Sunday Fulham Stuff (27/08/17)...

[WhiteJC]

 
Results

Friday
Bristol City	1 - 1	Aston Villa
Hull	4 - 0	Bolton
Saturday
Barnsley	3 - 0	Sunderland
Birmingham	0 - 2	Reading
Brentford	0 - 0	Wolves
Burton	1 - 1	Sheff Wed
Cardiff	2 - 1	QPR
Ipswich	0 - 2	Fulham
Middlesborough	0 - 0	Preston NE
Millwall	4 - 0	Norwich
Sheff Utd	3 - 1	Derby
Nottm Forest	0 - 2	Leeds

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town 0 Fulham 2 match report: Blues outclassed as 100% league record abruptly ends


Neeskens Kebano celebrates after scoring to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the Ipswich Town v Fulham (Sky Bet Championship) match. Picture: STEVE WALLER WWW.STEPHENWALLER.COM

Ipswich Town's 100% start to the Championship season was brought to an abrupt end as they were thoroughly outclassed in a 2-0 home defeat to Fulham.

Neeskens Kebano headed the Cottagers in front after 35 minutes, with Rui Fonte slamming home the killer second on the angle six minutes after the restart.

The damage could and should have been greater. Twice the visitors struck the post, while Blues keeper Bartosz Bialkowski also made a string of saves.

Town had the chance to create history by becoming the first team in the club's 81-year professional history to win the opening five league matches, but this looked a game too many for an injury-hit squad heading into next weekend's much-needed international break.

Fulham came into this game without a league win to their name and having scored just twice in those opening four matches, but Slavisa Jokanovic's men blew away any hangover lingering from last season's play-off semi-final defeat with a slick display.

The Cottagers dominated from start to finish, with star midfield man Tom Cairney pulling the strings in midfield and marauding full-backs Ryan Fredericks and Ryan Sessegnon a constant threat down the flanks.

Fulham were on the front foot from the start, but it was Ipswich who went close in the 12th minute when Kevin McDonald diverted Martyn Waghorn's snap-shot narrowly wide of his own post.

Bialkowski made a smart stop from Sheyi Ojo, then Frederick's daisy-cutter clipped the outside of the boot. Town's keeper then made a superb close-range save with his legs from Stefan Johansen as the visitors really hit their stride.

Fulham finally broke the deadlock when Fredericks twisted and turned past Myles Kenlock and stood up a cross for Kebano to head home from six yards out.

Moments later the woodwork came to Town's rescue again as Fonte diverted the impressive Sessegnon's cross against the face of the left upright.

David McGoldrick took too many touches in a golden counter-attacking opportunity, then Waghorn failed to beat the first man with a deep free-kick delivery to sum up Town's first half performance.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy decided not make any personnel or tactical changes at the break. Within six minutes of the restart it was effectively game over.

Bialkowski dived full-stretch to his left to claw away Kebano's shot from inside the box, but Fonte was there to lash the ball high into the net on the acutest of angles at the far post.

Fulham kept the ball with ease from this point onwards and eased their way to victory as Town continually chased shadows. Ipswich rarely had the ball and when they did get it they wasted it.

IPSWICH TOWN (4-2-3-1): Bialkowski; Iorfa, Spence, Knudsen, Kenlock; Ward (Nydam 90), Skuse; Waghorn (Downes 59), McGoldrick, Sears (Celina 59); Garner.

Unused subs: Gerken, Woolfenden, Rowe, Folami.

Booked: Iorfa (31)

FULHAM (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Sessegnon; McDonald; Cairney, Joahnsen (Odoi 89); Ojo, Fonte (Kamara 76), Kebano (Norwood 82).

Unused subs: Bettinelli, Djao, Edun, Cisse.

Attendance: 16,844 (1,236 away)

Referee: Paul Tierney



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-0-fulham-2-match-report-blues-outclassed-as-100-league-record-abruptly-ends-1-5165572

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town 0 - 2 Fulham

Neeskens Kebano (left) has scored seven goals in 37 games for Fulham

Goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte secured Fulham's first win of the season and ended Ipswich's 100% start to the Championship campaign.

They took a deserved first-half lead when Kebano lost his marker to head in Ryan Fredericks' cross from the right.

Fonte doubled the lead after the break, firing in the rebound from a narrow angle after Kebano had a shot saved.

Ipswich continued to struggle for possession and chances, as they fell to a first defeat in five league games.

The hosts only managed two shots on target, as they failed to make it five league wins from five at the start of a season for the first time in the club's history.

Fulham, meanwhile, were unfortunate not to score more, as Fredericks and Fonte both saw efforts hit by the woodwork in the first half.

Fonte's goal was his first for the club since arriving from Braga, but his afternoon was ended early when he went off with what appeared to be a groin injury 15 minutes from time.

Slavisa Jokanovic's side have now won three successive games against the Tractor Boys since a 2-1 home defeat at Craven Cottage in December 2015.

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy:
"Sometimes you just have to take your hat off to your opposition. They were streets ahead of us. They absolutely bashed us up with and without the ball.

"We tried putting round pegs in square holes. We had players playing out of position due to injury and I didn't think it was right to go negative.

"There's no need to panic. We've had four good results without all of our squad available. You've got to remember that it's just one game, one result. We've won our other four league games."

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic:
"We didn't start the season like Ipswich did, but there's a huge number of games still in front of us.

"I expect we can start to be more positive now. We know we're not at our best level yet and we've made costly mistakes at the beginning of the season.

