Monday Fulham Stuff (07/05/18)...

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Results

Sunday
Birmingham	3 - 1	Fulham
Bolton	3 - 2	Nottm Forest
Brentford	1 - 1	Hull
Bristol City	2 - 3	Sheff Utd
Cardiff	0 - 0	Reading
Derby	4 - 1	Barnsley
Ipswich	2 - 2	Middlesborough
Leeds	2 - 0	QPR
Millwall	1 - 0	Aston Villa
Preston NE	2 - 1	Burton
Sheff Wed	5 - 1	Norwich
Sunderland	3 - 0	Wolves

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Head Coach Reaction

Slaviša Jokanović was disappointed with Fulham's performance in the Whites' 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City at St Andrew's on the final day of the regular season, but remains upbeat about his side's chances in the Play-Offs.

"We're disappointed because we didn't perform well enough," said Jokanović. 

"After many games without defeat, it was important to play a good game.

"Birmingham City played well, they moved the ball well, defended narrow, were very organised, scored three goals and completely deserve the victory.

"We can't be satisfied. We didn't play a good enough game. We can perform better and I'm sure we'll be ready for Friday's game against Derby.

"We didn't move the ball with enough pace. We tried to do something, but without creating many chances to equalise.

"It's not easy for the players. Both teams were under pressure, but they did a better job and deserve the three points. For us, we need to be calm, confident, and must accept that this wasn't our best performance. We just need to keep going and be ready for the next step.

"We can't be happy that we didn't win. We're disappointed that we lost the chance to be promoted today.

"The Championship is a complicated competition and Birmingham were fighting to stay in the league. They showed they can be strong and play good football."

Derby County's victory over Barnsley ensures they will provide the opposition in the Play-Offs over the two legs, starting at Pride Park on Friday.

"We are more experienced now - it's our second year in the Play-Offs," said Jokanović.   

"I can't compare this season to last, but I believe we're a good team and can perform better than today. We can find more pace, create more chances, and be more organised and solid defensively – that's our target for the next few days.

"I told the players after the game that we must be stronger and be ready to compete – take a shower, rest and be ready for the next step. This is part of football. Before today, we hadn't lost in a few months and we need to trust our style.
"I always believe we'll win the next game and I'm not going to change my mind because we lost one game. We've showed quality and character many times before." 



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/06/head-coach-reaction-birmingham

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Birmingham City 3-1 Fulham

Birmingham City survived the final-day threat of relegation for the third time in five seasons as they ended Fulham's automatic Championship promotion hopes.

With Cardiff drawing, a win for Fulham would have seen them go up.

But they were always struggling after first-half goals from Lukas Jutkiewicz and home skipper Harlee Dean.

Tom Cairney briefly gave Fulham hope with six minutes left, but Che Adams jinked his way into the box to slide home a low right-foot shot.

The Cottagers' first defeat in 24 league games since December leaves them third, and facing Derby County in the play-offs as they bid to return to the Premier League after a four-year absence.

Blues, the EFL's joint lowest scorers with Burton with 38 in 46 games, hit three in a league match for only the third time this season.

But, after a season-long battle against the drop in a second successive campaign of three managers, Garry Monk's men finally finished five points above the bottom three, again in 19th - just as they did under Harry Redknapp 12 months ago.

It always looked on the cards once confident Blues had taken the lead when Jutkiewicz converted Wes Harding's low cross for his sixth goal of the season - and his fourth in seven games.

Home keeper David Stockdale then saved from Stefan Johansen before unmarked defender Dean, back from suspension, was left free to steer home Jota's left-wing cross, his first goal for the club.

Stockdale maintained Blues' two-goal half-time advantage when he saved from Cairney, who did pull a goal back when he headed in on 84 minutes.

The Blues keeper then turned over Aleksandar Mitrovic's header before Adams breezed through to cheekily finish Fulham off.

Birmingham City boss Garry Monk told BBC WM:

"We knew we were playing against an exceptional team that had been on the best run in the country, 23 games unbeaten, but I could sense it in the week.

"It's what the fans want to see. They want to see commitment and fight and then, on top of that, they want to see some quality, and we had that.

"We thoroughly deserved that win. Te key point was making sure that we finish it on our terms.

"We had an opportunity last week to do that. We didn't do that, so the response needed to be there and it was."

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic:

"I always believe we are going to win the next game. Because we lost one game, I am not going to change my mind.

"We showed quality. The character we showed many times - and we are going to be ready for the next game.

"We're disappointed, not because we're in the play-offs. We're disappointed because we lost a great chance to win the game.

"It's part of football and we must be ready for the challenge. We cannot be satisfied. It's simple. We didn't play well enough."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43938848

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Cardiff seal promotion to the Premier League as Fulham crumble at Birmingham
CARDIFF sealed promotion to the Premier League on a dramatic final day of the Championship season.

Cardiff were held to a goalless draw against Reading but Fulham were beaten 3-1 by Birmingham sending the Bluebirds up.

Fulham will have to go through the playoffs after losing their undefeated run.

