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Wednesday Fulham Stuff (22.09.10)

Started by White Noise, September 21, 2010, 10:20:31 PM

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White Noise


http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3319081,00.html



Stoke punish sloppy Fulham


Potters make light work of Cottagers


By Danny Wright  


Last updated: 21st September 2010    

Stoke punished a sloppy defensive display from Fulham to earn a routine 2-0 win in their third round Carling Cup clash at the Britannia Stadium.

The hosts went in-front when defender Danny Higginbotham nodded home unmarked from six yards in the 23rd minute from Matthew Etherington's centre to capitalise on the visitors' pedestrian defending.

Etherington and Cottagers captain Danny Murphy were both lucky to still be on the pitch prior to the goal after the Stoke winger hauled down Moussa Dembele to spark a minor fracas, with Murphy throwing the ball at this opponent.

Referee Mark Hasley booked both players and Fulham established themselves as the better side. The Londoners enjoyed plenty of pressure in the opening period with Zoltan Gera flashing over but openings were at a premium as Mark Hughes' team searched for a leveller.

Fulham continued to impress in possession as Dembele went perilously close but Tony Pulis' team made sure of their passage as a trademark Rory Delap throw allowed Kenwyne Jones to out-jump the defence to make it 2-0 in the 79th minute.

Positive start
Stoke made the more positive start and after Tuncay Sanli had won a free-kick in a useful position but blazed it over, his strike partner Ricardo Fuller saw his header palmed around the post by Mark Schwarzer.

Brede Hangeland sent a header goalwards at the other end but could not trouble goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who was making his first appearance of the season having been left out of the Potters squad to face Shrewsbury in the previous round after he reportedly refused to play.

Moments later Stoke went in front thanks the head of Higginbotham, who made the perfect connection with Etherington's corner by crashing the ball across Schwarzer and in.

The hosts were good value for their lead with Tuncay, in the team for Jon Walters, looking particularly lively.

The Turkey international fired an acrobatic effort from outside the box which Schwarzer was equal to and Etherington also tried something spectacular soon after, slipping as he hit a shot from distance that went over the crossbar.

Fulham won the ball back and Clint Dempsey teed up Zoltan Gera, who drove powerfully at Begovic. Dempsey then saw his free-kick deflect over off the Stoke wall and scuffed a shot into Begovic's arms.


Surged forward
Jones almost scored within seconds of the restart as Stoke surged forward, but the Trinidadian's effort flew wide. Play switched and Carlos Salcido sent an effort off-target before the hosts survived a real scare.

It was Stoke who came closest next, Glenn Whelan receiving Tuncay's free-kick and unleashing a drive that whistled just over. The Potters were sloppy in the box again soon after though, with Dempsey almost capitalising but unable to guide the ball beyond Begovic.

Fulham were suddenly looking the more incisive outfit and Stoke did just about enough to put Johnson off as he fired an effort wide. Dembele then sent a fierce effort the wrong side of the post and was involved again moments later in a move that resulted in Dickson Etuhu heading over.

By this stage though, the Potters had Delap, a 68th-minute replacement for Salif Diao, on the field, and it did not take long for him to make the desired impact. A little over 10 minutes after coming on, Delap launched a trademark long throw into the Fulham box and Jones beat Schwarzer to head it home.

Gera curled a shot wide and Stoke fans cried out for a penalty when Andy Wilkinson was tackled late on. Substitute Danny Pugh had a shot saved late on, but the hosts had done enough and their place in last 16 was confirmed as Halsey blew for full-time.

White Noise


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/league-cup/8016145/Stoke-City-2-Fulham-0-match-report.html



Stoke City 2 Fulham 0: match report

Read a full match report of the Carling Carling Cup third-round game between Stoke City and Fulham at the Brittannia Stadium on Tuesday Sept 21 2010.

By Rory Smith, Britannia Stadium


Published: 9:25PM BST 21 Sep 2010


Mark Hughes's unbeaten start to his tenure at Fulham came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday night as Mark Schwarzer wilted under his second aerial bombardment in three days to hand Stoke a comfortable victory.

The Australian, at fault for Blackburn's equaliser in their Premier League match last Saturday, misjudged a Matthew Etherington corner and a Rory Delap throw as Danny Higginbotham and Kenwyne Jones eased Tony Pulis's side into the Carling Cup last 16 and ensured Hughes's first defeat in seven games since taking charge at Craven Cottage.

These two sides represent the Carling Cup's target demographic, those teams unlikely to be concerned by relegation but not expecting to qualify for Europe through the league, and both Pulis and Hughes signalled the seriousness with which they are treating this competition by naming strong teams.

Even a crowd-baiting pantomime quarrel between Danny Murphy and Matthew Etherington - the latter taking exception to a sturdy challenge from the former on Moussa Dembele, rather petulantly throwing the ball in his direction - could not lift the occasion beyond low-key, though.

What little there was to excite a sparsely-populated Britannia Stadium came from the hosts, the more impressive of two finely-matched sides.

Mark Schwarzer denied Ricardo Fuller, Murphy blocked from the troublesome Kenwyne Jones after fine work from Tuncay.