"We showed we didn't forget how to play good football. There is space for us to be better."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40983498

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town 0-2 Fulham - Match Report

Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte netted goals either side of half-time to see Fulham to a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Blues at Portman Road, ending Town's 100 per cent start to their Championship campaign. Kebano nodded home the opener for the dominant Cottagers on 35 and Fonte slammed a rebound into the roof of the net in the 51st minute with the Blues never looking like getting anything out of the game.

Town named the same team which beat Brentford 2-0 last Saturday with David McGoldrick in the side despite manager Mick McCarthy saying the Irish international striker might miss out with his wife close to giving birth to their fourth child.

The Blues again lined-up in a 4-4-2 system with McGoldrick partnering Joe Garner up front and Martyn Waghorn on the right and Freddie Sears on the left of midfield.

Jordan Spence and Jonas Knudsen continued at centre-half with skipper Luke Chambers, Tommy Smith and Adam Webster all injured.

On the bench, Australian striker Ben Folami was included for the first time in a Championship match having been one of the youngsters who caught the eye at Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup on Tuesday. Defender Luke Woolfenden and midfielders Flynn Downes and Tristan Nydam were also among the subs.

At a warm and sunny Portman Road Fulham dominated the early stages but without creating an opportunity until the fifth minute when a loose ball in the box fell to skipper Tom Cairney, who blazed over.

Three minutes later, following a swift break forward after Town had lost possession on halfway, stand-in skipper Cole Skuse and Dominic Iorfa both hesitated and allowed Stefan Johansen to get in a shot but the on-loan Wolves man got across to deflect over.

Town's first attack of the game came in the 10th minute, McGoldrick sending Sears away on the left but the former Colchester man's cross was behind Garner.

Fulham would have gone in front a minute later but for a great block from Myles Kenlock. The dangerous Ryan Sessegnon cut in from the left and cut the ball back from the byline to Sheyi Ojo who looked certain to score but the Blues left-back managed to get in the way to divert it behind.

Town weren't too far away from a goal themselves in the 13th minute when a corner from the right was cleared to Waghorn, who struck a low volley which looked goalbound until it hit Kevin McDonald and deflected just past keeper David Button's right post.

But it was mainly Fulham and on 18 Ojo cut in from the right and hit a well-struck shot which Bartosz Bialkowski batted away down to his right.

The Cottagers continued to pass the ball around confidently and on 22 Ryan Fredericks hit a low shot from distance which scuffed the outside of the post.

Town gradually started to find their feet after a very testing start with the Cottagers confident and slick in possession of the ball.

On 29 McGoldrick worked himself space on the edge of the box but saw his chipped effort loop past Button's right post. Two minutes later, Iorfa was yellow-carded for a foul, having previously been penalised for an earlier indiscretion.

The Blues had Bialkowski to thank for the scores remaining level in the 33rd minute after the Polish keeper was forced to make two impressive saves.

First, he stopped Cairney's powerful effort from the edge of the box with Spence reacting quickest to clear the loose ball.

Then a well-worked move played Johansen in on goal and the Blues keeper did superbly to stand his ground and block with the Norwegian appearing certain to score.

But there was nothing Bialkowski could do in the 35th minute when Kebano put the visitors in front. Fredericks crossed from the right and the unmarked DR Congo international headed into the corner of the net at the far post.

Fulham should have made it 2-0 in the 38th minute when Kebano broke away behind the Blues backline on the left and crossed. Fortunately for the Blues Fonte, a £9 million summer signing from Braga and the younger brother of West Ham defender Jose, diverted the ball against the woodwork at the near post when he looked odds-on to score.

Two minutes later McGoldrick had a chance to level when he broke into the area and chose to shoot left-footed with Waghorn and Garner both to his right in space. The Town number 10 was unable to get any power on his strike and Button claimed down to his left.

McGoldrick created another opening a minute later, bring the ball across the edge of the box before finding Garner, who cut back to Waghorn, whose shot went wide.

That was the final chance of the half with the visitors deservedly in front at the break having dominated the period.



The Cottagers had kept the ball impressively, as they did in last season's corresponding fixture, and carved out enough decent opportunities to be even further in front with the Blues' patched-up backline stretched on a number of occasions.

However, Town front pair McGoldrick and Waghorn will have made their way to the tunnel feeling they might have done better with their opportunities in the final minutes.

The Blues were the first to threaten after the restart, Garner rising highest to nod Grant Ward's right-sided corner goalwards, however, Button got down to save.

But six minutes into the half the Cottagers doubled their lead. The ball was played into Kebano inside the area, the scorer of the first goal turned away from Knudsen and hit a shot across Bialkowski which the keeper did well to save it away to his left.

However, the loose ball fell to Fonte at a tight angle on the right and, with Bialkowski getting back to his feet and across goal, the Portuguese striker lashed a shot into the roof of the net to claim his first goal for his new club.

Fulham continued to have much the better of it - Fredericks hit a shot over following a corner - and it was little surprise when Blues boss McCarthy made a double change in the 59th minute with Waghorn and Sears making way for Downes and Bersant Celina, who was making his league debut for Town.

But despite Kosovo international Celina showing glimpses of his skills and direct running, the Blues were unable to make much more headway after the changes and Fulham's two goal advantage never looked in any danger.

On 89 McGoldrick smashed a freekick from 30 yards into the wall, then seconds before the whistle Nydam took over from Ward.

Town can have no complaints regarding the result with the visitors much the better side on the day, dominating much as they did at Portman Road on Boxing Day last year when they won by the same scoreline with midfield trio Cairney, Johansen and McDonald very impressive. But for some profligate finishing and Bialkowski the margin of victory would have been wider.

As ever, the Blues kept working but were never able to impose themselves on the opposition and only fleetingly threatened on the counter-attack, most notably just before half-time when McGoldrick and Waghorn will both feel they might have done better.