Fulham face Derby while Aston Villa take on Middlesbrough as they battle for the final place in the Premier League.

At the bottom of the table Bolton scored two late goals against Nottingham Forest to survive and send Burton down.

Burton join Barnsley and already relegated Sunderland, who stunned champions Wolves 3-0, in heading for League One.

Cardiff celebrated a return to the Premier League as the 0-0 draw against Reading proved enough to give manager Neil Warnock a record eighth career promotion.

A draw left Cardiff sweating on Fulham's result at Birmingham, but news of the Cottagers' 3-1 defeat began to filter through before the final whistle to kick start the party in the Welsh capital.

The scoreline also guaranteed Reading another season in the Sky Bet Championship, although results elsewhere meant the Royals would have been safe even had they lost for the fourth successive game.

This will be a day long remembered in Cardiff as the Bluebirds nervously crossed the line back into the Premier League, their only previous stay being a one-season stop in 2013-14.

It was rarely pretty, as has often been the way this season from a side that Warnock has shaped in his no-nonsense image.

But no-one can dispute the spirit and resilience of a squad Warnock has put together on a relative shoestring and one that has mustered 90 points from 46 league games.

Reading reached the play-offs last season under Jaap Stam but it has been a miserable season in Berkshire.

Stam departed in March to leave Paul Clement with the task of keeping Reading in the division, something which was thrown into grave doubt by last week's capitulation at home to Ipswich.

Clement - who started the season at Cardiff's bitter rivals Swansea - has just about it managed it, although a busy summer of rebuilding now awaits the former Chelsea and Real Madrid assistant manager.

There was a raucous atmosphere inside the Cardiff City Stadium from kick-off, with the record league crowd of 32,478 witnessing a rare visit from Bluebirds' owner Vincent Tan.

With so much at stake, there was plenty of passion from both sets of players but fluency and goalmouth opportunities were at a premium throughout a first half woefully low on quality.

Joe Ralls denied David Edwards a shooting opportunity and the Cardiff midfielder struck a firm volley which was blocked by the head of Tommy Elphick.

But the real moments of note came off the pitch as Cardiff supporters celebrated Birmingham's opener and the Reading faithful lauded goals for Derby and Preston against relegation rivals.

Cardiff went close after 19 minutes when Nathaniel Mendez-Laing squared the ball to Callum Paterson on the edge of the area.

The Scot completely missed his kick but the ball ran free to Junior Hoilett who curled his attempt inches wide.

Hoilett soon wanted a penalty after tumbling under Tiago Ilori's challenge and Kenneth Zohore saw his close-range shot blocked as Cardiff carried the greater scoring threat.

The pattern continued into the second half with Zohore flashing over from the angle and Reading goalkeeper Vito Mannone gathering from Mendez-Laing and Craig Bryson at his near post.

The goal would not come for Cardiff, but it did not matter as referee Bobby Madley's final whistle and a pitch invasion signalled their return to the big time.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/955932/Cardiff-Premier-League-promotion-Fulham-Reading

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Birmingham 3-1 Fulham: Lukasz Jutkiewicz, Harlee Dean and Che Adams score to confirm Blues' survival and condemn visitors to play-offs

    Lukas Jutkiewicz fired the home side in front after good work from Wes Harding
    Harlee Dean nodded home to double Birmingham's lead as he met Jota's cross
    Tom Cairney halved the deficit six minutes from time from Floyd Ayite's cutback
    Che Adams then restored Birmingham's two-goal advantage in the 89th minute
    The result sees Birmingham confirm their Championship status for next season
    And Fulham miss out on the final automatic promotion place and enter play-offs

The question now is how do Fulham react? Only in three of the past ten years has the team finishing third gone on to win the play-offs. Mental bruising is the typical symptom of those who come so close to promotion and miss out.

That victory would have sealed passage to the Premier League will only accentuate the psychological suffering. Cardiff's draw with Reading was unexpected and in hindsight gave Fulham a chance in the Second City.

But Birmingham had an important task of their own and set about it with greater purpose and intensity than Slavisa Jokanovic's side, whose 23-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt.

On a raucous afternoon at St Andrew's, Garry Monk completed his survival mission impressively. A serious risk of relegation when taking over in March, Monk has won five of 11 games and can now look ahead to potentially building his own Championship side next season.

okanovic's focus is more immediate. At the final whistle his players sunk to their knees and were surrounded by jubilant Birmingham fans. It will be a concern for the Serbian that on a day of great significance his team failed to properly show up.

The sparkling style that fuelled their incredible undefeated stretch was missing, replaced by a rather anemic imitation.

Sure Birmingham were right up for it, but Jokanovic must wonder how his players now react to the crunch of the play-offs, or a sell-out Wembley crowd?

Maybe Fulham just ran out of steam here, having been relentless in their pursuit of promotion from December. Their rise from Championship obscurity to the edge of the Premier League was something to behold.

But there is not much time to recuperate with the first leg of their semi-final against a resurgent Derby County on Friday.

Gary Rowett would do well to study his former club for tips on how to beat Fulham. Monk started two up top and sent his side out to be aggressive in tackles and positive in possession. Aleksander Mitrovic and Ryan Sessegnon were kept very quiet.


