Wednesday Fulham Stuff (14/12/16)...

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Results

Tuesday
Birmingham	2 - 1	Ipswich
Blackburn	2 - 3	Brighton
Bristol City	0 - 1	Brentford
Burton	0 - 1	Huddersfield
Cardiff	2 - 1	Wolves
Fulham	2 - 1	Rotherham
Leeds	2 - 0	Reading
Norwich	1 - 0	Aston Villa
Sheff Wed	2 - 0	Barnsley

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Ayite scores winner in Fulham comeback

Fulham 2 Rotherham 1
The outstanding Floyd Ayite scored a second-half winner as Fulham came from behind at Craven Cottage.

Stefan Johansen's fourth goal of the season cancelled out Joe Newell's opener before Ayite netted after being set up by substitute Lucas Piazon.

Chris Martin then had a penalty saved, but Fulham's victory never looked in doubt once they had taken the lead.

Bottom side Rotherham, who beat QPR on Saturday, made a determined start and went ahead on 19 minutes.

Tom Adeyemi sprinted down the right, found Izzy Brown and the on-loan Chelsea youngster – who later went off injured – laid the ball off to Newell, who sent a thumping left-footed strike past keeper David Button.

Ayite led Fulham's fightback, bringing a save from Millers keeper Lewis Price and then heading wide from Ryan Sessegnon's left-wing cross.

Teenager Sessegnon was involved in Fulham's equaliser just after the half-hour mark, finding Johansen, who side-footed home from near the edge of the penalty area.

Fulham continued to press after the interval and were rewarded nine minutes into the second period, when Ayite put them in front.

Martin had the chance to double the lead after Michael Madl was impeded by Lee Frecklington at a Fulham corner, but Price stooped to his right to keep out the striker's spot-kick.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Kalas, Madl, Sessegnon, Cairney, Johansen, McDonald (Piazon 45), Ayite, Aluko (Parker 82), Martin.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Malone, Odoi, Smith, Sigurdsson.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/ayite-nets-winner-fulham-fight-back-beat-rotherham

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MATCH REPORT: Dogged Millers pipped by Fulham

BATTLING Rotherham United made it a difficult night for Fulham before falling to a narrow defeat at Craven Cottage.

Joe Newell's early strike was cancelled out by Stefan Johansen and Floyd Ayite and although Lewis Price saved a second-half spot kick and Paul Warne's men defended for their lives, they couldn't stave off a 2-1 loss.

The Millers started well. They failed to capitalise on an early one-on-one and Tom Adeyemi forced David Button to tip over the bar before they took the lead on 18 minutes from a good move. Adeyemi broke down the left, fed Brown and the Chelsea loan man set up Newell to despatch a delicious 20 yarder into the bottom corner.

Fulham still hogged possession, forcing corner after corner, and it was no surprise when Johansen slotted an equaliser from the edge of the area just after the half-hour mark.

It was a blow when Brown, such a threat, had to limp off and although the hosts kept Price busy, there was still plenty of signs of the good defensive work that's been taking place on the training ground lately.

Warne's men were rocked back nine minutes into the second half when Ayite turned in substitute Lucas Piazon's centre.

Fulham continued to pile on the pressure but were frustrated on 67 minutes. Michael Madl was fouled in the area but Price did superbly to keep out Chris Martin's penalty kick.

It left the match in the balance but the Championship's bottom side had to concentrate on defence and couldn't fashion enough chances to force a draw.

Millers: Price, Fisher, Mattock, Wood, Belaid, Adeyemi (Frecklington 60), Vaulks, Forde, Brown (Taylor 35), Newell, Ward (Blackstock 60)

Fulham: Button, Fredericks, Sessegnon,  Kalas, Madl, McDonald (Piazon 46), Johansen, Aluko (Parker 82), Cairney, Ayite,  Martin

Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire)


http://rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk/sport/105401/match-report-dogged-millers-pipped-by-fulham.aspx

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović would have preferred Fulham's win over Rotherham United to have been more comfortable, but he was satisfied with the character shown by his side.

Goals from Stefan Johansen and Floyd Ayité saw the Whites come from behind to win against a stubborn Millers outfit, moving the team up to ninth in the process.

"In the second half especially we played very well," Jokanović stated. "We found some problems in the first 45 minutes but we showed character, we moved the ball, we had 30 shots.

