 2-0 just before half-time when he blazed over after lovely build-up play involving Cairney and Moussa Dembele.

Struggling Charlton posed a threat before and after going behind.

Callum Harriott had an early effort saved by Andy Lonergan, who also saw a shot from Johann Berg Gudmundsson flash just wide of his left-hand post.

And after Cairney's goal, the Addicks went to close when Zakaria Bergdich flicked Gudmundsson's cross just past the post and when Simon Makienok volleyed wide.

Chris Baird, back at the Cottage after this week returning on loan from Derby, was brought on as part of a double half-time substitution – much to the delight of the home fans.

But it was the other substitute, Madl, who quickly made his mark, heading in on 59 minutes for his first goal in English football.

That effectively sealed Fulham's win and Moussa Dembele hit the bar with a fine strike before Cairney's great goal with 13 minutes remaining.

Fulham: Lonergan; Fredericks, Burn, Amorebieta; Fredericks, Garbutt, Cairney (Tunnicliffe 84), Parker, O'Hara (Baird 45) Kacaniklic (Madl 45); Dembele, McCormack.
Subs not used: Lewis, Richards, Hyndman, Smith.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/two-for-cairney-as-fulham-see-off-charlton?

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Fulham 3-0 Charlton: Scott Parker gets the boos - but his side claim the vital points

Whites come out on top in a relegation crunch match against the Addicks and ease concerns at the foot of the Championship


Knee glee: Tom Cairney scores

Tom Cairney scored a sensational brace to ease Fulham's woes with a flattering victory over Charlton at Craven Cottage.

Cairney's strikes sandwiched a header from Michael Madl as the Whites relied once more on their fine goalscoring prowess to see them through.

And Whites fans were delighted to see Chris Baird return to the pitch after his loan move from Derby on Thursday.

But it was a far from perfect performance, and manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be eager to improve.

The hosts started on the front foot with four corners in the opening 10 minutes, but failed to create any clear openings.

Moussa Dembele had the first chance for the host when he turned on the edge of the box and was allowed space to line up a shot, only to slice it out for a throw-in.

Only a couple of minutes later, Scott Parker - again the recipient of boos from his former supporters - was allowed a similar opportunity, but his more accurate effort was headed behind.


Take that! Moussa Dembele takes one for the team

The visitors may have stolen the lead through Johann Berg Gudmundsson, as he scuffed a half-volley wide after his initial free-kick caused a series of snapshots at goal.

Jokanovic's men were in front shortly afterwards, however, when Parker slammed a shot from a corner against the crossbar, and Cairney coolly slotted into the top corner.

The goal was cruel on the visitors, who nearly hit back before the break when Zakarya Bergdich flicked a header narrowly wide.

But Ross McCormack missed a wonderful chance for the hosts to double their lead on the stroke of half-time after a sensational run from Cairney saw the former Leeds man fire over in space from close range.

Returning loanee Baird - who played a pivotal role in Fulham's Europa League Final run in 2010 - came on at the break alongside Madl as the hosts sought to solidify their lead.

And the Whites doubled their lead 15 minutes into the second half, when substitute Madl headed home from close range following a pinpoint McCormack corner.


Mac on the rack: El-Hajdi Ba of Charlton puts a foot in against Ross McCormack

They came close to adding a quickfire third when Dembele cut inside from the left and fired a scorching effort against the bar, before Cairney was denied a one-on-one by Henderson.

But he didn't have to wait long to add a second,with another fantastic strike.

A Whites corner was cleared and the number ten slammed a sumptuous strike into the bottom corner to seal an emphatic win with little over 10 minutes remaining.

Simon Makienok came closest for the visitors, but he hit a 90th minute effort straight at Lonergan from 12 yards.

The win means Charlton go bottom and Fulham have a nine-point gap to the relegation slots. Surely, drop fears now over?


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-3-0-charlton-scott-10922072?