Birmingham boss Garry Monk embraces Fulham counterpart Slavisa Jokanovic before kick-off


Fulham knew they needed a win and for Cardiff to slip up to secure automatic promotion


Matt Targett appears to vomit on the pitch as players battled in the May heat at St Andrew's

Having scaled Everest to reach the summit of promotion, Fulham gave themselves an insurmountable mountain to climb after this first half.

Lucas Piazon missed an early chance and from then on it was Birmingham as aggressors, pushing the visitors back.

Ryan Fredericks had already made a crucial intervention to stop a goal from a right wing cross when Wes Harding advanced down that flank in the 15th minute. His centre was true and Lukas Jutkiewicz arrived perfectly to hammer a finish into the top corner.

The roar from the crowd soon led to a carnival atmosphere at a stadium bathed in sunshine as Birmingham kept creating chances. Jutkiewicz headed wide from a Jacques Maghoma cross, and the same combination worked again thanks to brittle Fulham defending but Marcus Bettinelli was out quickly to block.

Maghoma again set up Jutkiewicz after the half hour but the Birmingham striker's stretch could not quite make connection with the goal gaping.

Fulham finally produced something of note nine minutes before the break when Stefan Johansen twisted past Maxime Colin and shot on angle, but David Stockdale was equal to it.

And soon after, Birmingham doubled their lead. Fulham didn't clear a corner and Jota danced into box to chip the ball to the far post, where Harlee Dean was waiting to head down and in.


Fulham players are dejected as they saw their chances of automatic promotion go up in smoke

As Birmingham celebrated, Kevin McDonald turned to his teammates, questioning, cajoling. It nearly worked when Ryan Fredericks found Tom Cairney in space, but Stockdale produced a superb save to his shot.

Fulham did spark a late comeback attempt when Tom Cairney headed a bouncing ball past Stockdale. Mitrovic then drew a fine save from Stockdale with a header of his own.

But it was too little too late. Denis Odoi allowed Che Adams to beat him far too easily – like a bouncer waving a VIP past the velvet rope – and the Birmingham striker applied the finish. It remains to be seen whether Fulham can still join the Premier League's exclusive area.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5696593/Birmingham-3-1-Fulham-Match-report.html#ixzz5EnKDSMWn
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Fulham miss out on automatic promotion after losing at Birmingham

Birmingham 3 Fulham 1

Fulham missed out on automatic promotion on the final day with their first Championship defeat in 24 games.

The Whites needed to better Cardiff's result against Reading, which finished in a draw, but instead fell to goals from Lukas Jutkeiwicz, Harlee Dean and Che Adams that ensured Birmingham's safety.

Tom Cairney had pulled a late goal back from close range to set up a tense finish before Adams got the third, and Aleksandar Mitrovic's bullet header would have found net if not for David Stockdale.

But Fulham now face Derby County in the semi-finals hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's heartbreak against Reading.

The visitors wasted a number of chances and defended poorly in an uncharacteristically disappointing display at St Andrews.


Tom Cairney's goal gave Fulham hope

The in-form Mitrovic went close early on and then again from a free-kick just moments after Jutkeiwicz rifled home Wes Harding's cross from the right on 15 minutes.

Cairney saw an unmarked volley from inside the box saved by Stockdale after ex-Brentford pair Jota and Dean combined for the latter to make it 2-0 shortly before half-time.

Aboubakar Kamara was introduced for Matt Targett after the Southampton loanee had struggled with Jota, and Kamara's power produced a chance that he fluffed at the far post.

But the Whites struggled to create more clear-cut chances until Cairney tapped home a cut-back from returning substitute Floyd Ayite with five minutes of normal time remaining.

Mitrovic's superb header needed to go in to make it 2-2 and put Fulham on the cusp of a memorable comeback, but instead Birmingham raced down the other end and Adams waltzed past Dennis Odoi before finishing past Bettinelli to kill the game.
Fulham: Bettinelli, Fredericks (Christie 71), Odoi, Ream, Targett (Kamara 46), McDonald, Johansen, Cairney, Sessegnon, Piazon (Ayite 63), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Button, Kalas, Norwood, Fonte.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-fulham-birmingham-match-report

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Derby County will face Fulham in play-offs after cruising to 4-1 final day win

Cameron Jerome, Matej Vydra, David Nugent and Tom Lawrence all on target as Gary Rowett's men run riot against Barnsley

Derby County booked their place in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs thanks to a 4-1 victory over Barnsley at Pride Park Stadium.

The Rams went into their final league fixture of the campaign knowing that a point would more than likely be good enough to clinch a top-six spot.

In the end, they made sure other results were irrelevant, as they recorded a comprehensive win.

Cameron Jerome, Matej Vydra, David Nugent and Tom Lawrence were all on target for Gary Rowett's men before George Moncur netted a late consolation for the Tykes.

As a result, Derby finish sixth in the table and face Fulham in the play-off semi-final after Cardiff City clinched the second automatic promotion spot.