The deadlock was only broken, though, when Schwarzer, perhaps still reeling from his bruising treatment at the hands - and elbows and shoulders - of Blackburn at the weekend, raced from his line to collect Etherington's corner, missed by some distance and found himself helpless as Higginbotham's powerful header flew past him.

Tuncay almost doubled the lead in spectacular fashion - the Australian palming down his Paolo Di Canio-style scissor kick - and Jones fizzed a drive just past the far post immediately after the break.

Fulham, by contrast, seemed muted. Hughes's side's best chance fell to Clint Dempsey, but only by virtue of Asmir Begovic spilling Zoltan Gera's cross at his feet. The American could only clip the roof of the net.

Just as the visitors seemed to be growing in confidence, going close through substitute Eddie Johnson and Dickson Etuhu, Schwarzer's jitters returned as Jones beat him to a trademark Delap mortar to secure the hosts' victory.

Match details

Stoke (4-4-2 ): Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Higginbotham; Etherington, Diao (Delap 68), Whelan, Tuncay (Pugh 84); Jones, Fuller (Walters 75)
Booked: Etherington, Wilkinson
Subs not used: Sorensen (G), Soares, Gudjohnsen, Tonge
Manager: Tony Pulis
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Kelly (Halliche 84), Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Gera, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies (E Johnson 57); Dempsey, Dembele (Greening 90)
Booked: Murphy
Subs not used: Etheridge (G), Paintsil, Baird, Riise
Manager: Mark Hughes
Referee: Mark Halsey

White Noise


Stoke 2-0 Fulham: Daily Mirror match report



Published 21:41 21/09/10


By David Anderson



Mark Hughes became the latest manager to be hit by the Brit effect as he suffered his first loss as Fulham boss.

Hughes' proud unbeaten start to his career at Craven Cottage was ended by the Potters partypoopers in his seventh game in charge.

Danny Higginbotham headed Stoke in front at the Britannia before Kenwyne Jones nodded home yet another Rory Delap long throw to book their place in the last 16.

The defeat means it is back to the drawing board for Hughes who thought he had cured Fulham's infamous travel sickness.

Stoke went close to a second just seconds after the restart and Jones hit an angled drive narrowly wide of Schwarzer's far post.

For all of the home side's superiority, Fulham should have equalised when Begovic fumbled Zoltan Gera's right-wing cross and Dempsey hooked the loose ball over the bar.

Stoke were playing some great stuff, orchestrated by Tuncay and the Turk squared a free-kick near the left corner flag to Glenn Whelan, who cracked a 25-yarder just over Schwarzer's bar.

But Fulham continued to threaten and Dickson Etuhu went close before Dembele shot wide.

After all their nice football, Stoke showed they can still succeed playing it long as Rory Delap came off the bench to arrow a throw-in to the six-yard box, where Jones headed home their second on 79 minutes.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Stoke-2-0-Fulham-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Danny-Higginbotham-and-Kenwyne-Jones-send-the-Potters-through-to-the-next-round-article585793.html#ixzz10CZWckTk


White Noise


http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/sep/21/stoke-city-fulham-carling-cup


Danny Higginbotham has Stoke dreaming of 1972 after beating Fulham   

Guardian report


Carling Cup Third Round

Stoke City 2 Higginbotham 23, Jones 79
Fulham 0 

Richard Jolly at Britannia Stadium guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 21 September 2010 22.00 BST Article history
Stoke's Ricardo Fuller, left, tries to escape the attentions of Fulham's Carlos Salcido. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Little more than a Rory Delap long throw from the Britannia Stadium lies George Eastham Avenue, celebrating the scorer of Stoke's winning goal in the 1972 League Cup final. The roads in this part of the Potteries do not have to be renamed just yet – and the Danny Higginbotham Boulevard would be a mouthful anyway – but the left-back's goal, coupled with a Kenwyne Jones header, ensured progress to the last 16.

Cup runs took Fulham to such diverse destinations as Donetsk, Perm, Turin and Hamburg in the Europa League last year. In that context, a trip to Stoke was not the most exotic.

Nevertheless, Mark Hughes's team selection was a declaration of intent with Zoltan Gera the only newcomer. Tony Pulis opted for a blend of fringe players and first choices, a policy that appeared justified by the personnel involved when his side struck. Matthew Etherington, one of four to retain his place from the weekend, delivered a right-wing corner that Mark Schwarzer missed; a flying Higginbotham, playing his first game for four weeks, headed in emphatically.

It constituted the reward for a forceful start. Schwarzer had already denied Ricardo Fuller while Brede Hangeland's last-ditch block thwarted Jones. The recalled Tuncay's spectacular scissors-kick then drew a second stop from Schwarzer.

Fulham, meanwhile, had been limited to a Hangeland header and a long-range shot from Gera, both gathered by Asmir Begovic. The goalkeeper's presence was a curiosity; he had opted out of the second-round win over Shrewsbury at a time of speculation that Chelsea were readying a bid. His return to the Stoke side, and opportunity for redemption, came in the same competition.

It almost brought embarrassment, however. Begovic spilled Gera's seemingly unthreatening cross, diverting the ball towards Clint Dempsey. The American adjusted his body adeptly to volley, but hooked his effort over the unguarded goal.

