Sunday Fulham Stuff (20/03/16)...

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Fulham hold Birmingham City but slip closer to relegation zone as Rotherham United move clear

Rohan Ince's goal was cancelled out by Michael Morrison at St Andrew's as the troubled Whites drop one place closer to the bottom three

Birmingham City 1-1 Fulham

Relegation-threatened Fulham remain in deep trouble after letting a lead slip at Birmingham City.

The Whites had to settle for a 1-1 draw at St Andrew's after taking the lead through Rohan Ince as they went six games without a win.

It is a result that sees the west Londoners slip to just one place above the relegation zone as Rotherham grabbed a win at Ipswich while MK Dons lost to Brighton.

Slavisa Jokanovic was bold with his team selection and left some supporters baffled as he picked four recognised centre-backs and four central midfielders.

Marcus Bettinelli was restored to the starting line-up for the first time since August after recovering from knee ligament damage as Andy Lonergan dropped to the bench.

In the early stages, Scott Parker played a neat one-two with Emerson Hyndman before watching his chipped effort cleared off the line by Paul Caddis.

Fulham were bright and sharp as Birmingham sat back, playing three defensive-minded midfield players, and they were rewarded as half time approached.

Ross McCormack picked out Tom Cairney with a cross-field pass and his clever backheel created the chance for Ince and Tomasz Kuszczak allowed it to squirm home.


Battle: Moussa Dembele beats Michael Morrison to the ball

It was Ince's first goal in 14 months and former Manchester United goalkeeper Kuszczak really won't want to see it again as he made a real hash of dealing with the shot.

Bettinelli made a sensational reaction save to keep out Jonathan Spector in the dying moments of the first half to keep the Whites' lead intact at the interval.

However, it took just 10 minutes for that to change after the restart as David Cotterill's superb delivery was knocked in by Michael Morrison to square things up.

With both teams back on level terms, the temperature started to rise and things threatened to boil over in the Midlands as the referee started dishing out bookings.

James Vaughn was thrown on by Birmingham as the home side tried to force the issue and the influential Caddis forced another fine stop from Fulham keeper Bettinelli.

They were denied by the woodwork when David Davis chanced his arm from range and a lurking Clayton Donaldson was unable to put away the rebound.

Fulham: Bettinelli, Stearman, Madl, Burn, Ream, Cairney, Parker, Ince, Hyndman (Fredericks, 75), McCormack, Dembele (Smith, 86).

Subs: Lonergan, O'Hara, Richards, Garbutt, Hutchinson.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/fulham-hold-birmingham-city-slip-11066432?

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Bettinelli returns as Fulham draw at Birmingham

Birmingham City 1 Fulham 1

Marcus Bettinelli returned for Fulham and helped them pick up a point in their battle against relegation.

Rohan Ince put the Whites ahead seven minutes before half-time at St Andrews – the midfielder's first goal since being signed on loan from Brighton.

Tom Cairney laid the the ball off to Ince, whose shot squirmed through the hands of keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and trickled into the net.

Michael Morrison equalised for Birmingham early in the second half with a header from David Cotterill's cross.

Former Brentford striker Clayton Donaldson missed a golden chance to put the home side ahead when he fired over after David Davis' shot had hit the post'

And keeper Bettinelli, back from the knee injury he suffered in August, then did well to push away an effort from Paul Caddis.

Bettinelli had produced an even better save in first-half stoppage time to temporarily deny the Blues an equaliser, brilliantly keeping out Jonathan Spector's header at point-blank range.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/bettinelli-returns-as-fulham-draw-at-birmingham?

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Birmingham City 1-1 Fulham: Five things we learned as the Whites let two points slip at St Andrew's

The Whites took the lead through Rohan Ince at St Andrew's and looked commanding in the first 45 minutes before letting the points slip in the second period

Fulham slipped a place closer to the relegation zone as they were forced to settle for a point at Birmingham City.

The Whites took the lead through Rohan Ince at St Andrew's and looked commanding in the first 45 minutes.

However, Michael Morrison's second-half equaliser levelled things up in the Midlands and Birmingham came close to winning it as they were only denied by the woodwork.

Rotherham's victory over Ipswich Town moved them out of the danger zone but Fulham's saving grace was MK Dons slipping into the relegation places.

There was interesting team selections, long-awaited returns, heroic goalkeeping and much more drama at St Andrew's on another nail-biting day for Fulham fans.

Here's a look at five things we learned from Fulham's 1-1 draw with Gary Rowett's men.

Fulham are still in deep trouble

Scrap: David Davis is tackled by Dan Burn

Given the huge gulf in league position between these two Championship sides before kick-off, a 1-1 draw doesn't sound like a bad result for Fulham.