Middlesbrough will meet Aston Villa in the other tie.

Rowett made one change to the side that started last weekend's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at Villa Park.

He reverted back to the team that lined up in the previous home game - the 3-1 victory over Cardiff City.

So, Marcus Olsson was recalled at left wing-back, with Craig Forsyth dropping into the back three again.

Alex Pearce was the man to make way, while top scorer and player of the year Vydra had to settle for a place on the bench once more.

Ikechi Anya (calf) and former Barnsley man Sam Winnall (knee) both remain sidelined by injury, while George Thorne and Chris Baird did not feature in the matchday squad.

Barnsley boss Jose Morais named an unchanged side following the 2-0 victory over Brentford at Oakwell.

Both sets of supporters created a great atmosphere and Olsson nearly took the roof off in the sixth minute.

Derby broke through Richard Keogh before Andreas Weimann's crossfield pass found Olsson on the left.

He let fly from 25 yards, forcing Walton into a fine save, diving away to his right.

There was warning, though, for the Rams a couple of minutes later, when Connor Mahoney fizzed a low centre across goal, which Kieffer Moore was not quite able to bring under control.

At the other end, Weimann pounced on a poor clearance and weaved his way through a crowded penalty area, only to see his shot blocked by Ethan Pinnock.

Derby got the early boost they were looking for when they took the lead in the 14th minute.

It all stemmed from a Barnsley corner. Johnson nicked the ball off Mahoney out wide deep inside the Rams half and released Jerome.

He raced clear of his man and cut into the box from the left before lifting a shot past Walton at his near post and into the roof of the net.

It was Jerome's fourth goal in three games.

Barnsley responded in a positive manner and went close to an equaliser when Liam Lindsay glanced a header narrowly wide from Adam Hammill's cross.

Derby survived a spell of pressure, Keogh flinging himself into front of a Gary Gardner shot to make an important block.

The Rams defender then almost added to his side's lead in the 25th minute.

Weimann switched the play to Andre Wisdom on the right and he cut the ball back to the advancing Keogh.

The Republic of Ireland international swept a first-time shot from the edge of the area against the crossbar. Jerome netted the rebound but was adjudged to have controlled the ball with his hand, so the goal was ruled out.

Derby needed some last-ditch defending to keep their lead intact, after Olsson had gone down injured.

The Swede was initially able to continue following treatment but went down again soon afterwards and this time had to be helped down the tunnel.

Olsson was replaced by Vydra as Rowett reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Vydra almost pounced on a low centre from Weimann as he tried to make an immediate impact, before firing over a free kick from just outside the box.

Derby might have doubled their advantage less than two minutes into the second half.

Johnson's low shot from 20 yards looked to be heading into the bottom corner but was tipped around the post by Walton.

Then, in the 53rd minute, Jerome rolled a shot wide from just inside the area after Johnson had combined well with Vydra.

A couple of minutes later, however, the Rams did make it 2-0.

Weimann fed Jerome into space on the right and his low centre was calmly converted by an unmarked Vydra six yards out.

It was Vydra's 22nd goal of the season and 21st in the league.

Mamadou Thiam almost scored with his first touch after coming on for Barnsley but his low drive from the edge of the box was deflected narrowly wide.

It was another substitute who scored Derby's third goal in the 68th minute.

Nugent had only just replaced Jerome when he arrived unmarked at the far post to head in Vydra's cross from the left.

Nugent then turned provider in the 71st minute, hooking the ball in from the right for Lawrence to slide a low shot past Walton from close range.

Vydra could have inflicted further damage and added to his tally but volleyed over from six yards out.

Barnsley pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go, substitute Moncur curling a nice shot past a stationary Scott Carson from the edge of the area.

It was little consolation for the visitors, who are relegated to League One along with Burton Albion and Sunderland.

DERBY COUNTY: Carson, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth, Wisdom, Huddlestone, Johnson, Olsson (Vydra, 38), Weimann, Lawrence (Ledley, 87), Jerome (Nugent, 66). Other subs: Roos (gk), Pearce, Hanson, Palmer.

BARNSLEY: Walton, Yiadom, Lindsay, Pinnock, Fryers, Gardner, Potts (Thiam, 61), Hammill, Mahoney (Moncur, 69), McBurnie, Moore. Other subs: Davies (gk), Pearson, Cavare, Mallan, Bradshaw.

REFEREE: S Hooper (Wiltshire).

ATTENDANCE: 30,682.



https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/derby-county-face-fulham-play-1538378

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Fulham fail in automatic promotion bid while Bolton achieve great escape

• Fulham's Slavisa Jokanovic: 'We must be ready for the next step'
• Bolton's Mark Beevers: 'I didn't know whether to laugh or cry'

Fulham will need to swallow quickly the pain of missing out on automatic promotion to Cardiff City after a shock defeat on the final day in the Championship when Bolton avoided relegation with an extraordinary comeback win.

Trailing at home against Nottingham Forest, Bolton were heading for League One until David Wheater equalised three minutes from time and, 60 seconds later, Aaron Wilbraham popped up with the winner. The result proved a hammer blow for Barnsley and Burton Albion, who were relegated after defeat at Derby County and Preston North End respectively.

