Wednesday Fulham Stuff (20/04/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 

Tuesday Results
Leeds	2-1	Wolves
Birmingham	2-2	Preston
Brighton	4-0	QPR
Bristol City	2-3	Derby
Burnley	1-1	Middlesbrough
Ipswich	1-1	Fulham
Brentford	2-1	Cardiff
Nottm Forest	1-1	Blackburn
Rotherham	1-1	Huddersfield
Sheff Wed	0-0	MK Dons
Bolton	0-0	Charlton
Reading	1-2	Hull

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham denied by Ipswich in injury time

Ipswich Town 1 Fulham 1

An injury-time equaliser denied Fulham the win that would have guaranteed their Championship survival.

Moussa Dembele's 15th league goal of the season, midway through the second half, put the Whites deservedly ahead.

Ipswich had offered little threat until that point, but a spell of late pressure paid off when Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli – after two good saves – was beaten by Jonas Knudsen late on.

Having been thrashed 5-0 at Brighton on Friday night, the Whites responded with a resilient display which probably merited a win.

The visitors had the only two chances of an uneventful first half, Dembele shooting wide and Ryan Tunnicliffe's poked effort turned behind by Ipswich keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

They continued to carry the greater threat after the break, with Bialkowski equal to Shaun Hutchinson's header from a corner.

They finally broke through when Lasse Vigen Christensen's sweeping pass found the run of Scott Parker, and he squared for Dembele to slot home from 15 yards.

Ipswich took 74 minutes to test Bettinelli for the first time, palming behind Brett Pitman's shot.

Bettinelli also got a touch to David McGoldrick's drive from the edge of the box, but he was left helpless when Knudsen lashed in after Freddie Sears cut the ball across the box.

MK Dons' 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday means it is still mathematically possible for Fulham to be relegated on goal difference, with a 16-goal swing.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Stearman, Hutchinson, Burn, Ream; Tunnicliffe, Parker (Baird 88), Ince, Christensen (Fredericks 69); McCormack (Cairney 85), Dembele.
Subs not used: Lonergan, Garbutt, Woodrow, Smith.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-denied-by-ipswich-in-injury-time?

[WhiteJC]

 
Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was not happy to come away from Portman Road with just a point on Tuesday evening.

The Whites were by far the more attacking force against Ipswich Town and took a deserved lead through Moussa Dembélé's unstoppable 66th minute effort.

Indeed, the hosts didn't even have a shot on goal until 71 minutes in, but they snatched an equaliser through Jonas Knudsen's stoppage time drive.

"We are a little bit disappointed because we won only one point," Jokanović admitted. "I'm disappointed about the late goal conceded.

"Generally I believe my team deserved to go back to London today with a clean sheet. At the end I can be satisfied with the fighting spirit and how my team tried to win this game. We offered a different face to what we offered last Friday night in Brighton."

The Whites are now all but guaranteed Sky Bet Championship football next season, although mathematical safety is still not confirmed – something Jokanović believes could be good motivation ahead of Saturday's meeting with Nottingham Forest at the Cottage.

"It can be good for us because we cannot be relaxed," he explained. "We didn't make many important things this season and we need to keep going and try to finish this competition in style.

"We cannot be tired, we cannot be satisfied. It's not an especially important season on the back of us, and it's important for us to be at the right level for the next game that we're going to play against Forest."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/april/19/head-coach-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Match report: Ipswich Town 1 Fulham 1 – Knudsen's late leveller salvages smidgen of pride

Jonas Knudsen scored a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage Ipswich Town a smidgen of pride from tonight's 1-1 home draw with Fulham.


Moussa Dembele celebrates his goal to take fulham 1-0 up in the Ipswich Town v Fulham (Championship) match at Portman Road, Ipswich, on 19 April 2016.
Picture: Steve Waller www.stephenwaller.com

Moussa Dembele gave the Championship strugglers a 66th minute lead on another hugely frustrating evening at Portman Road.