It was an uncharacteristic error from an otherwise purposeful Stoke team. They almost doubled their lead within 20 seconds of the restart when Jones powered through and drilled his shot narrowly past the far post with Schwarzer defeated.

Indeed with Tuncay displaying the trickery that has endeared him to the crowd – if not his manager – there was an inventiveness to Stoke. Muscle was allied with attempts at magic from the Turk.

Victory was secured, however, in trademark fashion. Delap was brought on and he hurled the ball to the far post where Jones headed in his third goal in as many games.

White Noise

Stoke City 2 Fulham 0: Potters are head boys as Higginbotham and Jones secure a place in fourth round


By David Kent


Last updated at 10:10 PM on 21st September 2010



Danny Higginbotham goals are rare things but the defender was in the right place at the right time to head Stoke on the way to victory.

And a far more predictable source of goals - a Rory Delap throw-in - sealed the victory as Kenwyne Jones also headed in.

It was a pleasing night for Stoke fans, although it was almost one to forget for their goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The Bosnian stopper was given warm applause when his name was announced before his first appearance since refusing to play in the previous round against Shrewsbury.

Manager Tony Pulis issued a pre-match plea to fans to lay off him but had Clint Dempsey converted his gilt-edged chance after the goalkeeper spilled a simple cross, even he might have been on his back.

Both teams fielded strong sides for this match. There was a sedate opening - but the contest soon came to life when Danny Murphy reacted to Matt Etherington's challenge on Moussa Dembele. The resulting confrontation threatened to boil over, with Fulham's captain angrily throwing the ball towards his opponent.

Ful of woe: Fulham's Clint Dempsey (bottom) lies dejected on the floor after missing a glorious chance
He still complained bitterly after referee Mark Halsey booked both players but regained his composure in time to block Jones' effort. Fulham escaped on that occasion but, three minutes later, the defence criminally watched Etherington's corner drift to the far post while Higginbotham raced on to it.

There was just as much movement as the defender's thumping header flew into the net to make it 1-0 after 23 minutes. Higginbotham could hardly believe his luck as he notched his second strike in a year.

With Fulham chasing, Stoke could exploit the extra space, especially Tuncay, who left the Britannia Stadium and watched their recent match with Aston Villa at home after his omission from the matchday squad. Set-pieces looked the Londoners' best chance of levelling.

Sorry sight: Fulham's Mousa Dembele is stretchered off with a shin injury
As the minutes ticked by, tension rose in the Stoke ranks that Fulham would snatch something. But there was little sign of a comeback until Dempsey wasted his big chance.

Higginbotham's poor clearance laid on another chance for the American but Begovic showed much safer hands before substitute Eddie Johnson flashed a shot wide. And Stoke ensured Fulham paid for those misses when Jones scored the second in the 79th minute.

There was more bad news for Fulham in the 90th minute when striker Moussa Dembele was stretchered off, clutching his shin.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314048/Stoke-City-2-Fulham-0-Potters-head-boys-secure-place-fourth-round.html?ITO=1490#ixzz10Cjst1N9

White Noise


http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/21092010/63/stoke-v-fulham-21-september.html


Stoke v Fulham - 21 September

Tue, 21 Sep 22:01:01 2010


Headers from Danny Higginbotham and Kenwyne Jones secured Stoke a 2-0 victory over Fulham at the Britannia Stadium and a place in the Carling Cup fourth round.

Higginbotham gave the Potters the lead in the 23rd minute, arriving at the far post to convert Matthew Etherington's corner.

Jones wrapped up the win with his third goal in three games, rising to meet Rory Delap's throw-in with 11 minutes remaining.

Stoke made the more positive start and after Tuncay Sanli had won a free-kick in a useful position but blazed it over, his strike partner Ricardo Fuller saw his header palmed around the post by Mark Schwarzer.

Tempers flared just before the quarter-hour mark when Etherington brought down Moussa Dembele with a rash challenge.

Cottagers captain Danny Murphy reacted by throwing the ball at Etherington, and after a minor skirmish, referee Mark Halsey booked both players.

Murphy then went some way to redeeming himself by blocking a shot from Jones in the box, before Brede Hangeland sent a header goalwards at the other end but could not trouble goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who was making his first appearance of the season having been left out of the Potters squad to face Shrewsbury in the previous round after he reportedly refused to play.

Moments later Stoke went in front thanks the head of Higginbotham, who made the perfect connection with Etherington's corner by crashing the ball across Schwarzer and in.

The hosts were good value for their lead with Tuncay, in the team for Jon Walters, looking particularly lively.

The Turkey international fired an acrobatic effort from outside the box which Schwarzer was equal to and Etherington also tried something spectacular soon after, slipping as he hit a shot from distance that went over the crossbar.

Fulham won the ball back and Clint Dempsey teed up Zoltan Gera, who drove powerfully at Begovic.

Dempsey then saw his free-kick deflect over off the Stoke wall and scuffed a shot into Begovic's arms.

Jones almost scored within seconds of the restart as Stoke surged forward, but the Trinidadian's effort flew wide.

Play switched and Carlos Salcido sent an effort off-target before the hosts survived a real scare.

Begovic flapped at a cross from Gera in the 54th minute and the ball dropped to Dempsey, but the goalkeeper's blushes were spared as the American volleyed it over the crossbar.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes responded by introducing another attacking option, with Eddie Johnson coming on for Simon Davies.