"That was the greatest moment of my career, I can't tell you how good that felt," the 38-year-old Wilbraham said. The defender Mark Beevers added: "At full‑time I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both."

For Nigel Clough, this was his first relegation as a manager; his Burton side drop into the third tier after a remarkable climb from the Unibond League to within one division of the Premier League. Hope Akpan's goal had pulled Burton level at Preston with an hour played, only for Alex Neil's side to snatch a late winner while Bolton performed their heroics.

"We were minutes away from keeping the dream going," Clough said. "To lose in those circumstances when you think you are safe is extremely cruel. But it's not over the course of today but it is 46 matches and 41 points was not good enough." A point at Cardiff in a 0-0 draw was enough for Reading, who finished three points above the bottom three.

Victory for Fulham at St Andrew's could have steered Slavisa Jokanovic's side to the Premier League but instead they succumbed to stage fright at Birmingham City. They lost 3-1 as their 23-game unbeaten run and all hope of automatic promotion came to a grinding halt. First-half goals by Lukas Jutkiewicz and Harlee Dean gave them a mountain to climb and, although Tom Cairney pulled a goal back, Fulham were off-colour, unusually placid and suffocated by a lively Birmingham side who ended a miserable season on a high.

"The key point was finishing the season on our terms," the Birmingham manager, Garry Monk, said. "It's what the fans want to see; they want commitment and fight and then, on top of that, they want to see some quality, and we had that."

Fulham, for the second season running, face the lottery of the play-offs, with a visit to Derby on Friday first up. "I always believe we can win the next game and because we have lost one game I am not going to change my mind," Jokanovic said. "We have shown many times we are good enough. We need to be calm, be confident and we must accept and be ready for the next steps. We are disappointed because we lost a great chance."

Gary Rowett's Derby ran out 4-1 winners to clinch their top-six spot and simultaneously relegate Barnsley, who announced after the final whistle they had parted company with the head coach, José Morais, formerly an assistant to José Mourinho at Chelsea and Real Madrid. "Today is a sad day, we will discuss later what has gone wrong during the season," the club's chief executive, Gauthier Ganaye, said.

The title winners, Wolves, slipped up 3-0 at the managerless bottom club, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough's late equaliser at Ipswich Town catapulted them to fifth, resulting in a two-leg date with Aston Villa in the play-offs.

"If you had given me a play-off position when I took over I wouldn't have cared who we were playing, so I can't be judgmental, or care or worry about who it is," Tony Pulis said. "We have got Villa who most probably have the strongest squad in the Championship and it will be a real tough game."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/may/06/birmingham-fulham-championship-match-report

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Fulham's last hope: Calls for Cardiff City to be docked points after Reading

Cardiff City are back in the Premier League!

Congratulations Cardiff City!

Cardiff are back in the Premier League for the 2018-19 season after a dramatic final day of the season in the Championship.

In the end a 0-0 draw against Reading was enough for Cardiff to win promotion.

Fulham helped push Cardiff over the finishing line after they lost 3-1 away at Birmingham.

Neil Warnock has now won promotion a record 8 times in his managerial career.

Fulham's last hope: Calls for Cardiff City to be docked points

In the final stages of the Cardiff vs Reading match there was a mini pitch invasion.

Around 50 Cardiff supporters rushed the pitch before the final whistle blew.

The disturbance caused a hold up in the proceedings, and it provoked a backlash on social media.

While it's unlikely to happy, some fans – probably Fulham fans? – have been calling for Cardiff to be docked points for their unruly fans.

While that's not happening, the FA could fine Cardiff for the scenes.



https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/social/fulham-cardiff-docked-points-reading/

[WhiteJC]

 
Championship "Play Offs"
love 'em or loath 'em it's play off time

dates for the games are as follows...

1st Round

Friday 11th May – 19:45

Saturday 12th May – 17:15

2nd Round

Monday 14th May – 19:45

Tuesday 15th May – 19:45

the Final

? v ?
Saturday 26th May – 17:00



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=215

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Play Offs-Confirmed

Following the completion of the Sky Bet Championship regular season this afternoon, the Club is able to provide ticket details for the Play-Off Semi-Final tie against Derby County.

Tickets for both the away leg on Friday 11th May, 7:45pm at Pride Park and the returning home fixture at Craven Cottage on Monday 14th May, 7:45pm, will be available to purchase from tomorrow morning at 10am, Monday 7th May.

First Leg - Friday 11th May

Fulham will take on Derby County at Pride Park in the Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg, with the Club taking the full allocation of 3,100 tickets available.

Given the high demand expected for this fixture, tickets will be sold on a Loyalty Points basis. Season Ticket Holders with 670 Loyalty Points will be able to purchase from 10am on Monday 7th May, with Season Ticket Holders and Members holding 630 Loyalty Points able to purchase from 10am on Tuesday 8th May. All tickets are limited to one per person.