The Blues didn't muster their first attempt on goal – on or off target – until the 71st minute, while they didn't test the keeper until 74th minute. Both efforts were met with hearty ironic cheers.

Knudsen fired in off the underside of the crossbar at the end of a slick move to make sure Town remain unbeaten against the Cottagers since 1953, but it was a goal which rather papered over the cracks of another lacklustre home display.

The statistics tell you everything. Town have scored just five first half goals in 24 matches on Suffolk soil this season, they are now winless in six and have claimed seven points from a possible 27.

Mick McCarthy made three changes to his starting line-up following Saturday's 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday. As promised, 16-year-old midfielder Andre Dozzell was handed his full debut, while the fit-again Cole Skuse and striker Brett Pitman also came into the side. Kevin Bru, Kevin Foley and David McGoldrick all dropped to the bench.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic made four changes to his team following their 5-0 thrashing at Brighton last Friday.

Another completely forgettable first half at Portman Road ensued. Town had the odd decent spell, but they reached the break without having mustered any sort of attempt on goal.

McCarthy's men have scored just five first half goals in 24 games on home turf this season – and one of them was a penalty. Statistics can be mis-leading, but that one gives a pretty fair indication of the Blues' inability to take games by the scruff of the match on Suffolk soil.

Dozzell certainly didn't seem fazed on the big stage. In actual fact, he looked very comfortable on the ball. One attempted switch was intercepted early on but the idea drew warm applause. Moments later he showed good strength and composure when controlling the ball in a tight area.

After a very low-key start to proceedings, Town began to liven up. Knudsen's back-heel set Freddie Sears away down the left, he crossed and Dozzell's attempt at a clever heeled flick in the area didn't quite come off.

Fulham were seeing little of the ball, but they posed far more of a threat in the final third. Christophe Berra produced a fine covering tackle on Rohan Ince, then Tommy Smith charged down Ross McCormack after Luke Chambers had left a gaping hole.

The game's first genuine shot on goal finally arrived in the 19th minute when Moussa Dembele's snap-shot from 25-yards went wide.

The only shot on target of the first half arrived in the 34th minute and, as he has done so often in 2016, keeper Bartosz Bialkowski came to Town's rescue. The Polish custodian got down quickly and turned Ryan Tunnicliffe's poked effort around the post with his fingertips following Lasse Vigen Christensen's clever reverse pass into the box.

Ipswich had enjoyed the odd decent spell on the ball and another arrived in the 39th minute when, after some crisp interplay down the right, Liam Feeney's excellent cross was well-defended. Former England international Scott Parker helped Fulham relieve the pressure with some classy play.

Former Town loanee Richard Stearman fired a shot well over the bar after McCormack's corner was not dealt with in the 54th minute.

McCarthy made a double change shortly afterwards, replacing Dozzell and Douglas with McGoldrick and Bru. Dozzell had never looked out of place and was applauded from the field.

Stearman produced a fine covering tackle on Sears after a well-weighted pass from McGoldrick, while at the other end Dembele's shot was deflected wide by Skuse.

Bialkowski again came to Town's rescue in the 62nd minute when he did superbly to tip over Sam Hutchinson's bullet header from a corner.

Fulham broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a well-taken goal. Parker's excellent run and visionary square pass set up Dembele and he coolly side-footed home from inside the box.

When Bru's long-range effort flew wide in the 71st minute the home fans greeted the effort – their team's first of the game on or off target – with hearty ironic cheers. Indeed, near residents must have thought that Town had scored. Sarcastic chants of 'we've had a shot!' ensued.

Fulham continued to pose a threat, particularly from corners, and centre-back Dan Burn headed just wide from another fine McCormack dead ball delivery.

Town's first shot on target finally arrived in the 74th minute when Marcus Bettinelli pushed Pitman's well-struck angled effort around the post. Cue more ironic cheers.