It was Stoke who came closest next, Glenn Whelan receiving Tuncay's free-kick and unleashing a drive that whistled just over.

The Potters were sloppy in the box again soon after though, with Dempsey almost capitalising but unable to guide the ball beyond Begovic.

Fulham were suddenly looking the more incisive outfit and Stoke did just about enough to put Johnson off as he fired an effort wide.

Dembele then sent a fierce effort the wrong side of the post and was involved again moments later in a move that resulted in Dickson Etuhu heading over.

By this stage though, the Potters had Delap, a 68th-minute replacement for Salif Diao, on the field, and it did not take long for him to make the desired impact.

A little over 10 minutes after coming on, Delap launched a trademark long throw into the Fulham box and Jones beat Schwarzer to head it home.

Gera curled a shot wide and Stoke fans cried out for a penalty when Andy Wilkinson was tackled late on.

Wilkinson then picked up a booking after bringing down Dembele, who had to be carried off on a stretcher.

Substitute Danny Pugh had a shot saved late on, but the hosts had done enough and their place in last 16 was confirmed as Halsey blew for full-time.


White Noise

Stoke 2 - 0 Fulham


Fulham's impressive unbeaten record in all competitions came to an end at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday night, as Mark Hughes' Team were defeated 2-0 by Stoke City in the third round of the Carling Cup.

The Whites suffered a double blow at the Britannia Stadium when Mousa Dembele was stretchered from the field of play following Andy Wilkinson's late and reckless challenge on Fulham's striker during injury time. The Belgium international was left writhing in pain on the touchline during the dying seconds of the game.

Following the loss of Bobby Zamora and Dembele's blistering early season form Fulham will be desperately hoping the striker has not suffered any significant damage.

It was certainly a night of frustration for Mark Hughes' side, who lined-up at full strength to challenge Tony Pulis' side. Hughes made just one change from the Team that drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers last weekend with Zoltan Gera replacing Damien Duff (rested) on the left hand side of midfield.

In the end Stoke proved too stubborn an obstacle for Fulham to overcome and the Potters earned their right of entry to Saturday's fourth round draw after goals from Danny Higginbotham (23) and Kenwyne Jones (79).

Defeat was certainly a bitter pill to swallow for Fulham, who enjoyed their fair share of opportunities on goal throughout the contest but the Whites came undone defending two set pieces and could not find a cutting edge in front of goal at the Britannia Stadium.

The home side were certainly not lacking in terms of raw power and pace in their line-up. Kenwyne Jones and Ricardo Fuller lead the home side's attack, with Tuncay and Matthew Etherington handed the task of providing the creative guile in midfield. The Potters' physical presence proved telling on the night, with the likes of Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth and Salif Diao making their presence felt for both goals.

Dembele and Dempsey got Tuesday's Carling Cup match underway on a warm, dry evening in Stoke but it was the home side that created the first opportunity of the match, after Kelly fouled Tuncay down Stoke's left flank. Tuncay failed to profit from the resulting set piece, firing his effort high over Schwarzer's cross bar.

Three minutes later Schwarzer was required to come to Fulham's rescue, saving Fuller's fine effort to the Australian's near post on the turn.

To their credit Hughes' side managed to get a grip on possession before the ten minute mark despite the home side pressing hard during the early stages. Fulham's passing was crisp and incisive up until the final third but Murphy and Etuhu were beginning to take control of proceedings deep in midfield.

After 11 minutes of play the game was interrupted when Murphy and Etherington were both booked after clashing in the middle of the park. As the 20 minute mark approached Stoke looked to utilise the aerial ability of Jones and Fuller from the flanks but with Kelly and Salcido protected by Davies and Gera respectively, Stoke were forced to deliver from deep with minimal impact.

Two corners at either end changed the complexion of the game after 22 minutes. First
Brede Hangeland headed in Fulham's first clear effort on goal after 21 minutes, rising to meet Davies' corner at the far post. Hangeland found the inside of the near post with his downward header but Begovic saved well.

Stoke immediately countered following Hangeland's effort and earned a corner. Etherington's set piece mirrored Davies' delivery barely 60 seconds earlier and Higginbotham headed past Schwarzer at the far post.

Higginbotham's goal was a bitter pill to swallow for Hughes' side after making a positive start at the Britannia Stadium but Fulham almost pulled level with a series of thunderous drives from distance.

Zoltan Gera was first to try his luck, with a right footed drive from 30 yards that Begovic saved well. Two minutes later Dempsey went close with a free-kick from 25 yards before Salcido almost took Huth's head off with a venomous drive.

Fulham were creating all the chances before the break and deserved to be on level terms. Dembele was the next Fulham player to test Begovic with a low shot from 18 yards. Stoke's keeper enjoyeded a faultless performance in goal during the first half.

At the break Hughes' side were a goal behind and Fulham would have to produce a winning second half performance in order to proceed to the fourth round of the Carling Cup.

The start of the second half commenced like a true cup tie. Both sides took a more full-blooded approach to proceedings on the pitch and as a result the game began to open up at both ends.