The full selling schedule can be found below:

    10am, Monday 7th May: Season Ticket Holders with 670 or more Loyalty Points
    10am, Tuesday 8th May: Season Ticket Holders & Members with 630 or more Loyalty Points
    10am, Wednesday 9th May: Season Ticket Holders & Members with 400 or more Loyalty Points
    10am, Thursday 10th May: All Season Ticket Holders & Members

Tickets for the match are priced at £25 for adults, £15 for over 65s, £10 for under 18s and £5 for under 12s. Official Coach Travel will also be available to purchase, with prices starting from £17 for adults and £10 for juniors.

Fans can buy online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Owing to the tight turnaround of this fixture and due to the fact that our opposition has only just been confirmed, we advise supporters that physical tickets still need to be printed by the home host club and dispatched to the Fulham Ticket Office.

To allow supporters to purchase as early as possible, tickets will go on sale from Monday 7th May, however we will not expect to receive the physical tickets until Tuesday lunchtime. Supporters who purchase before this time will have their tickets dispatched via First Class post.

Fans can view how many Loyalty Points they currently hold by logging into their online ticketing account.

Second Leg – Monday 14th May

From 10am on Monday 7th May, tickets for Fulham's Play-Off Semi-Final home leg will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders, Members and supporters with a Booking History.

As Slaviša Jokanović's side seek to earn a trip to Wembley, get behind the Whites and help get Craven Cottage rocking for this crucial tie – with supporters able to purchase up to four tickets each, bring your friends and family to SW6!

2017/18 Season Ticket Holders' existing seats will be held until 10am on Wednesday 9th May, after which time all seats will be released. Fans are advised that blocks P1-P4 in the Putney End will be sold to home fans only at this match, with the Mixed Area not available.

Prices are £19 for adults, £9 for concessions and £5 for under 18s, with fans invited to donate £1 on every ticket to the Club's charitable arm, Fulham FC Foundation.

Fulham Football Club Foundation is a leading community charity, using the power of sport to provide meaningful education, employability, health, inclusion, environmental, and sport programmes.

Alternatively, why not take in the Play-Off action in style, with Matchday Hospitality also available to purchase from 10am on Monday, with a host of packages available and priced from £109 per person (+VAT).

Tickets and Matchday Hospitality will be available to purchase online at fulhamfc.com/tickets, by phone on 0203 871 0810 (opt. 2) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

Supporters are advised the Home Cup Tie scheme is not in operation for this match, and as such all fans must purchase a ticket. Fans will receive a paper ticket for this fixture.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/may/06/play-offs-confirmed

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"Fulham will be running scared" – Derby fans react after comfortable victory secures play-off

Derby County clinched their play-off spot in style, beating Barnsley 4-1 at Pride Park to finish sixth in the league table.

With Preston North End beating Burton Albion with a late goal, Derby needed a result against Barnsley.

But the three points were never in doubt after Derby put in a professional and dominant display at home against Barnsley, relegating the visitors in the process.

Cameron Jerome fired in a left-footed strike in the first half before second half goals from Matej Vydra, David Nugent and Tom Lawrence wrapped up all three points.

George Moncur netted a late consolation for the Tykes but by that point, Derby were already cruising to victory.

Middlesbrough's late equaliser at Ipswich Town means that Derby finished sixth, rather than fifth, and will face Fulham in the play-off semi-finals.

If they progress, a Wembley clash against Middlesbrough or Aston Villa awaits for Gary Rowett's side.

[WhiteJC]

 
Ryan Sessegnon wasn't able to inspire Fulham to victory against Birmingham but the youngster can still power his team to promotion

    Birmingham beat Fulham 3-1 in the Championship on Sunday afternoon
    Visitors missed out on final automatic promotion place and entered the play-offs
    The game was a blip for teenager Ryan Sessegnon and Fulham in general

Ryan Sessegnon will play many more matches like this in his career. Matches when everything is on the line, when the pressure is sky-high, when promotion or a piece of silverware can be won.

Indeed, he will have at least two more this season given that Fulham must now negotiate the play-offs in order to secure their ticket to the promised land of the Premier League.

This defeat to Birmingham City should be filed under 'experience.' The 17-year-old has enjoyed a sharply rising trajectory in his fledgling career since he broke into Fulham's first-team last season.


Ryan Sessegnon looks on during Fulham's defeat to Birmingham on Sunday afternoon


A dejected Sessegnon leaves the pitch after his team were consigned to the play-offs

This was a blip, both for the teenager and the Fulham team in general. Sessegnon didn't make his mark here, nobody in white did, but can still do so when they play Derby County in the play-offs next week.

Sessegnon turns 18 in a fortnight. By then, Fulham could be a Premier League club. In the meantime, he still has a wonderful opportunity to boost his rising stock further.

With Football Association technical director Dan Ashworth an interested spectator at St Andrew's, Sessegnon wasn't able to inspire Fulham to victory as he has done at other times in a season of 15 goals and six assists.

It didn't help that Matt Targett, the man who takes care of the defensive responsibility behind him at left-back, had to go off at half-time, forcing Sessegnon to drop back into defence just when Fulham needed his thrust.