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Fulham 3-0 Charlton: Addicks plunge further into relegation mire

Two excellent strikes from midfielder Tom Cairney ensured Fulham eased their relegation worries with a 3-0 victory at home to struggling Charlton.

Cairney opened the scoring for the hosts on 31 minutes before a 59th-minute header from Michael Madl doubled their advantage.

The former Blackburn man then sealed the win for Slavisa Jokanovic's side with a cracking volley on 79 minutes from outside the box for his sixth goal of the season.

Despite the scoreline, Fulham were not at their best, particularly in the first half, but the excellence of Scott Parker against his former club and the dynamic display from Cairney saw them finish on top in this London derby.

Tom Cairney celebrates after scoring against Charlton

It was a vital three points for Fulham as they moved up to 18th in the league standings, nine points above the drop zone. Charlton, however, are in serious trouble as defeat saw Jose Riga's men drop to the bottom of the table, six points from safety.

Fulham had won just once in their previous seven Championship matches and they were unconvincing in the opening exchanges. Moussa Dembele had already spooned an effort from 20 yards out for a throw-in when Callum Harriott, forced a decent low save from Andrew Lonergan in the Fulham goal.

There was a delay as assistant referee Matthew Wilkes was allowed time to re-gather his senses after Luke Garbutt had clattered a ball into his face. After treatment, Wilkes groggily returned to his feet and received warm applause from the crowd - a rare treat indeed for a linesman.

Cairney netted a double at Craven Cottage

Fulham, though, took the lead against the run of play on 32 minutes as Ross McCormack's near-post shot was pushed away for a corner by Stephen Henderson, the Charlton goalkeeper. McCormack crossed and Scott Parker's initial shot rattled the bar. The rebound fell kindly for Cairney, who blasted his shot into the top corner.

The best move of the match came from Fulham just before the interval. Cairney burst forward from midfield and played a neat one-two with Dembele. The ball was slipped to McCormack but his first time shot from 10 yards was high over the bar.

The second goal arrived on 50 minutes as McCormack's delivery from the corner was once again perfect and Madl, another half-time substitute in place of Alex Kacaniklic, expertly headed home.

Craven Cottage was in full voice and Dembele so nearly made it 3-0 as he tricked his way up the left, cut inside and smacked a 25-yard effort that rattled the crossbar.

Cairney added his brilliant third goal in a victory that could well keep Fulham in the Championship, but Charlton's immediate future does not look quite so promising.


http://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-charlton/report/339908?

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Middlesbrough Tickets

Fulham are back at Craven Cottage next Saturday as Slaviša Jokanović's side face Middlesbrough (27th February, 3pm).

Tickets for the encounter are available to purchase today, with prices starting from £25 for adults and £15 for juniors.

A number of Matchday Hospitality options also remain available to purchase - with upgrade options starting from £20 for Sesaon Ticket Holders.

Tickets can be purchased online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0843 208 1234 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Join us in SW6 and back the boys as they look to extend their unbeaten home run to three games.


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/february/20/middlesbrough-tickets?

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Fulham boss admits mistake and praises Baird

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said his half-time double substitution made all the difference against Charlton – and admitted he got his starting line-up wrong.

The Whites won 3-0 at Craven Cottage but had problems before and after Tom Cairney's first-half opener.

Jokanovic responded by sending on Chris Baird, who returned to Fulham this week on loan from Derby, and Michael Madl.

Baird, a fans favourite from his six-year spell at the club, shored things up in midfield and recent loan signing Madl marked his home debut with a goal.

The outstanding Cairney netted his second and his team's third to complete what turned out to be a resounding victory.

Jokanovic said: "It was a good win for us. We scored three goals, made another clean sheet, scored from set-pieces and with Chris we found a balance – that was the good news.

"The bad news was that in the first 45 minutes I wasn't very happy. They were counter-attacking us and I take responsibility for that, because the players tried more or less what I asked.

"We scored a goal and started winning, but I wasn't happy. I tried to find solutions, played a different way to find the balance and we played better football."