"When we didn't score the third goal we were a little bit worried. We created many things, we played good football but it was not an easy day for us. We didn't start very well and that made it a complicated game for us.

"Thankfully we showed personality and quality, and although we didn't score the third goal to finish the game, it's important that we've started to be strong at home.

"In the last four [home] games we won 10 points and step by step we're starting to mark our territory at the Cottage, and this is good news for us and our supporters. Now we have to clear our heads and be ready for Saturday's game."

The victory means Fulham remain just two points off the Play-Off spots, but when asked if promotion was a realistic aim this season, Jokanović refused to look too far ahead.

"We know very well what our target is and we know very well what the Club's ambition is," he explained. "We know what our supporters expect of us, but I'm only thinking step by step and I'm only thinking about the Derby game which is immediately in front of us.

"We are not thinking about promotion. We want to push ourselves into a higher position and a better level, and that's it."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2016/december/13/head-coach-reaction

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Fulham 2 Rotherham 1: Craven Cottage win boosts Slavisa Jokanovic's Championship playoff hopes

Fulham moved to within striking distance of the Championship play-off places as they beat lowly Rotherham 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

Slavisa Jokanovic's men, who had scored nine goals in their previous two games, were made to come from behind through goals from Stefan Johansen and Floyd Ayite either side of half-time.

In reality, they had the chances to continue their goal glut as Chris Martin saw a penalty saved and Johansen hit a post with a free-kick, but they did enough to extend their unbeaten run at Craven Cottage to five games and move to within two points of the top six.

For Rotherham, who finally ended a 15-game winless run against QPR on Saturday, things started well when Joe Newell put them ahead midway through the first half, but normal service was resumed and they slumped to a 15th league defeat.

Given Fulham's goal frenzy in recent weeks, Rotherham would have been keen to land the first blow and they were gifted the perfect chance in the third minute as a loose pass saw Izzy Brown burst through on goal, but he chose to square to Danny Ward and the shot was easily saved by David Button.

The Cottagers were enjoying plenty of the ball, but the chances were all the Millers' and, after Button had tipped over Tom Adeyemi's effort, they took the lead after 18 minutes.

Adeyemi fed the dangerous Brown, who squared it to Newell, with the midfielder drilling into the bottom corner from 22 yards.

It was always going to be optimistic for Rotherham to keep a clean sheet given their defensive record this season and so it proved as Fulham levelled just after the half-hour.

Martin's goalbound shot was superbly blocked by Richard Wood, but the loose ball fell to Ryan Sessegnon and his ball into the area was met by Johansen, who coolly slotted into the corner from just inside the area.

That saw the tide turn and the hosts had three good chances to take the lead before the interval, but they found goalkeeper Lewis Price in good form.

Price's legs kept out Ayite's effort after a nice piece of skill and then he acrobatically tipped over Tom Cairney's header from a quick counter-attack before Michael Madl headed the resulting corner wide.

The hosts came out firing after the break and they needed nine minutes to go in front as Ayite swept home Lucas Piazon's shot from 12 yards.

This gave Jokanovic's men license to go and attack and Johansen grazed a post with a free-kick and Martin missed from the spot after Aimen Belaid was adjudged to have pushed Madl.

Sone Aluko, Cairney twice, and Sessegnon all racked up missed chances, but there was no danger of a Rotherham comeback.


http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-2-rotherham-1-craven-cottage-win-boosts-slavisa-jokanovics-championship-playoff-hopes-a3419556.html

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Fulham 2-1 Rotherham: Floyd Ayite helps keep up Cottagers' play-off pursuit at expense of rock bottom side
Floyd Ayite scored third goal in two games to help Fulham come from behind
Rotherham United had taken 16th minute lead through Joe Newell
Ayite and Stefan Johansen hit back for Craven Cottage outfit
Fulham now two points of play-offs but Rotherham 12 points from safety

Floyd Ayite has taken just four days to put a frustrating start to his Fulham career behind him.

The Togo forward converted his third goal in two games as the Cottagers came from behind to add to the struggles of bottom club Rotherham.

Ayite had failed to score in his opening 12 matches in Fulham white but has suddenly hit form at the right moment as his side knock on the play-off door.