And it's true, it could have been worse as this could be the point that makes the difference between relegation and survival.

However, the Whites looked in total control during the first half and took their eye off the ball in the second period and dropped two points.

Six games without a win and now a place closer to the drop zone, with Rotherham United climbing out of the bottom three and looking increasingly likely to survive.

Bettinelli back between the sticks

Back in action: Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli returned between the sticks at Birmingham.

The 21-year-old was rocked by knee ligament damage last year and had not played since August before re-taking possession of the gloves from Andy Lonergan.

Bettinelli was Fulham's first-choice goalkeeper in 2014-15 and was a standout performer as he attracted attention from the likes of Chelsea.

Whites fans were glad to see him back in action at the Midlands after he was deemed ready for the first-team once more having appeared in a couple of U21s fixtures.

He made a crucial stop from point-blank range on the stroke of half-time to keep Fulham's 1-0 lead intact at the break.

Jokanovic springs a few surprises

Plan: Slavisa Jokanovic

Fulham fans were baffled on social media when the team sheets were handed in.

Slavisa Jokanovic named four recognised centre-backs and four central midfielders to play behind regular strike partners Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele up top.

There was even more changes to be made though as Fernando Amorebieta was forced to withdraw from the starting XI after suffering an injury in the warm-up.

Dan Burn was drafted in at the last minute and his place on the bench was filled by Shaun Hutchinson. Ryan Tunnicliffe didn't even make the squad of 18.

American dream - or is that nightmare?

Flying the flag: Tim Ream

There were three players flying the flag for the United States in the Midlands.

Emerson Hyndman and Tim Ream were representing the stars and stripes in the Whites ranks while former Manchester United defender Jonathan Spector played for City.

Hyndman's inclusion was somewhat surprising given Jokanovic's recent admission that he was protecting the teenage Texan for the club's relegation battle.

Desperate times call for desperate measures and he made his first start since January as the Whites looked for inspiration.

He lasted 75 minutes before being replaced by Ryan Fredericks.

The real test is next

Next up: Milton Keynes Dons manager Karl Robinson

Fulham's next Championship fixture?

That would be MK Dons at home on April 2 in what will be arguably the most important game played at Craven Cottage this season.

People use the phrase six-pointer far too often but if ever there was one then this really is it!

Milton Keynes were beaten by title contenders Brighton to see them drop into the bottom three but they are still showing signs of life.

Fulham will be hoping that home advantage makes the difference.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/birmingham-city-1-1-fulham-11066619?

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic calls for unity after the Whites hold out for a point at Birmingham City

Cottagers head coach was staying positive after the St Andrew's stalemate and knows the forthcoming clash with MK Dons will be absolutely crucial


We're in this together: Slavisa Jokanovic is looking for unity at Fulham

Slavisa Jokanović has called on Fulham's players and supporters to remain united after the Whites secured a point against Birmingham City.

Rohan Ince opened the scoring at St Andrew's as he opened his Fulham account to end a 14-month personal goal drought.

However, Birmingham improved after the restart and Michael Morrison pulled them level to frustrate the travelling Cottagers faithful.

Rotherham United's victory over Ipswich hauled Neil Warnock's team out of the danger zone but the saving grace for Fulham was MK Dons' loss to Brighton.

That result saw them slip into the bottom three ahead of Fulham entertain Karl Robinson's side in a real six-pointer when fixtures resume on April 2.

"In front of us is a very important period," Jokanović told the club's official website in the wake of the stalemate at St Andrew's.

"We have to fight for all the points. We had some chances, Birmingham some too. I cannot be satisfied [with a point] but we need to keep going.

"We were very competitive today. At this moment, we've got a month-and-a-half until the end of the season.

"We played good football against a team in the top half, but we didn't win. It's a point and if you cannot win three, it's important you get one.

"Our future is in our hands and we'll fight until the last second. Let's be brave, intelligent and play with desire like we did today.

"We have to do forget everything that has happened and start again and try and get all the points in front of us.

"We need to be all together, I'll need people who started today and I'll need people who were on the bench or in the stand."

Jokanovic also confirmed that Fernando Amorebieta was withdrawn from the starting XI before kick-off after picking up an ankle injury during the warm-up.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-boss-slavisa-jokanovic-calls-11066818?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Reflections

Birmingham City were held to a frustrating draw at home to Fulham in a game that has rocked their chances of a late playoff push. Michael Morrison's header cancelled out Rohan Ince's first half opener but despite throwing everything that they could at the Cottagers' back line, once again Blues were restricted to a single point.

Like the Wolves game, it should have been all three. David Davis crashed a shot against the post and Clayton Donaldson was quickest to react just six yards out, only to shin the ball six feet over the crossbar. It capped off what was a fairly miserable performance for the Jamaican international, who had to contend with being manhandled continuously getting scant reward for his efforts.