Ipswich had the ball in the net in the 88th minute after Pitman converted on the slide, but the referee had long blown for a handball committed by McGoldrick.

To their credit, Town – as they always do – kept plugging away. The equaliser arrived in the first minute of stoppage-time. McGoldrick produced a silky touch and pass, Sears pulled the ball back and Knudsen arrived late to fire in off the underside of the crossbar from near the penalty spot.

IPSWICH TOWN (4-2-3-1): Bialkowski; Chambers (cpt), Smith, Berra, Knudsen; Skuse, Douglas (Bru 54); Sears, Dozzell (McGoldrick 54), Feeney; Pitman.

Unused subs: Gerken, Digby, Kenlock, Foley, Hyam.

Booked: Smith (90+)

FULHAM (4-4-2): Bettinelli; Stearman, Hutchinson, Burn, Ream; Christensen (Fredericks 70), Ince, Parker (cpt) (Baird 88), Tunnicliffe; McCormack (Cairney 85), Dembele.

Unused subs: Lonergan, Garbutt, Woodrow, Smith.

Booked: Parker (86)

Attendance: 16,953 (457 away)

Referee: Paul Tierney


http://www.sudburymercury.co.uk/sport/match_report_ipswich_town_1_fulham_1_knudsen_s_late_leveller_salvages_smidgen_of_pride_1_4501835

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham bounce back to claim point at Ipswich thanks to Moussa Dembele

Whites put Brighton drubbing behind them for a 1-1 draw at Portman Road and all but end any lingering doubts on Championship relegation


Boss men: Mick McCarthy (L) Slavisa Jokanovic

Who would have thought?

Fulham were belted out of sight on Friday, but showed resilience demanded by boss Slavisa Jokanovic and deservedly claimed a point that needs a miracle from MK Dons to deny Whites Championship football next season.

It should have been all three. But just when it looked an unlikely second away win midweek this campaign, Jonas Knudsen was allowed time to lash home inside the box in the first minute of added time at the end of the game.

Disappointing though it was, it was a lot better than Brighton.

Fulham were first to show after an indifferent start by both sides.

On 34 minutes, the recalled Lasse Christensen played a neat ball into the path of Ryan Tunnicliffe who thought he had beaten the keeper with a quick prod in the box only to see a decent effort blocked.

Shaun Hutchinson was next to text the reflexes of Bartosz Bialkowski with a powerful header which the Tractor Boys number one did well to turn over the bar - and that was just past the hour in a tepid game.

Just when it looked as if it was headed towards stalemate, Moussa Dembele scored.

Lasse Christensen started the move before sending Scott Parker on his way. The Whites captain sprinted into the box on the right like he was 25 rather than 35, and had the nous to square the ball to the nominee for young player of the year on Sunday.

Dembele took the ball in his stride to hit first time with the outside of his right foot to beat Bialkowski all hands down.

Home fans turned on their own listless side when sub Kevin Bru took a shot from of all of 35 yards that sailed wide to get a huge ironic cheer.

After all, it was the first Ipswich dig on goal in the second half.

The real thing arrived on 74 minutes when Marcus Bettinelli went full stretch for the first time to turn away a shot from Brett Pitman.

But there was nothing he could do to deny Knudsen. Even so MK must win all their three last remaining games with Fulham losing theirs as well as turning over a massive goal difference. It ain't gonna happen.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-bounce-back-claim-point-11211189?

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham make a point at Ipswich - and here are five talking points to explain decent draw

It was an end of season game for Whites that is about as far from the word 'classic' as you can get - but there was plenty to debate


Inspiration: Scott Parker

Fulham drew 1-1 with Ipswich just when it looked as if they were about to get the win. This is how it happened.

It was a good night - but it could have been even better
Fulham just cannot keep a clean sheet.