This was an off-day but it won't be judged in isolation. Not by those who have the power to make Sessegnon a wildcard pick for England at the World Cup this summer, nor his legions of admirers at football's elite clubs.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham or Manchester United, the two clubs leading the chase, can manage to tempt Fulham into selling this summer.

And it remains to be seen whether Fulham will be a Premier League or a Championship side in August. Hopefully, Sessegnon will have a say in both once the disappointment of this loss fades.

The performance was distinctly un-Fulham like. All the merit they have accumulated over the course of a stunning 23-match unbeaten run ebbed away in the face of a Birmingham onslaught.

Taking no chances in their own fight against relegation, the Blues didn't give Fulham any time to settle, winning pretty much every 50-50 challenge and outnumbering them in every part of the field.

Sessegnon found himself caught up in the tempest, unable to show anything like his best despite showing the wholehearted corner-to-corner endeavour he always does on the Fulham left.

There were some promising early signs. A nice exchange of passes involving Sessegnon near the half-way line sparked a move that ended in Lucas Piazon sliding wide from Targett's cross.

Minutes later, a clever step-over on the edge of the box allowed Aleksandar Mitrovic to unleash a potent strike that was blocked by a defender.

But once Lukas Jutkiewicz had opened the scoring for Birmingham on the quarter-hour, Sessegnon, like many of his team-mates, seemed to retreat from the sky-high standards they have produced over five months.

Though the teenager pushed further inside of Targett into a more advanced position, he was exceedingly well-marshalled by Birmingham right-back Wes Harding.

The two of them had a foot race at one point, chasing a hopeful punt into the corner, and though Sessegnon is no slouch, he was comfortably outpaced by 21-year-old Harding.

That prompted loud cheers from the St Andrew's regulars, as did an untimely slip inside the box when Mitrovic managed to slip him into a pocket of space.

Trouble was, such openings were rare things. Garry Monk had his side well-organised and it was apparent they'd been thoroughly briefed on how to neutralise Fulham's threats.

When Harlee Dean doubled their lead three minutes before the break, the spectre of the play-offs was beckoning them.

Targett was taken off at half-time for Aboubakar Kamara, pre-match worries about an injury coming to the surface, and Sessegnon slipped back to left-back.

Not that Sessegnon's point of reference on the field changed at all. He was still required to push on as much as possible as Fulham tried to mount a siege.


Fulham players are dejected as they saw their chances of automatic promotion go up in smoke

But, for whatever reason, it wasn't clicking. Ryan Fredericks curled a cross straight out of play, before the right-back dragged an effort wide. Mitrovic challenged David Stockdale for the ball in the air, to no avail.

The resignation was evident in the final half-hour as Birmingham looked the more likely to score again. Sessegnon hovered around the half-way line but didn't receive the service to push on.

With six minutes left, Tom Cairney did halve the deficit but it proved false hope as Che Adams added Birmingham's third late on.

Fulham will have to find some momentum from somewhere. As they discovered in defeat to Reading in last season's semi-finals, they are a cruel mistress and history can easily repeat itself.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5696961/Ryan-Sessegnon-power-Fulham-promotion.html#ixzz5EnQ08sAQ
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[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham can bounce back for play-offs

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic backed the club to recover after they missed out on automatic promotion.

The Cottagers must go through the play-offs again - where they will face Derby - to end a four-year Premier League absence after a 3-1 defeat to Birmingham on Sunday.

Victory at St Andrew's would have sent them up as Cardiff could only draw 0-0 against Reading - but Lukas Jutkiewicz, Harlee Dean and Che Adams scored to ensure Birmingham beat the drop on the final day.

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic backed the club to recover after they missed out on automatic promotion.

The Cottagers must go through the play-offs again - where they will face Derby - to end a four-year Premier League absence after a 3-1 defeat to Birmingham on Sunday.

Victory at St Andrew's would have sent them up as Cardiff could only draw 0-0 against Reading - but Lukas Jutkiewicz, Harlee Dean and Che Adams scored to ensure Birmingham beat the drop on the final day.

"I always believe we are going to win the next game, because we lost one game I am not going to change my mind," he said, with Fulham having lost to Reading in the play-off semi-finals last season.

"We showed quality many times, the character we showed many times - and we are going to be ready for the next game.

"We're disappointed not because we're in the play-offs, we're disappointed because we lost a great chance to win the game.

"It's part of football and we must be ready for the challenge. We cannot be satisfied, it's simple, we didn't play well enough."

Jutkiewicz and Dean gave Birmingham a 2-0 lead at the break and, after Tom Cairney made it 2-1 with five minutes left, Adams restored Blues' two-goal advantage late on.



http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11361834/slavisa-jokanovic-says-fulham-can-bounce-back-for-play-offs

[WhiteJC]

 
Jokanovic insists Fulham will be ready for play-offs

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham will be mentally ready for the play-offs despite admitting his side had lost confidence in a bitter final-day defeat at Birmingham.