It feels almost sacrilegious to say this but I think the time has come to drop Donaldson. It's not that I think he's become a bad player overnight, but more that I think we restrict ourselves in the way we play with him in the team. Rowett has said he is looking at four strikers on loan prior to Thursday's deadline – I think the last two games is all the evidence he needs that if we are still in the playoff race as he insists, we need someone desperately up front who offers us something different.

The game against Fulham was also similar to the Wolves game in that playing all three "defensive" midfielders led to an absolutely turgid first half. Jon Toral is wasted out wide; if we are playing a formation that requires the wide men to get forwards quickly and often in support of the front man then we really should be playing pacy and direct players like Jacques Maghoma and Viv Solomon-Otabor rather than tricky technical ones.

As soon as Blues pushed onto the Fulham full backs, they found joy. David Cotterill turned the Fulham left back inside-out, Will Buckley turned the Fulham left-back inside out; blimey, even Paul Caddis was able to get inside or goalside of him at will. The fact it took us 55 minutes to actually realise this Fulham side wasn't very good and that with pressure would surely give us chances sticks in my craw – but it's something that has happened to Blues often of late.

There's a two week break now until Blues play again – and then a mad rush of eight games in 27 days. There is a chance they can still make the playoff push but it will require Blues to be on it throughout April – and to my mind, that means Blues need to bring someone in. I've been critical of Rowett before regarding transfers – and as much as showed he can bring in a player in January the question begs to be asked what those new players have actually brought to the team. It's imperative if he really does believe we can make the top six that he gets someone in who can make a difference by Thursday – because as it stands the squad isn't good enough.


http://www.oftenpartisan.co.uk/archives/15191/fulham-reflections.html?

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović praised Fulham's desire in earning what could be an important point at Play-Off hopefuls Birmingham City on Saturday.

The Whites led through Rohan Ince's first-half effort but had to settle for a draw when Michael Morrison headed an equaliser shortly after the break.

The result leaves the Whites a point above the drop zone as Milton Keynes Dons – Fulham's next opponents - slipped into the bottom three.

"In front of us is a very important period," Jokanović told the press. "We have to fight for all the points. We had some chances, Birmingham some too. I cannot be satisfied [with a point] but we need to keep going.

"We were very competitive today. At this moment, we've got a month and a half until the end of the season. We played good football against a team in the top half, but we didn't win. It's a point and if you cannot win three, it's important you get one.

"Our future is in our hands and we'll fight until the last second. Let's be brave, intelligent and play with desire like we did today.

"We have to do forget everything that has happened and start again and try and get all the points in front of us. We need to be all together, I'll need people who started today and I'll need people who were on the bench or in the stand."

Fulham were dealt a blow prior to kick-off when Fernando Amorebieta was injured in the warm-up. He was replaced by Dan Burn in the starting XI.

"Fernando has some kind of ankle problem," confirmed Jokanović. "I expect he'll be available for the next game."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/march/19/jokanovic-reaction-birmingham

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Fulham boss defends 'important' man after guilt-edged miss at Birmingham


Slavisa Jokanovic the Fulham head coach (Photo by Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic had mixed feelings about this side's 1-1 draw with Birmingham and defended Scott Parker after his first-half miss.

Michael Morrison rescued a point for the hosts early in the second half after former Chelsea academy player Rohan Ince gave the visitors a 38th-minute lead.

The point means Fulham dropped closer to the relegation zone with only their third point from six games. Birmingham enjoyed the majority of the play but still fell behind to the second goal of Ince's senior career.

They scrambled a point when Morrison equalised in the 56th minute to create a hectic finish.

Fulham held out but had a lucky escape in the last few minutes when Birmingham substitute Jacques Maghoma hit the foot of the post with a long-range effort. The ball cannoned off the back of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and bounced over the bar.

The most curious incident of the first half occurred when Fulham captain Scott Parker found himself a few yards away from goal, hesitated for what appeared several seconds, and then produced a clever chip which was headed off the line by Jonathan Spector.

"We have to fight for all the points," Jokanovic said.

"I cannot be satisfied but we must keep going. We created chances but at this moment we are playing some good football but not getting the points.

"We now have to forget everything that has gone on before. We need to be all together in search for the points.

"For me the important thing is the next game. We have to be brave but our target is clear for the end of the season."

Jokanovic was not critical of Parker's miss. He said: "I was waiting and waiting to see him score. I do not know exactly what happened.

"Scott is a very important part of our squad. I do not expect to see him in the small box but it was a crucial moment. He does an important job for us."



Read more at: http://www.london24.com/sport/football/fulham_boss_defends_important_man_after_guilt_edged_miss_at_birmingham_1_4463481
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