There was also praise for Cairney, whose second goal – a terrific volley from near the edge of the penalty area – capped a fine display.

"He is a quality player," Jokanovic said. "We've started using him more in the middle and we think he can offer us more things in this position."


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-wls-fulham-boss-admits-mistake-and-hails-baird

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Slavisa Jokanovic praises Tom Cairney after Fulham hammer struggling Charlton

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic praised two-goal midfielder Tom Cairney following their crucial 3-0 London derby victory against rock-bottom Charlton.

The 25-year-old, signed from Blackburn in the summer, opened the scoring at Craven Cottage before half-time.

Michael Madl extended the west Londoners' lead in the second half, before Cairney added extra gloss to the scoreline with his sixth goal of the campaign.

"After he scores two goals, people can say that he played very good football and that is true," Jokanovic said.

"We have started to use him in the middle more because at the beginning I tried to play with him a little more on the side. I believe he can offer us more and help us more from the middle.

"(His second) was nice. It was not only his second as his first goal, too, was a great goal. He has enough quality to do these things in the games.

"(Cairney and Ross McCormack) are quality players and when two players have that quality it is easier for them to link.

"It was a good win for us, we scored three goals and kept a clean sheet - that was the good news.

"The bad news was that I was not very happy with the first half and I try to find a solution. It is my responsibility and I try and fix the problems that I find in the game.

"It was a good win. I am not panicking (about relegation), I am not pessimistic. I believe we have enough in the team for the rest of the games."

These crucial three points keep Fulham unbeaten against fellow London clubs this season and saw them move up to 18th in the standings.

Charlton, though, are in serious trouble, with Saturday's defeat seeing Jose Riga's men drop to the bottom of the table, six points from safety.

"Today, if you just look at the result, you would think that we are not existing in this game," Riga said.

"The reality is that I'm not sure we deserved to be behind at half-time. We got the first opportunity but we know that set-pieces are very important.

"We concede three times from set-pieces, so that was the main problem of today and, of course, it is a big problem for us.

"We had opportunities but is about last action, last pass and last choice. We are disappointed, we all are, but today I have something to take from the game because at some parts of the game we were doing well. "I still believe and still hope that we can find a solution."


Read more at: https://www.clubcall.com/charlton-athletic/slavisa-jokanovic-praises-tom-cairney-after-fulham-hammer-st-1800691.html?

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Fulham and the five things learned from a vital win over Charlton

There was a collective sigh of relief from the Cottage faithful as Whites eased past the hapless Addicks - and here are the major talking points from a heartening victory


Aim, fire: Tom Cairney scores against Charlton

Fulham's victory against relegation-threatened Charlton will ease the Whites' relegation fears

Goals from Tom Cairney and Michael Madl helped the hosts to victory to bounce back from a 3-0 drubbing at Blackburn on Tuesday night.

And as Cottagers fans started to breathe a sigh of relief after a tense match, here are five things we learned.

The Fulham defence again had their shaky moments
Fulham opened the match in decent enough fashion, but a well-drilled Charlton were more than capable of causing problems on the break.

Callum Harriott caused the Whites all sorts of problems, with electric pace and fine dribbling which left the hosts holding on at times.

In fact, things only got better for Slavisa Jokanovic's men when the manager brought on the defensive-minded Chris Baird and centre-back Michael Madl at half time.

Chris Baird will do a fine job
The Northern Irishman did a solid enough job on his return to Craven Cottage.

Playing in his favoured central midfield role, Baird did the simple things well, he helped the team tick and won battles.

If he continues in that form, he will provide a useful presence for Slavisa Jokanovic's men.


Heads up: Simon Makienok of Charlton (R) takes on Ryan Fredericks

The club must make sure they keep Tom Cairney
As if we needed telling, Fulham's summer signing from Blackburn is a consistent performer, and he has a lethal shot to boot.