Despite today's loss ending the 100 per cent league record, the Blues are still second and can be pleased with their August form with 12 points from five league games better than most were expecting going into the season, particularly after the 6-1 thrashing at Charlton in their final pre-season match and given the injury and illness situation, which hopefully will be much improved when Town travel to QPR in a fortnight's time following the international break.

Town: Bialkowski, Iorfa, Spence, Knudsen, Kenlock, Skuse (c), Ward (Nydam 90), Sears (Celina 59), Waghorn (Downes 59), McGoldrick, Garner. Unused: Gerken, Rowe, Folami, Woolfenden.

Fulham: Button, Fredericks (Odoi 89), Kalas, Ream, Sessengnon, McDonald, Johansen, Cairney (c), Ojo, Kebano (Norwood 83), Fonte (Kamara 76). Unused: Bettinelli, Djalo, Edun, Cisse. Referee: Paul Tierney (Lancashire). Att: 16,844 (Fulham: 1,236)



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/32177

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham end Ipswich's perfect start

Ipswich's perfect start to their league campaign came crashing to an end with a 2-0 defeat to fantastic Fulham.

Mick McCarthy's men were vying to open their league season with five straight wins for the first time in their history, but looked far from that side as goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte put paid to that.

Fulham put their shaky start behind them to deservedly pick up their first win of the season and defeat means Ipswich have failed to beat Fulham at home in three attempts.

Striker David McGoldrick was named in the Ipswich side despite awaiting the birth of his child but it was Fulham who thoroughly dominated the first half as the hosts tried their best to weather the storm.

It was free-flowing football from Slavisa Jokanovic's side, who unleashed wave after wave of attack in a dominant display.

Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo looked dangerous and had an early strike deflected wide before forcing Bartosz Bialkowski into the first save of the afternoon as the Polish stopper did well to deny the winger from range.

A minute later Bialkowski was indebted to his woodwork as Ryan Fredericks hit the post.

Just after the half-hour mark Bialkowski made a great save with his legs to keep out Stefan Johansen.

But Fulham's persistence paid off as the hosts' resistance finally came to an end in the 35th minute.

Fredericks went surging down the right and his divine cross found the unmarked Kebano, who duly headed past Bialkowski.

Fulham could have been home and dry by the break as Ojo forced Bialowski into another top stop, before Fonte fired against the frame a minute later.

Five minutes before the break McGoldrick missed a great chance to level as he was kept out by David Button, with options on either side.

Ipswich could have levelled immediately after the restart, but Joe Garner could only nod Grant Ward's corner straight at Button.

And they were made to rue that mistake as Fulham doubled their lead down the other end. Kebano almost had a brace as Bialkowski did well to save after the goalscorer turned his man to fire away his shot, but the rebound fell straight for Fonte to smash home the rebound in the 51st minute.

Ipswich valiantly tried to battle back into the game, but it just did not happen for them.

McGoldrick should have done better after driving into the box as he fired straight at Button.

With 15 minutes left goalscorer Fonte had to leave the field with a groin injury.

Late on Cole Skuse had a wildly ambitious effort charged down for the hosts.



https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/fulham-end-ipswichs-perfect-start-1860931.html

[WhiteJC]

 
Head Coach Reaction

Head Coach Slaviša Jokanović was happy with the performance of his Fulham side at Portman Road, as the Whites picked up their first three points of the 2017/18 campaign.

"We played a very good football match," reflected Jokanović.

"I give credit to Mick [McCarthy] for their great start of the season. We didn't start the season like Ipswich, but we believed we could play better and win the game.

"We dominated the game, played with confidence, moved the ball, created chances and we deserved to score some more goals in the first-half.

"During the start of the season, we couldn't find a way to win the game. Today, we can be very happy with our performance, but what's more important is the end product and that we go back to London with three points."

Having registered their first win of the season, Jokanović is encouraged by what he witnessed and is gearing up for a long season - full of plenty of highs and lows.

"Like every club, there'll be ups and downs during the season, but I expect that we'll be up more times than we are down," explained Jokanović.

"This result will encourage us. I expect the ambient around my team will be a little more positive. We know we're not  at our best level and made some costly mistakes at the beginning of the season."

The Whites now head into the international break in a positive mood and Jokanović is looking to use this period to bed in the new players and improve the team's performance level.

"The international break can gives us the right push to find a better level and to teach the new players," explained Jokanović.

"I expect we'll spend it in the right way - to help the new players understand how we want to play and to help others return to their highest level after the international break."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2017/august/26/head-coach-reaction

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich Town 0-2 Fulham
    PA Sport

Ipswich's perfect start to their league campaign came crashing to an end with a 2-0 defeat to fantastic Fulham.
Mick McCarthy's men were vying to open their league season with five straight wins for the first time in their history, but looked far from that side as goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte put paid to that.
Fulham put their shaky start behind them to deservedly pick up their first win of the season and defeat means Ipswich have failed to beat Fulham at home in three attempts.
Striker David McGoldrick was named in the Ipswich side despite awaiting the birth of his child but it was Fulham who thoroughly dominated the first half as the hosts tried their best to weather the storm.
It was free-flowing football from Slavisa Jokanovic's side, who unleashed wave after wave of attack in a dominant display.
Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo looked dangerous and had an early strike deflected wide before forcing Bartosz Bialkowski into the first save of the afternoon as the Polish stopper did well to deny the winger from range.
A minute later Bialkowski was indebted to his woodwork as Ryan Fredericks hit the post.
Just after the half-hour mark Bialkowski made a great save with his legs to keep out Stefan Johansen.
But Fulham's persistence paid off as the hosts' resistance finally came to an end in the 35th minute.
Fredericks went surging down the right and his divine cross found the unmarked Kebano, who duly headed past Bialkowski.
Fulham could have been home and dry by the break as Ojo forced Bialowski into another top stop, before Fonte fired against the frame a minute later.
Five minutes before the break McGoldrick missed a great chance to level as he was kept out by David Button, with options on either side.
Ipswich could have levelled immediately after the restart, but Joe Garner could only nod Grant Ward's corner straight at Button.
And they were made to rue that mistake as Fulham doubled their lead down the other end. Kebano almost had a brace as Bialkowski did well to save after the goalscorer turned his man to fire away his shot, but the rebound fell straight for Fonte to smash home the rebound in the 51st minute.
Ipswich valiantly tried to battle back into the game, but it just did not happen for them.
McGoldrick should have done better after driving into the box as he fired straight at Button.
With 15 minutes left goalscorer Fonte had to leave the field with a groin injury.
Late on Cole Skuse had a wildly ambitious effort charged down for the hosts.
ends