Eight minutes into the second half Begovic made his first mistake of the match, when he failed to catch the ball cleanly six yards from goal. Dempsey latched on to the keeper's mistake but his overhead volley agonisingly clipped the top of Stoke's cross bar and flew over the roof of the net.

Ten minutes into the second half Mark Hughes made his first substitution of the match and reshuffled his pack. Simon Davies made way for Eddie Johnson, with the American teaming up with his international colleague Clint Dempsey in attack. Dembele switched to left midfield.

As the contest moved past the hour mark the play became more tentative as the next goal would seemingly prove crucial. Whelan almost made it count for Stoke on 64 minutes when he rifled a 30 yard shot that dipped just over Schwarzer's net.

Clint Dempsey was testing Begovic once again on 66 minutes with another volley from inside the area. The keeper was back to his composed best to save the American's shot cleanly.

Tony Pulis made his first change after 67 minutes, replacing Diao with Rory Delap. Just seconds later Fulham broke down the left and Eddie Johnson smashed a searing drive just over Begovic's goal. It was a fine effort by Johnson and there was plenty of hope for Fulham that further opportunities would come their way during the final twenty minutes of play.

Fulham certainly created plenty of chances with Johnson, Dembele and Dempsey all trying their luck after good build up play. After 75 minutes Dembele left Stoke's defence for dead down the right flank and produced a fine cross to the right flank. This time Etuhu headed over and Fulham just needed a clinical finish to match their patient and effective build up play.

The sucker punch came 12 minutes from time. For all their possession and intent Fulham suffered a telling blow on 78 minutes when Stoke doubled their lead. The delivery was a classic Rory Delap throw-in from the left flank. The midfielder launched the ball towards the six yard line and Jones beat Fulham's defence to head the ball into an empty net.

Stoke's second goal effectively killed the contest and despite Fulham's best efforts until the final whistle there was no way back into this season's Carling Cup.

Matters took a turn for the worse during injury time whne Fulham were dealt another cruel blow when Dembele took a heavy knock to his left leg following a challenge by Andy Wilkinson down the left flank. Worryingly Dembele was stretchered from the field of play to receive treatment and Hughes immediately replaced the Belgium international with Jonathan Greening.

Tuesday night's defeat can be considered a harsh result in every way for Fulham and Hughes' side will now focus on returning to winning ways when they take on Everton in the Barclays Premier Leauge at the Cottage this Saturday (KO 3pm).



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/CarlingCup/StokeCityAway.aspx#ixzz10Cl9r1zB

White Noise


Hughes' Reaction


Tuesday 21st September 2010



Share Fulham were dealt another serious injury worry at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday night when Mousa Dembele was stretchered from the field of play following a reckless late challenge on the striker by Stoke defender Andy Wilkinson.

Manager Mark Hughes delivered his verdict on the tackle after the game and Fulham must now hope scans on the striker's injury do not reveal any significant damage.

"We'll know in the next 24 hours the full extent of Mousa's injury but if he's avoided serious injury then he's a very lucky boy," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "We'll have to wait for it to settle before we can have it scanned.

"When you're at that stage of the game and your team is leading two-nil there is a certain code that suggests you look after your fellow professionals. Frankly I don't know what the hell he [Wilkinson] was thinking.

"I was disappointed in terms of the game itself and the manner in which we conceded the goals. Our general play was okay without forcing the issue. We opened them up at times but we didn't take our opportunities.

"Mark Schwarzer put his hands up for the second goal as he misjudged the flight of the ball which was unfortunate. It was a missed opportunity because we wanted to do well in this competition. We won't dwell on it but we need to keep our influential players on the field of play and we can't afford to lose Mousa for any considerable length of time."
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/DembeleStoke.aspx#ixzz10ClVjr00

White Noise


Welcome Norwegian Members


Tuesday 21st September 2010



We are pleased to announce a new addition to the Official International Fulham Members' Clubs and welcome the International Member's Club Norway  run by Eirik Bilet. All five supporters' clubs have reached the first level of membership by registering at least 10 paid members.

In addition to each member receiving the great benefits such as ticketing priority, ticket discounts and an exclusive members' pack, all members in FFC Sweden, FulhamUSA, Dutch Members' Club, and the Fulham Exiles share the following rewards for becoming official:

Official status awarded
Certification of Affiliation
Details on official club website 
Signed Kit   
Monthly Prize Draw
  The current international clubs that can be joined for free are:

FulhamUSA, a group started by several American fans back in 2004 (see also Fulham USA group on Cottage Corner), 
Fulham Exiles, a website and supporter group made up mainly of English expats in the USA,
FFC Sweden, the only official Members Club in Sweden are now available to join for free.
Members in the Netherlands can sign up to new the Dutch Members' Club!
And all members in Norway can now sign up to the new Fulham Supporters Club Norway!
Start your own Official International Fulham Members' Club
Fans from across the globe can now get closer to the Club they love by setting up their very own Official International Members' Club. There are some fantastic benefits on offer once all paid members have signed up with the Club through the official registration channel.

There are four levels of International group membership and just 10 paid Fulham Members are required to meet the Club's official entry level status and receive the first level of Fulham FC benefits.

Every International Members' Club will receive benefits whilst every individual paid member will receive exclusive ticketing access, ticketing discounts, a members' pack and more.