Cairney's first was a well hit effort from close range, and his second a brilliant volley from the edge of the box.

He is a player who specialises in fine strikes, as he did against Hull earlier this season, and Fulham need to keep hold of him - especially if Moussa Dembele and Ross McCormack leave.

Whites cannot afford the same slow start as this game produced
Fulham may have breezed to a comfortable win against their struggling rivals, but in reality the Addicks were in the game until Cairney's second strike.

It was an OK start by Fulham, but they lacked any incision and failed to keep hold of the ball. For a while it was hard to believe the Cottagers were higher in the table.

They eventually battled through for the three points - but Jokanovic will know his side still require major improvement.

Ryan Tunnicliffe Fulham's energetic midfielder made a return to the pitch late in the second half, but he will need to keep 'enthusiasm' in check
After recovering from injury, Tunnicliffe steamed into a fierce tackle moments after arriving, which could quite easily have seen the midfielder sent straight off.

Fortunately for the Whites, they didn't, and his performance otherwise was promising for a side desperate to keep their options available.

By the way, look who predicted a win today as far back as Wednesday, as you will see here? Trumpet blown.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-five-things-learned-vital-10922078?

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Fulham boss hails tactical tweaks for impressive midfield star


Slavisa Jokanovic watches his Fulham side in action (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic praised two-goal midfielder Tom Cairney following their crucial 3-0 London derby victory against rock-bottom Charlton.

The 25-year-old, signed from Blackburn in the summer, opened the scoring at Craven Cottage before half-time.

Michael Madl extended the west Londoners' lead in the second half, before Cairney added extra gloss to the scoreline with his sixth goal of the campaign.

"After he scores two goals, people can say that he played very good football and that is true," Jokanovic said.

"We have started to use him in the middle more because at the beginning I tried to play with him a little more on the side. I believe he can offer us more and help us more from the middle.

"(His second) was nice. It was not only his second as his first goal, too, was a great goal. He has enough quality to do these things in the games.

"(Cairney and Ross McCormack) are quality players and when two players have that quality it is easier for them to link.

"It was a good win for us, we scored three goals and kept a clean sheet - that was the good news.

"The bad news was that I was not very happy with the first half and I try to find a solution. It is my responsibility and I try and fix the problems that I find in the game.

"It was a good win. I am not panicking (about relegation), I am not pessimistic. I believe we have enough in the team for the rest of the games."

These crucial three points keep Fulham unbeaten against fellow London clubs this season and saw them move up to 18th in the standings.



Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/fulham/fulham_boss_hails_tactical_tweaks_for_impressive_midfield_star_1_4427002
Copyright © LONDON24

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Fans' Resolve Unrewarded as Fulham Punish Gutless Charlton

As Fulham doubled their advantage just after half-time, those who occupied Craven Cottage's away end could be excused for feeling some degree of injustice.

At the very least, the position that Michael Madl's headed goal, adding to Tom Cairney's strike after a first-half corner was not cleared, had put Charlton in was not a fair reflection of their overall efforts. Just a final pass away from turning possession and purpose into something more meaningful, and an otherwise tame home side able to punish static and unorganised responses to their set-pieces on two occasions.

But by the time the Cottagers strode forward, waltzing past the gutless and beaten men in red, for the umpteenth time in search of a fourth, sympathy had long been lost. The idea that the Addicks didn't deserve such punishment replaced by the notion that a three-goal defeat was the absolute minimum their pathetic response to falling two behind warranted.

That lack of final ball became tired and effortless misplaced passing, with each one inciting further frustration from a set of visiting supporters that deserved better. Those rare moments of defensive naivety became a regular occurrence, with Fulham wasteful before and after Cairney' stunning volley from distance made it three. Visible effort became a half-hearted slog, with the loss of fight and desire among the players resulting in hope, on this afternoon in West London and of Championship survival, vanishing in the away end.