You have to go back to February and Charlton at home to go with the other unlikely shut-out at Middlesbrough in mid October for the twice this season in the league for nil to appear opposite the other side's name.

The Ipswich goal was well struck, but it should have been hands on deck to repel all boarders in added-on time.

It's an ill wind that blew some good
...for Shaun Hutchinson and Dan Burn at least.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic clearly wanted a reaction after Friday at Brighton, and he more or less got it here. Neither centre backs would have been playing had Whites performed on the south coast. They performed competently and lived up to the recall.


Return: Hutchinson

It's been said before, but how will Fulham replace Scott Parker
It's retirement time at the end of the season for the talismanic captain. But his busy, enterprising and feisty play was so valuable at Portman Road.

His cut-back for Dembele's goal was class.

Nearly there
A point means MK Dons have to win all three of their remaining games; Whites must lose all theirs, and the Bucks side need to score 15 more goals or its equivalent to send Fulham down instead.

The Whites boss doesn't muck about when it comes to changes
Four as it happened for this game.

Admittedly, one was a recall: Rohan Ince deemed ineligible by his parent club Brighton on Friday. But pairing Hutchinson with Burn in the heart of defence showed how Jokanovic felt about his defence on Friday night.

Fortune favours the brave.


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-make-point-ipswich-here-11211280?

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich 1-1 Fulham: Mick McCarthy and Slavisa Jokanovic reaction

Slavisa Jokanovic was pleased with Fulham's performance on their visit to Ipswich

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic praised his side's response after they bounced back from a 5-0 mauling at Brighton to all but secure their Championship status with a 1-1 draw at out-of-sorts Ipswich.

The Cottagers had been heading for all three points thanks to Moussa Dembele's sweet strike in the 66th minute.

They were pegged back in stoppage time by Jonas Knudsen's first goal for the Tractor Boys - an equaliser that left Jokanovic disappointed not to claim the win, but satisfied with his side's performance.

"I am disappointed by the late goal but I believe we deserved to win and keep a clean sheet," said the Serbian, whose side are nine points above third-bottom MK Dons with three games left.

"I am satisfied with the fighting spirit and how my team tried to win the game. It was very different to what we offered against Brighton. We need to keep trying until the end of the season and finish the competition in style."

Knudsen's late equaliser brought a small crumb of comfort to Mick McCarthy's under-performing Ipswich side.

It took them 72 minutes to register a shot at goal - a moment that brought disgruntled cheers from the home fans - and McCarthy was spot on after describing the match as forgettable.

Ipswich have not won at home in four matches, and they once again struggled in front of goal.

The best moment of the first half predictably fell to Fulham with Ryan Tunnicliffe denied by Bartosz Bialkowski's smart reflexes.

Moussa Dembele was on the scoresheet for Fulham once again at Portman Road

They made the breakthrough just short of the midway mark in the second half when great work by man of the match Scott Parker led to Dembele firing home his 17th goal of the season.

McGoldrick then unlocked the visiting defence late on when his clever work fed Freddie Sears, whose low cross was fired in by left-back Knudsen.

Summing up the match, McCarthy said: "We got a result at the end but it was always a hard game and not one that will live long in the memory.

"They made it very hard for us, they slowed it down, got men behind the ball and they have some good quality.

"It looked like real end-of-season fare, which was a shame as I didn't set out that way. We kept going and got something out of the game with Didzy (McGoldrick) showing his quality."


http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/10250504/slavisa-jokanovic-pleased-with-fulhams-fighting-spirit-in-draw-at-ipswich?

[fulhamben]

Those football results at the top are wrong. Mk dons drew nil nil

[WhiteJC]

Those football results at the top are wrong. Mk dons drew nil nil

thanks Ben, corrected  :54:

[ToodlesMcToot]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/20/after-slow-start-things-are-looking-fulhams-emerson-hyndman

After a slow start, things are looking up for Fulham's Emerson Hyndman

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – It's been an unexpectedly trying season for Fulham midfielder Emerson Hyndman, but the youngster certainly packed his afternoon with high points the weekend before last.

