Monday Fulham Stuff (25/04/16)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham striker would have preferred to end his drought in different circumstances against Nottingham Forest

Smith on the scoresheet for the first time since August but Whites beaten by Tricky Trees


Matt Smith of Fulham (R) in action with Matthew Connolly of Cardiff City

Matt Smith was pleased to score his first Fulham goal since August but knew it counted for nothing as the Whites were beaten 3-1 by a Henri Lansbury inspired Nottingham Forest.

The Forest forward set up Robert Tesche for the opener and then scored from the spot before rounding off a fine team move, after Smith had pulled one back to seal the win.

Brentford's win at MK Dons, though, ensured that Fulham avoided relegation to the third tier for the second successive season.

"It counted for nothing in the end but any striker would tell you that they'd like to get on the scoresheet but I'd have liked it in different circumstances," Smith said.

"Safety is the first and foremost priority. It's a case of taking stock in the summer now and moving forward to get the club back to where it belongs.

"I think we need to appreciate the Championship is different to the Premier League and it takes a different type of quality. It's a case of grouping together and getting out of this rut."

Fulham felt they could have had two penalties after close calls on the edge of the box but didn't get the rub of the green.

Smith added: "You can say we didn't have the rub of the green but ultimately we didn't give ourselves much of a platform.

"Set pieces are our achilles heel. We've conceded above and beyond of what's been expected of teams.

"You don't give yourselves a chance if you concede goals that easily. 2-0 down at half time doesn't give you a chance.

"From 45 to 70 we battled well and the goal was a sucker punch and against the run of play which killed the game."


http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-striker-would-preferred-end-11231959?

[WhiteJC]

 
FULHAM BEATEN AT HOME BY FOREST - CH. MATCH REPORT MD44

Two goals from Henri Lansbury and one from Robert Tesche earned Nottingham Forest a 3-1 win at Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The two struggling sides started the clash on equal points, but a number of unforced errors in the first half cost the home side.

Fulham came back fighting in the second, but, after getting a goal back through substitute Matt Smith, they could not find an equaliser and Lansbury grabbed his second of the afternoon to secure the three points.

Forest looked the stronger side throughout the first half as the Cottagers struggled to keep hold of the ball and they went ahead after 23 minutes.

Lansbury won a free-kick near the corner flag and sent a pass to Tesche on the edge of the area. His first-time strike flew straight past goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

The Cottagers tried to hit back, striker Moussa Dembele could not find a way through.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic made a double change at the break with with Tom Cairney and Hyndman replaced by Smith and Lasse Vigen Christensen.

It appeared to do the trick, with the Cottagers starting the half with more purpose.

On the hour mark a superb low shot by Dembele forced a save from Dorus de Vries.

And the resulting corner led to a goal as Smith's header from McCormack's delivery found the bottom right-hand corner.

Fulham continued to push forward, but they could not find a leveller.

And their hopes were dashed in the 71st minute when Lansbury flicked in his second of the afternoon from Eric Lichaj's cross into the area.

With 10 minutes to go Fulham again appealed for a penalty when Smith went down in the area, but once more referee Lewis was unmoved.

Fulham: Bettinelli; Fredericks, Madl, Amorebieta, Ream; Parker (Tunnicliffe 80'); Cairney (Matt Smith 45'), Ince, Hyndman (Christensen 45'); McCormack, Dembele
Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Stearman, Baird, Woodrow

Goals:
Smith 62 ( header from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ross McCormack with a cross following a corner.)

Booked: Fredericks (21,f), Smith (81,f)

Nottingham Forest : Vries; Lichaj, Mills, Fox, Jokic; Cohen, Tesche, Gary Gardner, Osborn; Lansbury; Blackstock (Assombalonga 90')
Subs Not Used: Evtimov, Worrall, Ryan Mendes, Oliver Burke, Macheda, O'Grady

Goals:
Tesche 23 (right footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Henri Lansbury following a set piece situation.)
Lansbury pen 43 (converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the bottom left corner. Penalty conceded by Emerson Hyndman (Fulham) after a foul in the penalty area.)
Lansbury 70 () right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Eric Lichaj with a cross.)

Booked: Mills (18,f)

Attendance:: 18,253

Referee:: Robert Lewis (Shrewsbury)


http://www.fulhamweb.co.uk/news/fulham-beaten-at-home-by-forest-ch-match-report-md44.aspx?