In fact, the only injustice come full-time was that Charlton's committed supporters had been served up another performance and result that reflected the disease Roland Duchatelet's ownership has spread throughout the club. Those supporters, who sung as loudly for their team as they did against this awful regime, deserved so much more.

It no surprise that, as Callum Harriott added one final moment of embarrassment with a horribly wayward strike, frustrations boiled over. A small number attempting to enter the pitch, losing rational thought as a consequence of their side's efforts.

But most, whether expressed by cries of anger, boos, or reflective silence, simply settled for entering a state of despair as Charlton's return to the bottom of the Championship was confirmed. Stephen Henderson the only one brave enough to directly face his fans; a handful offering some applause from a distance.

And you fear few of his teammates are brave enough to win this battle to avoid relegation, and fight to the extent that their supporters deserve. A club, in general, unwilling to represent and work for its most important customers, and being suitably punished.

There will be no feeling of injustice when the Addicks return to League One.

In truth, there were predictions of such a disastrous outcome once Jose Riga had named his starting XI.

Morgan Fox kept in at the deep end, despite the signing of Yung Suk-Young, the positive of Diego Poyet coming into the side tainted by El-Hadji Ba starting alongside him, with neither Johnnie Jackson nor Jordan Cousins available, and Harriott given a free role behind Simon Makienok with Igor Vetokele not yet ready to return.

Fulham, meanwhile, could boast former Addick Scott Parker, booed by those in the away end as if he needed any further motivation to perform against his old club, and the prolific Ross McCormack. Hope, rather than expectation, behind the first belting of 'Valley Floyd Road' of the afternoon.

But further noise from the visiting Addicks was enhanced by an energy and drive from those on the pitch. Encouragement provided as Bergdich and Harriott, though ultimately unable to create an opening, tested the Fulham defence with pacey and direct runs.

Little testing about Moussa Dembele's effort, however, as the highly rated striker skewed an effort so horribly wide from distance that Fox was required to take a throw-in by the corner flag. Huff and puff from both sides, but not a lot of genuine quality.

Or at least that was the case until Charlton, with an ever increasing volume of support behind them, next broke forward. Bergdich, with skill, pace and strength, superbly getting the better of Ryan Fredericks before setting the ball back to Harriott, but the academy graduate's strike was well saved by Andy Lonergan. Such was the nature of the opportunity, some in the away end had begun to celebrate before the palms of Fulham's goalkeeper intervened.

The start most certainly positive, and the away end, the perfect mixture of supportive chants and anti-Duchatelet slurs, housing a superb atmosphere, but signs were there that prevented any Addicks from getting too carried away. Parker left unattended on the edge of the box following a corner, and Jorge Teixeira needed to throw his head in the general direction of the midfielder's shot in order to deflect it behind.

You could also suggest that the lack of final ball, with Harriott and Ba particularly guilty, was another reminder to remain cautious. As was an uncharacteristically poor Johann Berg Gudmundsson free-kick, as he fired straight against the wall from a wonderful position after Harriott had been hauled down. This positive intent from the Addicks meaningless without any end result.

So the creation of a genuine opportunity was most welcome. Bergdich picked out unmarked at the back post, Makienok's strike from the Moroccan's pull-back blocked, and Gudmundsson following up to narrowly fire wide with a motionless Lonergan seemingly unsighted. In between the defiant tunes of protest, the sound of hope turning to belief was developing in the away end.

Developing enough for it to be painfully crushed once the feeble ways of Riga's side were exploited. Charlton again seemingly a second too slow in responding to a corner, with it played short and McCormack able to draw the first meaningful save of the afternoon from Henderson. Another corner for the hosts.

And from this one, the response of those in red was one of bewilderment. Cairney knocking the ball down to Parker, whose snap shot rebounded back off the bar, before Cairney followed up and picked out the top corner. No Addick alert to the danger, and making enough of an attempt to intervene, undoing 32 minutes of commendable work.