Floyd Ayite of Fulham celebrates scoring his side's winning goal against Rotherham United

Ayite applies his 54th minute finish to send Fulham within two points off the play-offs

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic looks on from his dugout with a smile during the match

Delighted boss Slavisa Jokanovic said: 'We know Floyd's got quality, it's not only about goals. He wasn't happy not to be scoring and I believe he will now start believing in himself. We showed character and personality to come back.'

Rotherham had dominated the opening stages of this game as on-loan Chelsea youngster Izzy Brown put the pressure on Fulham's defence.

They took a deserved 19th-minute lead as Joe Newell powered home from 25 yards before Fulham finally got going.


Joe Newell had fired Rotherham into a surprise lead at Craven Cottage in the 19th minute

Newell (second right) is congratulated by team mate Richard Wood (right) after scoring

Stefan Johansen celebrates scoring to make it 1-1 during the Sky Bet Championship match

The Cottagers levelled up as Stefan Johansen drilled home from the edge of the area on 32 minutes having been set up by Ryan Sessegnon.

Rotherham, managed again by caretaker Paul Warne, were left holding on for dear life after that with the hosts' pressure eventually telling on 54 minutes.

Ayite converted after fine play down the right from sub Lucas Piazon who impressed after his half-time introduction.


Jokanovic gives instructions to Kevin McDonald after the equalising goal at Craven Cottage

Chris Martin saw his late penalty for Fulham saved, but the Millers failed to take advantage

Lewis Price saves the penalty from Martin, which was awarded 14 minutes from time

The game should have been up for the struggling visitors - without an away win all season - 14 minutes later when Lee Frecklington brought down by Michael Madl.

But Chris Martin's penalty was superbly kept out by Price low to his right, not that Rotherham could capitalise and they now remain 12 points from safety.

Rotherham were unable to capitalise on that miss though as their dreadful away form continues.


Johansen of Fulham wins possession as Rotherham ended the night 12 points off safety

Michael Madl is hoisted aloft by goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli at full-time in celebration

Johansen of Fulham gives a young fan his shirt at full time following the Cottagers' victory

They have not won on their travels since April and lacked life up-front after Brown had been forced off injured in the first half.

And the Millers desperately need to find a long-term replacement for Kenny Jackett soon if they are to have any chance of surviving.

'We were a threat until Izzy went off,' admitted Warne who had no update on the Millers' search for a replacement for Jackett. 'If you take the best player out of any team it is a problem.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4030970/Fulham-2-1-Rotherham-Floyd-Ayite-helps-Cottagers-play-pursuit-expense-rock-bottom-side.html#ixzz4SnLWFkJ5
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

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Fulham 2 Rotherham United 1: Millers denied against free-scoring Fulham

Rotherham conceded an early lead in falling down to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Joe Newell put the Millers ahead on 19 minutes but goals from Stefan Johansen and Floyd Ayite either side of half-time reversed the result.

In reality, Fulham had the chances to continue a goal glut, which has seen them score nine goals in two games, as Chris Martin saw a penalty saved and Johansen hit a post with a free-kick.


But they did enough to extend their unbeaten run at Craven Cottage to five games and move to within two points of the top six.

For Rotherham, who finally ended a 15-game winless run against QPR on Saturday, things started well when Joe Newell put them ahead midway through the first half, but normal service was resumed and they slumped to a 15th league defeat.

Given Fulham's goal frenzy in recent weeks, Rotherham would have been keen to land the first blow and they were gifted the perfect chance in the third minute as a loose pass saw Izzy Brown burst through on goal, but he chose to square to Danny Ward and the shot was easily saved by David Button.

The Cottagers were enjoying plenty of the ball, but the chances were all the Millers' and, after Button had tipped over Tom Adeyemi's effort, they took the lead after 18 minutes.

Adeyemi fed the dangerous Brown, who squared it to Newell, with the midfielder drilling into the bottom corner from 22 yards.

It was always going to be optimistic for Rotherham to keep a clean sheet given their defensive record this season and so it proved as Fulham levelled just after the half-hour.

Martin's goalbound shot was superbly blocked by Richard Wood, but the loose ball fell to Ryan Sessegnon and his ball into the area was met by Johansen, who coolly slotted into the corner from just inside the area.

That saw the tide turn and the hosts had three good chances to take the lead before the interval, but they found goalkeeper Lewis Price in good form.