Find out more about the Official International Fulham Members' Club scheme| and buy your membership| today!
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/September/DutchInternationalMembersgroup.aspx#ixzz10CmfDfa2


White Noise


http://blogs.soccernet.com/fulham/archives/2010/09/carling_cup_stoke_2_fulham_0.php


Carling Cup Stoke 2 Fulham 0

Posted by Phil Mison 40 minutes ago


Out of the Carling Cup at Stoke after woeful defending for both goals. But yet again we are left to fume as another outrageous tackle sees one of our players leave on a stretcher. Now it's Dembele facing a long lay off.

It gives me no pleasure to gloat, but refer back to my preview of this trip to Stoke. Two headed goals conceded from set pieces, Mark dreadfully at fault for both. With Jones 2nd from Delap's long throw our big keeper looks like he's trying to flag down a passing cab. Truly awful! I got my wish to see Gera start but how worrying that we play the last 35 minutes with no recognised winger. And yet again we are on the back foot from the off.

Industrial football indeed triumphs as the Whites are out-fouled by the same margin as Saturday, 14-8 the count at the Britannia. And in the final minute with the game dead Stoke's full-back hammers Dembele's standing leg to leave him writhing in agony. No wonder Hughes can barely bring himself to shake the hand of Pulis at the final whistle, nor does he mince his words in the post-match interview.

More shots at goal at least from our boys, but mostly off target. Hate to say it again, but I sensed this was coming. Report back here 6.00 pm Friday when I will be announcing the weekend's lottery numbers.

Only good news of the night, Everton dumped out as well at Brentford. I know its a man's game, but when is this thuggery against our players going to end???

White Noise


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/9009908.stm

Stoke   2 - 0   Fulham

Higginbotham headed home for Stoke in the 22nd minute

Headed goals from Danny Higginbotham and Kenwyne Jones took Stoke through to the fourth round of the Carling Cup at the expense of Fulham.

Higginbotham converted Matthew Etherington's inswinging corner to give the Potters the lead after 22 minutes.

Jones rose well to meet a Rory Delap throw-in with 11 minutes to go to double the home side's advantage.

Fulham pressed late on with Danny Murphy and Zoltan Gera both shooting wide but Stoke held out to progress.

The contest was reasonably evenly matched but Stoke's physicality proved the difference.

The home side made the more positive start and twice almost took the lead through Tuncay's marginally misdirected free-kick and Ricardo Fuller's header - saved by Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal.

606: DEBATE
Good performance tonight, especially considering so many changes, which should give us a bit more confidence

StokieSmit
The Potters would not have to wait long to go in front though as Higginbotham made perfect contact with Etherington's corner at the back post to hammer the ball across Schwarzer and in.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis saw his side continue to press and Tuncay and Etherington both produced acrobatic efforts - the first of which was saved by Schwarzer, while the second flew just over the bar.

Clint Dempsey twice had the chance to draw the Cottagers level with shots, but the first he scuffed and the second was poorly directed and home keeper Asmir Begovic saved both.

However, it was Stoke who struck next to double their advantage when substitute Delap hurled a typically long throw-in towards the box and Jones rose to head home.

The fight drained out of the visitors when Murphy fired wide and Gera's curling long-range shot went past the post.

WhiteJC

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6392736,00.html?
Kemp offers Dembele sympathies
Managerial colleague agrees with assessment of horror tackle

Stoke assistant manager Dave Kemp agreed with Mark Hughes that the tackle from Andy Wilkinson on Fulham striker Moussa Dembele was 'unnecessary'.

The Potters coasted to a 2-0 Carling Cup win at the Britannia but attention was trained on the challenge from Wilkinson - in the third minute of stoppage time - that left Dembele departing the pitch on a stretcher.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes was furious with the Stoke player in the aftermath of the loss - accusing him of breaking the unspoken footballers 'code'.

And Kemp - facing post-match questioning about the incident - agreed with the Welshman that the tackle was needless.

"It was an unnecessary, rash challenge - we know that, we are football people as well," said Kemp.

"We have spoken to Andy about it. He didn't need to make the challenge, I agree."

Hughes said he would assess the fitness of the Belgian star but admitted he is fearing the worst.

Kemp felt hapless in the situation and could only give words condolence to the front man - but he insists Wilkinson intended the player no harm.

No malice

He added: "All I can say is that I hope the player is not too badly hurt. There is no malice in his challenge - it is just over-enthusiasm."

Stoke's passage into the fourth round of the competition came from Danny Higginbothamand Kenwyne Jones' headed goals either side of half-time.

City made seven changes from their last outing and Kemp believes the performance demonstrated the strength in depth the Staffordshire outfit now boast.

He went on: "I don't think we weakened the team. Like a lot of teams in the Premier League we have a good squad.

"We had good defenders on the pitch tonight, good midfield players and good forwards so that we could score goals.

"This is probably the first time this club has been in a situation like that."


WhiteJC

http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2010/9/21/1702835/mark-hughes-comments-on-moussa?
Mark Hughes Comments On Moussa Dembele

Moussa Dembele went down with a possible injury today that could be serious. Fulham lost 2-0 to Stoke City in the third round of the Carling Cup. The bigger story of the day could be the extent of the potential injury to Dembele. He was taken off on a stretcher when he went down from a challenge by Stoke City defender Andy Wilkinson.