http://www.espn.co.uk/football/report?gameId=483643

[WhiteJC]

 
Fonte scores as dominant Fulham win at Ipswich

Ipswich 0 Fulham 2

Summer signing Rui Fonte scored his first goal for Fulham as the much-improved Whites picked up their first league win of the season.

Goals either side of half-time were enough to hand a first defeat to the joint-leaders as the Portuguese striker impressively lashed in the rebound to a parried shot from Neeskens Kebano, who had headed Fulham in front before the break.

Having struggled to finish chances against Sheffield Wednesday a week earlier, the visitors were guilty of being wasteful in front of goal again but converted when it mattered while defending Ipswich's counter-attacks resolutely.

With the home team sitting back, the Whites dominated both periods, controlling play in midfield and using the wide threats of full-backs Ryan Sessegnon and Ryan Fredericks, whose floated cross was nodded home at the back post by an unmarked Kebano on the 35-minute mark.

Earlier, Fredericks went close himself after Tom Cairney laid the ball off on the edge of the box, only for the defender's low drive to clip the outside of the post with keeper Bartosz Bialkowski beaten.

Fonte, who had to be taken off injured midway through the second half, also hit the woodwork five minutes before the break with an improvised volley after good work down the left by Sessegnon.

But the 27-year-old opened his Fulham account in style following a slick turn and shot from Kebano, firing into the roof of the net from an acute angle.

Fulham (4-3-3): Button; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Sessegnon; McDonald, Johansen (Odoi 90'), Cairney; Ojo, Fonte (Kamara 76'), Kebano (Norwood 82')
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Djaló, Edun, Cissé.



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fonte-scores-dominant-fulham-win-ipswich

[WhiteJC]

 
Ipswich 0-2 Fulham: Mick McCarthy's men lose first game of the season

Ipswich's perfect start to their Sky Bet Championship campaign came crashing to an end with a 2-0 defeat by Fulham.

Mick McCarthy's men were vying to open their league season with five straight wins for the first time in their history, but looked far from that side as goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte put paid to that.

Fulham put their shaky start behind them to deservedly pick up their first win of the season and defeat means Ipswich have failed to beat Fulham at home in three attempts.

Striker David McGoldrick was named in the Ipswich side despite awaiting the birth of his child but it was Fulham who thoroughly dominated the first half as the hosts tried their best to weather the storm.

It was free-flowing football from Slavisa Jokanovic's side, who unleashed wave after wave of attack in a dominant display. Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo looked dangerous and had an early strike deflected wide before forcing Bartosz Bialkowski into the first save of the afternoon as the Polish stopper did well to deny the winger from range.

A minute later Bialkowski was indebted to his woodwork as Ryan Fredericks hit the post and just after the half-hour mark, Bialkowski made a great save with his legs to keep out Stefan Johansen.

But Fulham's persistence paid off as the hosts' resistance finally came to an end in the 35th minute. Fredericks went surging down the right and his divine cross found the unmarked Kebano, who duly headed past Bialkowski.

Fulham could have been home and dry by the break as Ojo forced Bialkowski into another top stop, before Fonte fired against the frame a minute later. McGoldrick missed a great chance to level five minutes before the break as he was kept out by David Button, with options on either side.

Ipswich could have levelled immediately after the restart, but Joe Garner could only nod Grant Ward's corner straight at Button.

And they were made to rue that mistake as Fulham doubled their lead down the other end. Kebano almost had a brace as Bialkowski did well to save after the goalscorer turned his man to fire away his shot, but the rebound fell straight for Fonte to smash home the rebound in the 51st minute.

McGoldrick should have done better after driving into the box as he fired straight at Button and Ipswich valiantly tried to battle back into the game, but it just did not happen for them.

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy: "Call the police because there's just been a murder. Sometimes you just have to take your hat off to your opposition.

"They were streets ahead of us. They absolutely bashed us up with and without the ball. Sometimes you just can't get near the other team and that was the case."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic: "We didn't start the season like Ipswich did, but there's a huge number of games still in front of us.

"I expect we can start to be more positive now. We know we're not at our best level yet and we've made costly mistakes at the beginning of the season. We showed we didn't forget how to play good football. There is space for us to be better."



http://www.skysports.com/football/ipswich-vs-fulham/374674

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham vs Ipswich Review
Fulham took on Ipswich in a Saturday afternoon game this week.