Price's legs kept out Ayite's effort after a nice piece of skill and then he acrobatically tipped over Tom Cairney's header from a quick counter-attack before Michael Madl headed the resulting corner wide.

The hosts came out firing after the break and they needed nine minutes to go in front as Ayite swept home Lucas Piazon's shot from 12 yards.

This gave Jokanovic's men license to go and attack and Johansen grazed a post with a free-kick and Martin missed from the spot after Aimen Belaid was adjudged to have pushed Madl.

Sone Aluko, Cairney twice, and Sessegnon all racked up missed chances, but there was no danger of a Rotherham comeback.


http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united/fulham-2-rotherham-united-1-millers-denied-against-free-scoring-fulham-1-8288397

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Jokanovic pleased to see Fulham 'marking territory'

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic welcomed another home victory for his side after they came from behind to beat Rotherham.

Floyd Ayite scored in the winner in a 2-1 success at Craven Cottage, where the Whites are unbeaten in five matches and recently enjoyed 5-0 wins against Reading and Huddersfield.

"We played very well, especially in the second half. We had problems in the first half but we showed character," Jokanovic said.

"We didn't score the third goal and we suffered until the end of the game, but we played good football.

"We didn't start very well and it complicated the game for us, but fortunately we showed personality and we moved the ball well.

"It's important for us to be strong at home. Step by step we are marking our territory at Craven Cottage and that's good news for us and our supporters."

The outstanding Ayite has now scored three goals in two matches, having netted twice in Saturday's 4-4 draw at Wolves.

"It's good for him and I think he will now believe in himself more," Jokanovic said.


http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-pleased-see-fulham-marking-territory

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Ayite guides Fulham past brave Millers
by DAN on DECEMBER 14, 2016

Floyd Ayite seems to be getting the taste for scoring vital Championship goals. After his injury-time header at Molineux on Saturday salvaged a point from a pulsating game against Wolves, the winger's composed finish secured all three points for Fulham against plucky Rotherham United, whose performance belied their lowly league standing. The Togo international, who Slavisa Jokanovic will certainly miss when he jets off to the African Cup of Nations in January, found himself in the right place to finish a flowing second half move that helped the Whites shake off the shock of conceding an early lead and get their play-off push back on track.

Their head coach was far from content with Fulham's iffy finishing as the home side passed up several chances to make the margin more comfortable. Failing to kill the game off has been the story of Fulham's season so far – and on-loan striker Chris Martin was as culpable as anyone, having failed to place his penalty beyond Jack Price in the Rotherham goal, and the bottom of the table visitors almost stole a precious point in stoppage time. Their spirit alone might have merited the greater reward they threatened through a fine strike from Joe Newell but, with passion and organisation instilled by caretaker boss Paul Warne, the Millers look to have sunnier days ahead on this evidence.

Rotherham, undoubtedly buoyed by Saturday's success against QPR, had the best of the early chances despite seeing little of the ball. On-loan Chelsea forward Izzy Brown intercepted a sloppy pass and surged into the Fulham penalty area, but David Button easily fielded Danny Ward's shot from a square pass. Button, who kept his place after a nervy display in the Midlands at the weekend, tipped over a rising drive from Tom Adeyami but the reprieve was shortlived as the visitors took the lead minutes later.

A beautifully worked move from the right saw Adeyami locate the lively Brown in plenty of space 25 yards from goal and he slipped a crisp pass inside for Newell, whose perfectly placed shot rolled into the bottom corner, to send the travelling fans into raptures. Rotherham's defensive record suggested that Fulham could work their way back into the contest but, for much of the half, Jokanovic's side toiled earnestly without reward, passing the ball in front of the massed ranks of blue shirts.

The recalled Ryan Sessegnon, who was full of energy and verve down the left, sent over a teasing ball that Ayite headed wide of the near post and Fulham continue to press forward at every opportunity. Eventually, with a bit of good fortune, they managed to prize open the visitors' defence. Chris Martin's powerful snapshot from the edge of the box was deflected clear, but the ball fell for Stefan Johansen, who played a pass out to Sessegnon, and continued his run into the penalty area to drive home the full back's square ball.