After the match, Fulham manager Mark Hughes commented on the potential injury. According to the article on Fulhamfc.com, Hughes talks about that 24 hour timetable when they will know the severity of the possible injury. Below is a quote from Mark Hughes that comes from the Official Fulham website.

'We'll know in the next 24 hours the full extent of Mousa's injury but if he's avoided serious injury then he's a very lucky boy,' Hughes told fulhamfc.com. 'We'll have to wait for it to settle before we can have it scanned.'

I will be following this possible injury situation for Moussa Dembele. I will have an update when more information is available.

WhiteJC

http://www.tribalfootball.com/blackburn's-samba-admits-targeting-fulham's-schwarzer-1130811?
Blackburn's Samba admits to targeting Fulham's Schwarzer

Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba has revealed the team targeted the weaknesses of Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on the weekend.

The Australian gloveman has often struggled with long balls and crosses throughout his career so the Rovers tried to show those shortcomings in the match which ended 1-1 at Ewood Park.

Blackburn's goal, which was scored by Samba, came about from a long ball which Schwarzer came out to save but was found wanting when El Hadji-Diouf made slight body contact allowing Samba to hit the back of the net with a glancing header with the big man admitting it was a set plan.

"Schwarzer is a big guy compared to Dioufy. The referee didn't think it was a foul," he said.

"We know Schwarzer is a good keeper but that he doesn't like coming so far out for the ball. So we decided to drop a few balls in there and put the pressure on."

WhiteJC

http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/09/22/2130436/crystal-palace-goalkeeper-julian-speroni-wanted-fulham?
Crystal Palace Goalkeeper Julian Speroni Wanted Fulham Switch
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni has revealed his disappointment at not making a last-minute transfer switch to Fulham.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni has revealed his disappointment at not making a last-minute transfer switch to Fulham.

With Arsenal close to signing Fulham No.1 Mark Schwarzer on deadline day, the Cottagers acted swiftly to secure a replacement, but talks between the Premier League side and the Eagles broke down at the last.

Speroni has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League and admitted he was keen on the move, but has no problems staying at Selhurst Park.

The 30-year-old said: "Of course I knew of the interest and I must admit at the time it was a bit disappointing," reports the Croydon Guardian.

"It was a good opportunity for me to go and play at the highest level but in the end I'm not sure how talks went and it is not myself that makes the last decision.

"I have been here a long time and I am very happy here so I have no problem staying.It was more the chance to play in the Premier League, not that I want to leave Palace.

"I am not thinking of that now though, I just want to concentrate on my football. I don't try to mix things.

"One thing is what happens off the pitch and the other is what I do on it."

Talks have begun between the Argentine and Palace over a new deal and Speroni is hoping to sit down with the Palace hierarchy again in the near future.

"We have had one meeting about the new contract already," said Speroni.

"We will have to meet again soon as we need to get together and keep talking."


WhiteJC

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/09/22/manual_080246.html&TEAMHD=soccer
HUGHES FURY AT WILKINSON CHALLENGE

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has accused Stoke's Andy Wilkinson of ignoring the footballer's code by making an "absolutely ridiculous" challenge on Moussa Dembele in the closing stages of their Carling Cup tie at the Britannia Stadium.

With the Potters 2-0 up, Wilkinson received a booking in the third minute of stoppage time for bringing down Dembele, who clutched at his left leg and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

The Belgium forward departed the stadium on crutches and Hughes was was left wondering what Wilkinson could have had been thinking when he made the tackle.

"The next 24 hours will show us how bad the injury is," Hughes said.

"If he has avoided serious injury then he has been a very lucky boy because the tackle that took him out was, from my point of view, an absolutely ridiculous challenge at that stage of the game.

"When you are at that stage of the game and your team is leading 2-0, there is a certain code I would suggest that you look after your fellow professional, and the lad has ignored that.

"There was no need for the challenge at that late stage in the game and he has put a fellow professional's career at risk by the nature of it. I don't know what the hell he was thinking about to be perfectly honest.

"We are hopeful that he (Dembele) is fortunate and there has been no break, and if that is the case, it's a blessing because at the time of the challenge I thought he had done a real serious injury."

Fulham's England striker Bobby Zamora recently broke his leg and Hughes admitted losing Dembele - scorer of three goals since his arrival from AZ Alkmaar last month - for an extended period would leave the Cottagers seriously short up front.

"We have already lost Bobby Zamora to a serious injury and will be five months at least with him out of the side, so we can ill-afford to lose another quality striker," Hughes said.

"We have been really pleased with what Moussa has produced in the short time he has been with us and if we have to be without him for any length of time then that is going to compromise our attacking threat."

Stoke assistant manager Dave Kemp agreed that Wilkinson's tackle had been unnecessary but insisted the defender had not meant to harm Dembele.

"It was an unnecessary, rash challenge - we know that, we are football people as well," Kemp said.

"We have spoken to Andy about it. He didn't need to make the challenge, I agree.

"All I can say is that I hope the player is not too badly hurt.

"There is no malice in his challenge - it is just over-enthusiasm."