First Half:
Fulham started the game much better, with Tom Cairney having the best chance, blasting a volley a bit over the bar. After another four minutes of Fulham dominance, Stefan Johansen's shot cannoned off the defender, giving Fulham a corner. Off of a Sessegnon cross, a goal saving header by the Ipswich center-half preventing Fonte from scoring. Sessegnon had a beautiful cutback to Ojo who looked certain to score, but Ipswich were able to block the attempt behind for a corner. On their first real spell of possession, Ipswich had a corner which was headed clear and a Grant Ward volley was turned just outside the post by Time Ream, with David Button stranded. Ojo cut inside on his left foot and unleashed a stinging effort on goal, but Bialkowski was on call to save. Off of a corner, Fredericks struck an effort than nicked off of the outside of the post. Good spells from Fulham and Ipswich only culminated in the first card of the game, a yellow for Iorfa. A shot from Tom Cairney trickled in front of the keeper but neither Fonte or Sessegnon could get to it. Straight off that chance, Ojo put a ball back to Johansen who slotted it to Kebano who returned the favor with a beautiful backheel, but Johansen's effort was saved well. Fredericks had a good amount of space and delivered a beautiful cross onto the head of Kebano who made no mistake, 1-0. A pass across goal was fumbled by the left back, but Fonte was nowhere to be seen. A cross from Sessegnon found Fonte who was tumbling due to a challenge from behind, and Fonte could on hit the post, much better from Fulham. Joe Garner has been suckering the referee into multiple undeserved freekicks, referee should do better.


Fulham FC


Second Half
Five minutes into the second half Rui Fonte opens his account for Fulham, a shot from Kebano was well saved, but Fonte blasted an incredible effort into the roof of the net from an incredibly tight angle. The whole Fulham team has started the second half well. Fredericks lined up an effort from outside the box, but it went over. Ipswich made the first two subs of the game, Celina for Sears and Down for Waghorn. Fulham have continued to put a good amount of pressure on Ipswich as we look to build on our two goal lead. Another 5 minutes of back and forth play from the two sides, Ipswich aren't looking dangerous. Due to some groin discomfort, Aboubakar Kamara went off for Rui Fonte. 5 minutes later, Neeskens Kebano went off for Oliver Norwood. In the 89th minute, Dennis Odoi came on for Stefan Johansen. Kamara has looked better in this showing than previously, hopefully a sign of things to come. Final Whistle.

Three Points
    Defense was rock solid: Ream, Kalas, Sessegnon, and Fredericks were all superb, and with the cover from kevin McDonald, we can keep a clean sheet against anyone in the league if we play like that every week.
    Fonte is a class player: His movement is truly fantastic, and he has a great first touch. Ojo seemed to be pushing him out on the wing a little too much, but Fonte was still impressive.
    We don't rely on Aluko: Ojo came in after a poor performance vs Bristol Rovers, but he left that behind him today. His performance was superb in every aspect, and he could have bagged a goal on another day. Kebano had a great game too, scoring the opening goal and creating many chances. If we can get 6 million for Aluko, and reinvest that into a third, class center half, I would do it after today, assuming we need to sell Aluko to afford the center back.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2017/8/26/16208350/fulham-vs-ipswich-review

[WhiteJC]

 
Stuart says: Five observations from Ipswich Town's 2-0 home defeat to Fulham

Ipswich Town's 100% start to the Championship season came to an abrupt end with a 2-0 home defeat to Fulham today. STUART WATSON gives his thoughts.

OUTCLASSED
Just like at Portman Road back on Boxing Day 2016, Slavisa Jokanovic's men passed the Blues off the park.

They ended the match with 70% possession and it felt like a lot more than that.

Mick McCarthy said pre-match that, just like against Brentford the previous weekend, his team would not have much of the ball. That message became a self-fulfilling prophecy as Town sat deep and chased shadows.

Few teams, to be fair, would have been able to deal with a Fulham side in their stride though.

WHERE THE DAMAGE WAS DONE
Star midfielder Tom Cairney, the 2016/17 EFL Player of the Year, was unplayable. He was here, there and everywhere and pulled the strings. Cole Skuse was tasked with a man-marking job, but couldn't get near him.

The Cottagers' marauding full-backs Ryan Fredericks and Ryan Sessegnon caused no end of damage down the flanks. The latter, who only turned 17 in May, was mightily impressive, but certainly aided by the fact that right-back Dominic Iorfa was far too narrow and winger Martyn Waghorn neglected his defensive duties.

NO CHANGES AT BREAK
It came as some surprise when McCarthy made no changes, either in terms of personnel or tactics, at the interval.

He could have shifted the energetic Grant Ward wide right to deal with Sessegnon and put the tenacious Flynn Downes on to disrupt in the middle. He could have changed to a back five.

He did neither and six minutes after the restart it was 2-0 and effectively game over.

To be fair, the Blues boss' options are rather limited at the moment. The quicker he gets some defenders and midfielders fit again the better.

REALITY CHECK
Town may have won their opening four league games, but there's no doubting they rode their luck in all of those victories. Birmingham, Barnsley, Millwall and Brentford all had spells on top, but Mick McCarthy's men stuck to the task and were clinical when it mattered.

Fulham provided a massive step up in class in terms of opposition. Forget their slow start – they'd played Norwich, Reading, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday – they will be promotion contenders again.

We had been saying that tougher tests were ahead for Town. The good news is there won't be many better teams heading to Suffolk in 2017/18.

PERSPECTIVE
If 12 points from the opening five games had been offered up before a ball was kicked, anyone associated with Ipswich Town would have snapped their hand off.

Any predictions that was going to happen, following the doom and gloom of 2016/17 and a 6-1 friendly defeat at Charlton, would have been laughed at.

This, sadly, was just one game too many for an injury-hit squad at the end of a relentless August.

The international break comes at just the right time. Hopefully, come the trip to QPR in a fortnight's time, the likes of Luke Chambers, Tom Adeyemi and Luke Hyam can be called upon again.