Nonetheless, the defensive lapse did not condemn Charlton to defeat. Not while there remained energy in their forward moves and Fulham maintained a tameness in their play. Bergdich not far away from turning in Gudmundsson's cross, and Fox's superb delivery diverted wide by the lanky leg of Makienok.

Fox's crosses from the left testing, but no justification for allowing him to take a free-kick in area many would describe as Gudmundsson's territory. That previously growing hope now being replaced by a familiar frustration as the Welshman blasted the dead ball miles over.

More meaningful embarrassment looked set to come at the conclusion of Fulham's next attack, as the Cottagers moved the ball around with far too much time and ease on the edge of Charlton's box. Cairney picking out an unmarked McCormack perfectly, only for the Scot to somehow fire over from a glorious position. A huge let off for the Addicks, as half-time approached.

Regardless, there was applause and encouragement for the visitors as they headed down Craven Cottage's tunnel. Those in the away end, who you could excuse for showing no patience whatsoever given the position their club finds itself in, respective of the efforts their side had shown in the opening 45.

But frustration, just beginning to appear towards the end of the half, would only increase if Charlton could not find a meaningful final delivery and show greater awareness and composure at the back. Threatening moves forward too often breaking down, and seemingly tame Fulham moves becoming more serious than they should have been.

Harriott doing enough to keep supporters onside in the early stages of the second period, with a fierce drive that Lonergan could only palm away. The academy graduate, more than anyone else in red, so close to reaching the desired level of performance.

At least, as was the case in the opening moments of the first half, his strikes were more threatening than what Dembele could offer. A shot that was more of a pass into the hands of Henderson and a curling effort that flew a huge distance wide not suggesting that the Addicks were in any significant danger of having their search for an equaliser interrupted by falling further behind.

Only increasing the frustration, therefore, when substitute Madl rose without challenge to head home Ross McCormack's delivery from a corner. The game a minute shy of the hour mark, and a competitive Charlton performance was going to count for nothing. Disappointment, and a sense that this was a rather cruel fate, overriding feelings of anger.

But, in such a position, the anger that has been created by the state this football club is in was never going to remain in hiding for long. It emerging just two minutes later, as Demeble run past several static men in red and fired an ambitious effort against the frame of the goal.

And it growing as McCormack was able to slide Cairney through with complete ease, only for the all-action midfielder to blast well over the bar. This response to falling further behind disgusting, and it hard not to accuse the Addicks of losing fight and effectively giving up.

Fulham, in particular the still classy Parker, in complete control in midfield. Charlton's passes wayward, while the hosts continued to find ways beyond an almost invisible defensive line. The Addicks without any sort of attacking threat, and the Cottagers not needing to perform to anything above an acceptable standard to earn dominance.

Such was that midfield weakness, it was both a sign of Riga's lack of resources and an acceptance that this game was effectively lost as both Ba and Poyet were withdrawn, to be replaced by debutant Marco Motta and Ademola Lookman.

Neither of the midfield duo impressive, but putting Gudmundsson and Chris Solly in the centre was not going to halt the control Parker and Cairney had on this game. The young Scot not far away from his second of the match, as his header forced another save out of Henderson.

Instead, after Gudmundsson had increased the rage in the away end by driving straight at Longeran from an excellent position, Cairney saved something more special for his second of the afternoon. A wonderful, dipping volley from distance following another corner not properly dealt with.

Henderson had no chance with the strike, Charlton had no chance of getting back into the game, and those in the away end, having been so diligent and supportive for much of the game, had no chance of keeping their cool for the remaining 12 minutes. At least McCormack, played through beyond a static Addicks backline, was kind enough to waste another chance, with power lacking in his attempted chip of Henderson.

Those of a Charlton persuasion, however, were not so effective in their efforts to calm the hostility. Gudmundsson wasting another free-kick, and Harriott's horrendous miss the catalyst for a chorus of boos, along with altercations at the front of the away stand. Unpleasant, but completely understandable.