Making just his seventh Championship start of the term on his 20th birthday, the Dallas native capped a Man of the Match performance against Cardiff City by netting the late 2-1 winner with his first career goal.

"It was special in a lot of ways," Hyndman told MLSsoccer.com by phone from Fulham's Motspur Park training ground. "The way it happened, to win the game in the 93rd minute. My parents were there. It was on my birthday.

"There was a lot of different things that went into it for me personally, but for Fulham it was also a big win. The season in total hasn't been what we set out to do."

The same can be said for Hyndman, who frankly needed a celebration. Last season, he impressed in nine league starts before New Year's Day 2015, earning his first US national team cap (in a September friendly win away to the Czech Republic) along the way.

His season was then cut short by a collarbone fracture in January, but Hyndman still led Fulham in passing percentage on the season and it seemed as though he would be a key cog for the 2015/16 campaign. It was not to be, as the American waited until December to make his season bow under new manager Slavisa Jokanovic.

Hyndman spent the first three months with the club's Under-21 Premier League side, while the senior team struggled badly, winning just five of ftheir first 18 matches. He took it all in stride and eventually reeled off four straight starts over the holiday period.

"There's been a couple of changes in the managerial staff and obviously that comes with different ideas," said Hyndman. "We were in a situation as a club, in the relegation zone for a while there. All I can do is perform on a daily basis in training and work as hard as I can."

Observers, both around Craven Cottage and stateside, were surprised it took Hyndman so long to get back into the rotation.

"Slavisa Jokanovic recently admitted, after Hyndman scored the winner against Cardiff City, that Emerson had been under-used," Tony McDonald, a journalist who works the Fulham beat for Get West London, told MLSsoccer.com.

"Given Fulham's season-long struggles to avoid relegation from the second tier, it is plainly ridiculous that he has not been given more chances to start for the first team. He must be a very frustrated young man."



In addition to waiting his turn with the relegation fighters, Hyndman had also been through some Olympic-sized misery with the US U-23 national team. He was a starter as the Baby Nats squandered home-field advantage by falling one win short of qualification to the 2016 Summer Games with a CONCACAF Championship semifinal defeat to Honduras last October.

Last month, he was again on board as the U-23s opened a last-ditch qualifying tie in Colombia with an encouraging 1-1 draw. Sadly, they then suffered another decisive loss at home as US Soccer fell short of reaching the Olympics for the second straight time.

"We knew it would be hot and the atmosphere was incredible from the Colombia fans, but we managed to get a result [in the away leg]," said Hyndman. "It was more disappointing that we didn't win it at home."

Hyndman missed a couple of Fulham games the week after returning from international duty, but was then rewarded with an emotional release against Cardiff. He celebrated the big goal with a leaping fist pump and that day's haul of points moved Fulham 10 points clear of the drop zone. Now, with three games left, they've all but clinched Championship survival.

When the season is done, the game will change for Hyndman and the Cottagers in a more expected way. His contract will expire in June, and despite a few fall attempts at extension talks, it's been known for a while that the kid could walk on a freebie this summer.

Since last summer, the midfielder has been linked with interest from clubs in England, Germany and Spain, including the likes of Manchester United. Local scribe McDonald believes Fulham may soon be left to cry over this one getting away.

"I don't think Fulham, in their position, can really afford to let players of his obvious talent go," he stated. "But whether he would wish to stay at Craven Cottage remains to be seen. You couldn't really blame him if he decided to pursue his career at another club.

"At his age, he has scope to make significant progress and, certainly, Premier League scouts should at least be monitoring him."

There's no telling at this time where Hyndman will be when the next season begins with autumn. Both he and his reps are holding these cards close to vest.

"A lot of things can happen," he said, not tipping his hand. "Honestly, I'm focused right now on Fulham."