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/stuart-says-five-observations-from-ipswich-town-s-2-0-home-defeat-to-fulham-1-5165676

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Ipswich Town 0 Fulham 2 reaction: Mick McCarthy admits Blues were bashed by Cottagers

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy admitted his side were completely outclassed by Fulham in this afternoon's 2-0 Championship defeat at Portman Road.

The Blues had the chance to create history and become the first team in the club's 81-year professional history to win their opening five league games, but their 100% league start was brought to an abrupt end as Slavisa Jokanovic's visitors passed them off the park.

Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte scored either side of half-time, with the dominant Cottagers enjoying 70% of possession, twice hitting the post and forcing a string of good saves out of keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.

Asked for his assessment, McCarthy paused, took a long sip of his coffee and replied: "Call the police... Because there's just been a murder on the pitch."

He continued: "I think that sometimes you just have to take your hat off to the opposition. We've had a brilliant month, 12 points, but today we've just come up against a team streets ahead. They absolutely bashed us with the ball and without the ball.

"Fulham are tops. They've spent a few quid and they've got some good players. I missed Slavisa (Joaknovic) afterwards, which is a shame because I like him. They've done both sides of the game today – it's one thing all the nice football, but they also did the pressing and the tackling and the work rate. I've no doubt they will be promotion contenders again. Today shows how far removed we are from them.

"I've ended up with round pegs in square holes though. I've got all four of our strikers on the pitch. Wardy (Grant Ward) is not a central midfield player and Waggy (Martyn Waghorn) is not a wide right player particularly, Freddie (Sears) does his wide left job. That team had to play though. I didn't think it was right to change it and go negative.

"My disappointment was we didn't do well with the ball. We didn't make the most of the scant opportunities we did have. When we did win it, we gave it back too easily. That would be my criticism.

"I've only got 10 fit senior first team players. You've seen my bench. If I'd have had Emyr (Huws) or Tom (Adeyemi) available I might have been able to combat their midfield a bit better."

Town now have a fortnight off due to the international break before returning to action with a game at QPR.

"It's a bad day today, but it's been a good month," said McCarthy. "We'd have taken 12 points. That doesn't stop it being a disappointing day today though."

With Town's Under-23s at home on Tuesday night, then travelling to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, McCarthy added: "Tom Adeyemi will be playing on Tuesday, Luke Hyam will play again (after two recent U23 appearances) and some of the others will get games too – Danny Rowe and Bersant Celina.

"We've got no sign of the centre-backs coming back soon though, so I'm still hoping to get one."



http://www.greenun24.co.uk/ipswich-town/ipswich-town-0-fulham-2-reaction-mick-mccarthy-admits-blues-were-bashed-by-cottagers-1-5165720

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Jaap Stam provides update on Reading FC's interest in Hugill, Aluko and Oliveira

Royals' boss is keen to add to his attack before Thursday's deadline

Reading FC manager Jaap Stam has confirmed Fulham's Sone Aluko and Norwich City's Nelson Oliveira remain transfer targets for the club.

Royals have until 11pm on Thursday, August 31 to get their transfer dealings done.

Stam says he is still keen on bringing the pair to the club but has admitted another target Jordan Hugill of Preston will be difficult to get.

Speaking after his side's 2-0 win at Birmingham City on Saturday, Stam said: "Aluko and Oliveira are still on my radar.

"We're always looking for players who can make us better.

"Oliveira is a great striker - he can be a big asset for us. And it's the same for Aluko.

"He is the type of player I think can make the squad better and give us something different. But it's not up to me."

Royals announced former Wolves midfielder Dave Edwards as their latest recruit prior to kick-off at St Andrew's.

The Wales international is Reading's sixth summer signing.

Stam said he still hopes to be active in the transfer market before Thursday's deadline. When asked about reports of an £8m bid for Hugill, he replied: "I don't know how much we offered so I can't talk about money.

"We were interested in him, but from what I have heard he is not going away or they won't let him go."



http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/jaap-stam-provides-update-reading-13534896

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McCarthy: They Absolutely Bashed Us

Boss Mick McCarthy admitted that his side were "absolutely bashed" by Fulham, who left Portman Road having beaten Town 2-0, the second-placed Blues' first Championship defeat of the season.

"Call the police, there's just been a murder gone on the pitch," McCarthy said ruefully after the Cottagers repeated the scoreline and performance from last season's corresponding fixture on Boxing Day to claim their first Championship victory of this campaign.

"I think sometimes you have to take your hat off to the opposition and say, 'Well done'. It's easy for me to criticise ours, we've had a brilliant month, 12 points from our games and we've come up against a team today who were just streets in front of us and have absolutely bashed us, with the ball, without the ball, they were just very good."

McCarthy dismissed the suggestion that his injury and illness-hit squad had run out of steam at the end of a tough first month.

"It's a one-off performance," he said. "I had the 10 that played last week and played ever so well, Fulham are just very good. They're tops.

"They've spent a few quid, they've got some good players, to be fair. And in the end I end up with square pegs in round holes because we've had a great performance with our front four [at Millwall and at home to Brentford], all the strikers on the pitch and Wardy.

"He's not a central midfield player and Waggy's not a wide right player particularly and Freddie does his wide left role, but that team had to play [rather than me changing it making] it more negative to try and play against them.

"I thought we'd have played better, I don't think we did well with the ball. My disappointment was that we didn't make the most of the scant opportunities that we had. Even when we won it back we gave it back too easily. That would be my criticism."

Does he mean he had to play that team due to the lack of personnel or because of the performances and results in previous games? "A bit of both, I've got 10 fit first-team players, you've seen the bench.

"Am I going to put in any of those that were on the bench instead of the players that were on the pitch? No. But maybe if Emyr and Tom and people were fit, and knowing full well how good their three midfield players are, I might have been able to combat that a bit better. But that team's been great, so I can't complain."