Referee Mark Halsey blew the whistle for full-time shortly after the incident to confirm the hosts' victory and their place in the fourth round, which was sealed by headers from Danny Higginbotham and Kenwyne Jones in either half.

The Potters team featured seven changes from their previous outing and Kemp felt the result demonstrated the strength Stoke's squad now has.

"I don't think we weakened the team," he said.

"Like a lot of teams in the Premier League we have a good squad.

"We had good defenders on the pitch tonight, good midfield players and good forwards so that we could score goals.

"This is probably the first time this club has been in a situation like that."

WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314173/Boost-Fulham-striker-Moussa-Dembele-ruled-fortnight.html?
Boost for Fulham as striker Moussa Dembele ruled out for only a fortnight

Fulham have been boosted by the news that striker Moussa Dembele will only miss two weeks action after the horror-challenge by Andy Wilkinson in stoppage time at the end of the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at Stoke.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes was left fuming at the tackle that threatened to deny him of yet another striker just days after Bobby Zamora's leg break and ligament damage ruled him out for five months.

But the news is good for the £5million summer signing from AZ Alkmaar who has impressed since his arrival at Craven Cottage and now has a crucial role to play, with Andy Johnson also still several weeks from a first-team return following his battle with a knee injury.


Boost: Fulham striker Dembele will only miss two weeks action

Meanwhile, Potters assistant manager Dave Kemp moved to support Wilkinson's tackle on Dembele admitting it was was unnecessary but without malice

With his side 2-0 up at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke defender Wilkinson received a booking in the third minute of stoppage time for bringing down Dembele, who clutched at his left leg and had to be carried off on a stretcher.

The Belgium forward departed the stadium on crutches and Hughes accused Wilkinson of ignoring the footballer's code by making an 'absolutely ridiculous' challenge when there was no need to do so.

Kemp agreed that Wilkinson's tackle had been unwarranted but insisted the 26-year-old had not meant to harm Dembele.

'It was an unnecessary, rash challenge - we know that, we are football people as well,' Kemp said. 'We have spoken to Andy about it. He didn't need to make the challenge, I agree.

'All I can say is that I hope the player is not too badly hurt. There is no malice in his challenge - it is just over-enthusiasm.'
Hughes described Wilkinson's challenge as potentially career-threatening.

'When you are at that stage of the game and your team is leading 2-0, there is a certain code, I would suggest, that you look after your fellow professional, and the lad has ignored that.

'There was no need for the challenge at that late stage in the game and he has put a fellow professional's career at risk by the nature of it. I don't know what the hell he was thinking about to be perfectly honest.'

Referee Mark Halsey blew the whistle for full-time shortly after the incident to confirm the hosts' victory and their place in the fourth round, which was sealed by headers from Danny Higginbotham and Kenwyne Jones in either half.

The Potters team featured seven changes from their previous outing and Kemp felt the result demonstrated the strength Stoke's squad now has.

'I don't think we weakened the team,' he said. Like a lot of teams in the Premier League we have a good squad.

'We had good defenders on the pitch, good midfield players and good forwards so that we could score goals. This is probably the first time this club has been in a situation like that.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314173/Boost-Fulham-striker-Moussa-Dembele-ruled-fortnight.html?#ixzz10FOLUQdm

WhiteJC

http://www.shoot.co.uk/news/latest_article/C52/latest_news/murphys_law/?
MURPHY'S LAW
WEDNESDAY, 22/09/2010

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy will sign a new deal at Craven Cottage this week, potentially extending his playing career till the age of 36.

Murphy, who is 34 next March, captained the Cottagers to their first European final in May and has been offered a new one-year deal, with the option for the club to automatically extend it.

Murphy is the latest player to be offered fresh terms at the West London outfit.

Defender Chris Baird signed a new three-year deal last week, Bobby Zamora and Dickson Etuhu penned extensions at the start of the month, while Simon Davies agreed a new deal last month.

* Murphy played in Fulham's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat to Stoke last night.


WhiteJC

Quote from: WhiteJC on September 22, 2010, 10:08:16 AM
Murphy, who is 34 next March, captained the Cottagers to their first European final in May and has been offered a new one-year deal, with the option for the club to automatically extend it.

...or is currently 33 years old? why try to put a negative spin on a players age?

WhiteJC

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314178/No-likes-Chelsea-care-Carlo-Ancelottis-Premier-League-leaders-flattered.html?

Mark Schwarzer is a top goalkeeper who needs to get his act together.

Manager Mark Hughes has got enough problems worrying about what to do without Bobby Zamora and possibly Mousa Dembele to have to fret about his keeper.

The Australian was the bedrock of Fulham's success last season and has a huge role to play while he is still at the club.


Tough times: Schwarzer has struggled to reach the same levels as last season

Yet after his failure to force a move to Arsenal in the summer he has returned a shadow of the player he was.

Mistakes are coming at an alarming rate and the debate about whether he will stay and sign a new contract or look for a move again in January will be pointless at this rate.

After mistakes in the Premier League and the Carling Cup, Schwarzer is in danger of falling into a serious form rut that few will be prepared to pull him out of.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1314178/No-likes-Chelsea-care-Carlo-Ancelottis-Premier-League-leaders-flattered.html?#ixzz10FSfy9lA