Fulham could well have gone in at half-time ahead. Price foiled Ayite's solo effort with his legs and then the Rotherham goalkeeper extended himself fully to touch a Tom Cairney header over the bar before Michael Madl, back in place of Tim Ream, sent a free header wide of goal. While Rotherham did manage to reach the break with parity preserved, Jokanovic was far from happy with his lot. He introduced Lucas Piazon for defensive midfielder Kevin McDonald – and it was bold move that very quickly paid off.

Nine minutes after the interval, Sone Aluko threaded a beautiful pass between the Rotherham back line to set Piazon clear down the right and the Brazilian's perfectly weighted cross was guided home with the minimum of fuss by Ayite from around 11 yards. Fulham continued to lay siege to the Rotherham goal but continued put the contest beyond their stubborn opponents. Johansen grazed the outside of the post with a free kick before Price foiled Martin from the penalty spot, diving to his right to parry a poor spot-kick away after Aimen Belaid had pulled down Madl.

Fulham passed up several further chances with Aluko failing to find the target with a couple of long-range efforts and Cairney being denied twice but the Whites always had more than enough to extend their Craven Cottage unbeaten run to five games and move above Saturday's opponents Derby County in the Championship table. Getting past Warne's Rotherham was a tricky assignment but the resilience of this side remains impressive.

FULHAM (4-1-2-3): Button; Fredericks, Sessegnon, Kalas, Madl; McDonald (Piazon 45); Johansen, Cairney; Aluko (Parker 82), Ayite, Martin. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Sigurdsson, Odoi, Malone, Smith.

GOALS: Johansen (32), Ayite (54).

ROTHERHAM UNITED (4-4-1-1): Price; Fisher, Wood, Belaid, Mattock; Forde, Adeyemi (Frecklington 60), Vaulks, Newell; Brown (Taylor 36); Ward (Blackstock 60). Subs (not used): Bilboe, Stephen Kelly, Ball, Forster-Caskey.

BOOKED: Wood.

GOAL: Newell (19).

REFEREE: Steve Martin (Stafforshire).

ATTENDANCE: 13,735


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/ayite-guides-fulham-past-brave-millers/

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Stefan Johansen Scores Nice Fulham Goal For Third in Three Games

Stefan Johansen just can't stop scoring for Fulham at the moment.

The Norwegian midfielder has really found his best form of late after moving to the Craven Cottage club from Celtic before the summer transfer deadline.

At the Hoops, he'd struggled to impress, looking a shadow of the player who won individual awards throughout the 2014/15 season.

Brendan Rodgers and the club decided to cash in on him while they still could.

But the £2million Fulham shelled out to sign him is beginning to look like a bargain as Johansen continues to star for the English Championship side.

He scored a nice goal against Reading just over a week ago before netting in the 4-4 draw with Wolves at the weekend.

And he's followed that up with his third in three games by scoring against Rotherham tonight:

Now THAT is how you play a one-two.

Johansen and Fulham sit 10th in the English Championship table and will be hoping to get a victory tonight to move up the table.

But even if it isn't a successful enough season for the Cottagers to reach the Premier League, Johansen may end up there regardless if he can continue his strong form.


http://www.talkingbaws.com/2016/12/video-stefan-johansen-scores-nice-fulham-goal-for-third-in-three-games/

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Jokanovic relieved as Fulham take all three points
by DAN on DECEMBER 14, 2016

Slavisa Jokanovic professed himself to be a relieved man after Fulham came from behind to defeat the Championship's bottom side in Rotherham United earlier this year.

The Fulham head coach was worried when Joe Newell drove the Millers ahead early but Fulham showed plenty of character to fight their way back in the contest with goals from Stefan Johansen and Ayite winning it. But the home side still spurned plenty of glorious chances to make the margin of victory more reasonable. Chief amongst those was Chris Martin's failure from the spot but you wanted whether those misses would be wiling to help.

Jokanovic told his post-match press conference:

At the end of the day I have to happy. It was a freaky game for us on a Tuesday night against the bottom of the league, it was hard for us. When you get to the end of the game and only have a one-goal lead you get nervous because they can score easily.

We made enough things and chances – we missed the penalty – to make the game easier for us. We didn't do it and if you don't do it you will suffer.We played well in the second half, although I was a bit worried when we didn't get the third goal.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2016/12/jokanovic-relieved-as-fulham-take-all-three-points/