McCarthy sees Fulham, who finished sixth last season, as one of the division's play-off contenders: "No doubt. I think they've just been in our coaches' office, I think I missed Slavisa, which I'm sad about because I like him and it would have been nice to see him.

"They've said they've done both sides of the game today. One thing they've been criticised for has been that they're playing all the nice football but not doing their pressing and their tackling and the work rate. Well, I think they had everything today.

"Both centre-backs were pretty solid and they're a really good team. I do think they'll be promotion candidates again.

"They lost in the play-offs last season, we finished 16th and they were play-off candidates. It's a bad day today but I go back to the month we've had, we'd have taken 12 points."

He added: "But that doesn't stop it being a disappointing day today. I think it just shows how far away removed we are from them.

"But they've spent a few quid, the two lads up front cost £13 million between them. They've got a really good squad of players, they were excellent today."

McCarthy hopes to have some of his injured players available again after the international break when the Blues face QPR at Loftus Road.

"Tom Adeyemi will be playing [for the U23s] on Tuesday, Luke Hyam will play again and then will play again at Hillsborough and some of the others will get a game, Danny Rowe and Bersant Celina will get a game in those matches. But I've no sign of the centre-backs coming back, so I'm still hoping to get one."

Is he confident of getting someone in before Thursday's 11pm transfer deadline? "Yeah, of course."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic was pleased with his team's performance but more that they had taken their chances.

"We played a very good football match," he said. "My team dominated the game, played with confidence, moved the ball and created the chances.

"I believe we should have scored some more goals in the first half, we haven't been clinical at the beginning of the Championship.

"But we scored the second goal at the right time to minimise our risk and to win the game we tried to control and kill the game.

"After the start of the season when we didn't find a way to win a game, we can be very happy with our performance but the end product is more important and that we go back to London with the three points."



https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-news/32179

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Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham can get even better after cruising past Ipswich

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes his side can get even better after a dominant 2-0 win at Ipswich.

Mick McCarthy's side had won their opening four Sky Bet Championship games, before Fulham inflicted their first defeat of the season.

Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte grabbed the goals as Fulham picked up their first victory of the campaign.

Jokanovic said: "We believe we can play better.

"We didn't start the season like Ipswich did, but there's a huge number of games still in front of us.

"I expect we can start to be more positive now. We know we're not at our best level yet and we've made costly mistakes at the beginning of the season.

"We showed we didn't forget how to play good football. There is space for us to be better."

Ryan Fredericks went surging down the right and his cross found the unmarked Kebano, who duly headed past Bartosz Bialkowski in minute 35.

Fonte hit the post in the first half, before scoring in the second.

Kebano almost had a brace as Bialkowski did well to save after the scorer turned his man to fire away his shot, but the rebound fell straight for Fonte to smash home the rebound in the 51st minute.

Despite opening with four back-to-back wins, the Tractor Boys were thoroughly outclassed by a rampant Fulham line-up.

But Jokanovic is adamant his side will not be resting on their laurels during the international break.

Jokanovic added: "Luck doesn't exist in football. If something a little different happened then we could have beat Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.

"It (the international break) is a good time for us to push forward and recover our spirit.

"We now have time to rest and to work hard, we are not on holiday now.

"Just because we've won one game, it doesn't mean we can relax."

A dejected McCarthy quipped: "Call the police because there's just been a murder.

"Sometimes you just have to take your hat off to your opposition.

"They were streets ahead of us. They absolutely bashed us up with and without the ball.

"Sometimes you just can't get near the other team and that was the case.

"We tried putting round pegs in square holes. We had players playing out of position due to injury and I didn't think it was right to go negative.

"There's no need to panic. We've had four good results without all of our squad available.

"You've got to remember that it's just one game, one result. We've won our other four league games.

"We've got some time off now to reflect on what has been a really good start to the season for us."



https://www.clubcall.com/fulham/slavisa-jokanovic-says-fulham-can-get-even-better-after-crui-1860984.html

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Mick McCarthy: 'Fulham murdered us'

Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has admitted that his side were "absolutely bashed" this afternoon as they fell to a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Fulham.

The Tractor Boys entered the game having won their first four league games on the bounce, but came unstuck at Portman Road as goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte handed the Cottagers all three points.

Asked for his thoughts after the game, McCarthy told the Ipswich Star: "Call the police... because there's just been a murder on the pitch.

"I think that sometimes you just have to take your hat off to the opposition. We've had a brilliant month, 12 points, but today we've just come up against a team streets ahead. They absolutely bashed us with the ball and without the ball.

"Fulham are tops. They've spent a few quid and they've got some good players. They've done both sides of the game today – it's one thing all the nice football, but they also did the pressing and the tackling and the work rate. I've no doubt they will be promotion contenders again. Today shows how far removed we are from them.

"It's a bad day today, but it's been a good month. We'd have taken 12 points. That doesn't stop it being a disappointing day today though."

Next up for Town is a trip to Queens Park Rangers when Championship action resumes on September 9.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/ipswich-town/news/mick-mccarthy-fulham-murdered-us_305701.html

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BOSS: THEY WERE BETTER

Mick praise for Cottagers but points to successful month

Mick McCarthy had no complaints about the result and praised Bart Bialkowski for keeping Blues in the game after Fulham showed their class at Portman Road.

Goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte gave the Cottagers a 2-0 win and it could have been more but for the brilliance of Town's 'keeper.

"Bart was terrific for us and kept us in the game," the Town boss told iFollow.

"Sometimes though, you just have to accept that the opposition were better on the day and this was one of those occasions.