Most had either moved themselves to be among the carnage, or simply escaped from the ground altogether by the time Gudmundsson and Makienok fired tamely at Lonergan in quick succession. Charlton's toothlessness depicted perfectly with these late, although meaningless, misses.

For long had the chance vanished for the Addicks to come away from Craven Cottage with any sort of pride, let alone be able to overturn such a deficit. A deficit that, despite their positive periods of play, was most certainly deserved. Dembele, not having the greatest of afternoons in front of goal, blazing another effort over the bar as Fulham attempted to increase Charlton's suffering before full-time.

But that full-time whistle did not come as a relief to supporters, even if it did to those players who immediately made for the tunnel. It merely confirmed and justified their rage, their disillusion, and their sense that those representing their club were intent on insulting them with their lack of effort.

Unquestionably, they deserved much more than this.

Much more than questioning why they have spent another weekend supporting their team with all their might, only for them to respond with a lacklustre, characterless and gutless effort.

They rose to the occasion, knowing how important victory would be. Time was dedicated to showing dissatisfaction against the regime, but passion was placed behind the backing of the team. Once again, the efforts of those supporting the Addicks could not be questioned.

But the efforts of those representing the Addicks could certainly be. With such a tameness where it mattered in attack, and avoidable goals conceded, even prior to the capitulation that followed the second goal did Charlton only have themselves to blame.

For Fulham were composed and efficient, particularly in midfield, but not classy enough to warrant such dominance. Their dominance born out of a Charlton defence that was too slow and disorganised, a midfield that might as well have not been there for much of the game, and an attack that was far too wasteful in promising positions. No player worthy of any real credit; Riga showing no genius.

Particularly not when so many were half-heartedly slumping around the pitch after the second goal went in. It's impossible to see us getting out of this situation when, aside from the likes of Solly and Henderson, the character to triumph and thrive in adversity is lacking. Supporters deserve players that can fight like they are, and they certainly don't deserve League One.

But, above all, supporters deserve better than to feel a previously unbreakable bond between supporter and club being shattered into pieces. With another gutless defeat, another stream of committed fans lose hope, and lose the ability to care. You cannot blame them.

Supporters gave their all today, irrespective of the performance and the goings on at the club. They were insulted once again.

Meanwhile, Duchatelet and Meire are not even willing to accept the blame for what they have caused. The players not willing to fight hard enough to get us out of this mess.

Destruction and despair.


https://chrispowellsflatcap.com/2016/02/20/fans-resolve-unrewarded-as-fulham-punish-gutless-charlton/?

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Let's Guarantee Championship Status By Beating Fulham, Steve Evans Tells Leeds United

Steve Evans believes that Leeds United have the opportunity to virtually guarantee their place in the Championship next season with a win over Fulham on Tuesday night.

A Scott Wootton own goal meant Leeds were knocked out of the FA Cup at the hands of Watford on Saturday in the fifth round, and now only have the Championship to focus on for the rest of the season.

Leeds' form in the league has been indifferent as they have won just once in their last nine and are currently 17th in the league table on 37 points, eleven points off the relegation zone.

While many feel that Leeds have done enough to avoid dropping out of the Championship, the threat is still there and Evans feels that on Tuesday they have the opportunity to guarantee safety in the league.

He admits that it will be a tough game, but pointed out that a win would help them to climb up the league table, and virtually make sure that they are in the Championship next season.

The Leeds boss said LUTV after the 1-0 defeat at Watford: "The FA Cup is gone, we have to focus on winning league matches

"I have looked briefly at the results today; we can jump two or three places with a good performance and three points on Tuesday.

"It is going to be tough, but we can take ourselves virtually, not mathematically, to making sure that we are part of the Championship next season."

Fulham are 18th in the league table, and could leapfrog Leeds in the standings if they register an away win at Elland Road.



Read more: http://www.insidefutbol.com/2016/02/20/lets-guarantee-championship-status-by-beating-fulham-steve-evans-tells-leeds-united/271746/?#ixzz40mvkbRyX