"They were excellent and I'm not sure there was anything more we could have done about it.

"We tried everything. We pressed, we sat back but they did everything well and we got away with it at 2-0. We could have been out of it by half-time.

"We could have done better in certain areas and we didn't do enough with the scant chances we had. We're disappointed to lose obviously but if you'd offered me 12 points out of 15 at the start of the month, I'd taken that all day long. It's been a good month."



https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2017/august/boss-credit-to-fulham/

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Ipswich boss McCarthy hails Fulham

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy believes Fulham will challenge for promotion again this season after seeing his side 'murdered' by them at Portman Road.

Goals from Neeskens Kebano and summer signing Rui Fonte gave Fulham their first Championship victory of the season while handing Ipswich their first loss this term, with McCarthy admitting that his team was outplayed across the field.

He said: "Call the police, because there's been murder on the pitch.

"Sometimes you have to say hats off to the opposition, well done. They absolutely bashed us, with the ball and without.

"They've done both sides of the game today – nice football and the pressing, the tackling, the working. They did everything today. Both centre-backs were solid. They were excellent."

And with the Whites narrowly missing out on the play-off final last season, McCarthy expects them to go far again in their search a Premier League return come May.

"Fulham are just very good," he added. "They're tops. I do think they will be promotion candidates again this season."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-ipswich-town-mick-mccarthy-reaction-260817

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Slavisa Jokanovic calls on Fulham to improve further after Ipswich win

The Cottagers put in a strong performance to win 2-0 at Portman Road and the manager was happy to get a win before the international break

Slavisa Jokanovic believes Fulham can play even better after claiming a 2-0 win at Ipswich to pick up their first three points of the season.

The Cottagers secured their first win of the season thanks to goals from Neeskens Kebano and Rui Fonte - the Portuguese man's first for the club in what was a dominant display for the away side.

That victory sees the club into the international break on the back of a victory, something which was needed as the side struggled to find form in the first four games of the campaign.

The manager was happy with the level of performance his side showed but, as you would expect with the Serbian, still demanded further improvement.

Jokanovic said: "We believe we can play better.

"We didn't start the season like Ipswich did, but there's a huge number of games still in front of us.

"I expect we can start to be more positive now. We know we're not at our best level yet and we've made costly mistakes at the beginning of the season.

"We showed we didn't forget how to play good football. There is space for us to be better."

Ryan Fredericks went surging down the right and his cross found the unmarked Kebano, who duly headed past Bartosz Bialkowski in minute 35.

Fonte hit the post in the first half, before scoring in the second.

Kebano almost had a brace as Bialkowski did well to save after the scorer turned his man to fire away his shot, but the rebound fell straight for Fonte to smash home the rebound in the 51st minute.

Despite opening with four back-to-back wins, the Tractor Boys were thoroughly outclassed by a rampant Fulham line-up.

But Jokanovic is adamant his side will not be resting on their laurels during the international break.

Jokanovic added: "Luck doesn't exist in football. If something a little different happened then we could have beat Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday.

"It (the international break) is a good time for us to push forward and recover our spirit.

"We now have time to rest and to work hard, we are not on holiday now.

"Just because we've won one game, it doesn't mean we can relax."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/slavisa-jokanovic-13534621

[WhiteJC]

 
Match report: Fulham U23s 2-3 Aston Villa U23s

Game details

Match: Fulham U23 v Aston Villa U23
Date: August 26, 2017
Competition: Premier League 2 Division 2
Venue: Craven Cottage
Kick-off: 2pm
Weather: 24c, sunny
Scoring Summary

Suliman 2
Adebayo 5
Lyden 16
Kwietniewski 74
Knibbs 77
Analysis

Aston Villa U23's returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory against Fulham in the Premier League 2 Division 2 clash at Craven Cottage.

Villa went ahead early on after Easah Suliman rose highest in the box to head in Jack Clarke's free-kick.

Fulham equalised shortly after when Elijah Adebayo headed past Matija Sarkic in the Villa goal.

The Villans regained the lead after 15 minutes when Callum O'Hare was fouled in the box.

Captain Jordan Lyden saw his spot-kick saved before tapping in the rebound.

The best chance for the remainder of the first half fell to Harvey Knibbs whose shot was well saved by Marek Rodak in the Fulham goal.

Kevin MacDonald's men started the second half well, O'Hare almost extended the lead but saw his shot fire off the crossbar.

Matija Sarkic pulled off an incredible double save from close-range but couldn't get enough of a hand to Mikolaj Kwietniewski's curling effort which levelled the scores after 74 minutes.

Villa regained the lead shortly after when a mistake in Fulham's defence allowed for Knibbs to score the winner.

Fulham almost equalised for a third time on the 90th minute mark but Jacob Bedeau pulled off a goal-line block to deny Mattias Kait.

The Cottagers ended the game with 10 men after Jayden Harris was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Misconduct summary
Fulham red card

Harris
Fulham bookings

Felix
Villa bookings

None
Line-ups

FULHAM: Rodak; Felix, Harris, Atkinson, Kavanagh; Humphrys (Kait 88), O'Riley, Adeniran (Kwietniewski 45), Thorsteinsson; Adebayo, Williams. Unused subs: Ashby-Hammond, Pearce, Elstone.

VILLA: Sarkic; Clark, Suliman, Bedeau, Borg; Cox (Prosser 64), Lyden, Doyle-Hayes, Clarke; Knibbs (Mooney 77), O'Hare. Unused subs: Watkins.
Officials

Referee: S Allison
Assistant Referee 1: M Carmichael
Assistant Referee 2: O Jackson
Fourth Official: D Sotimirin



https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2017/08/26/match-report-fulham-u23s-2-3-villa-u23s