The Whites missed out on automatic promotion after failing to better Cardiff's draw against Reading, and now face Derby County in the semi-finals hoping to avoid a repeat of last season's heartbreak against the Royals.

Jokanovic admitted last week that his players were feeling under pressure and, after losing 3-1 at St Andrews, he said: "We weren't confident or comfortable on the pitch.

"All teams are under pressure, whether its promotion or relegation. They did a better job than us. We need to be calm and confident. We played well so many times this season. We need to accept this wasn't our best performance and be ready for the next stage.

"We are not disappointed because we are in the play-offs. We are disappointed because we lost a great chance to win the game. But we must be strong and ready for the next challenge.

"We are more experienced now. This is the second time we are in the play-offs, we are a good team and can perform better than today. We can find more pace and create more chances, and be more solid on the defensive side.

"This is the target for us in the few days. We must be strong, adult, and ready to compete."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jokanovic-insists-fulham-will-be-ready-for-play-offs

[WhiteJC]

 
EFL play-offs 2017-18: Key dates for semi-finals and finals

Last season, Blackpool, Millwall and Huddersfield won the League Two, League One and Championship play-off finals

The closing weekend of the English Football League season saw Cardiff City return to the top flight, Rochdale pull off a great escape in League One and Barnet drop down to the National League.

The regular EFL season has been concluded, but the twists and turns of the 2017-18 campaign are far from over.

The play-offs get under way on Thursday, as the battles for the final promotion spots in the Championship, League One and League Two recommence.

You can follow live text coverage of every EFL play-off match on the BBC Sport website and app, including the three Wembley finals on 26-28 May.

Here are the key dates and fixtures:

Championship

Fulham would have been promoted automatically if they had beaten Birmingham City in their final match, but the London side lost 3-1

Friday, 11 May (19:45 BST): Derby County v Fulham

Saturday, 12 May (17:15 BST): Middlesbrough v Aston Villa

Monday, 14 May (19:45 BST): Fulham v Derby County

Tuesday, 15 May (19:45 BST): Aston Villa v Middlesbrough

Saturday, 26 May (17:00 BST): Championship play-off final

League One
Thursday, 10 May (19:45 BST): Charlton Athletic v Shrewsbury Town

Saturday, 12 May (12:30 BST): Scunthorpe United v Rotherham United

Sunday, 13 May (17:15 BST): Shrewsbury Town v Charlton Athletic

Wednesday, 16 May (19:45 BST): Rotherham United v Scunthorpe United

Sunday, 27 May (15:00 BST): League One play-off final

League Two
Saturday, 12 May (15:00 BST): Lincoln City v Exeter City

Saturday, 12 May (19:30 BST): Coventry City v Notts County

Thursday, 17 May (19:45 BST): Exeter City v Lincoln City

Friday, 18 May (19:45 BST): Notts County v Coventry City

Monday, 28 May (15:00 BST): League Two play-off final



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44022475

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham forced to settle for play-off place after 23-game unbeaten run is halted by Birmingham

Fulham will have to negotiate a route through the play-offs if they are to return to the Premier League next season after the momentum that had carried them on a 23-match unbeaten run deserted them at the moment that mattered most.

A win against Birmingham, who began the day just two points above the bottom three, would have taken them above Cardiff City into the second automatic promotion place in the Championship after Neil Warnock's side were held by Reading at home.

Instead, having been well beaten by Garry Monk's team, they must take on Derby County over two legs for the chance to meet Aston Villa or Middlesbrough in the play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, May 26.

Slavisa Jokanovic's team were beaten at the semi-final stage of last season's play-offs but the disappointment would be much greater should they fail this time and the Serb knows his management skills will be tested as he tries to rally his team, with only five days to recover for next Friday's first leg at Pride Park.

"It is a disappointing to lose today of course," he said. "Birmingham were fighting against relegation, they were very well organised, defended narrow and played better. They showed a great spirit.

"We made mistakes, gave away easy goals and we did not produce enough quality.  I did not think the players looked as though they were feeling the pressure but we did not move the ball fast enough in possession.

"We are disappointed that we lost a great chance to win today but we are into the play-offs and we cannot be disappointed about that.

"We will need to come back stronger. We need to create more chances and be better organised in defence.

"But I always believe we can win the next game and I am not going to change now.  We have shown many times our quality, our character and that we can play good football.  We have to be strong and believe in what we have been doing to get this far."

Had an early half-chance that fell to Alexsander Mitrovic resulted in a goal it might have been different.  But as it was there was an urgency about the home side, who had the St Andrew's crowd behind them despite a hugely disappointing season.

Monks had his team set up to stretch Fulham's defence by attacking from wide areas and the tactic paid off after only 15 minutes when Michael Morrison's pass found Wes Harding in space on the right and the full-back's cross to the near post was volleyed home decisively by Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Jacques Maghoma was a threat to Fulham on the other flank and it was a cross by the Spanish attacker Jota following a half-cleared Maghoma corner that created the second hammer blow to Fulham's prospects, headed home by defender Harlee Dean to double Birmingham's lead before half-time.


Cairney's goal gave Fulham a glimmer of hope but they must now navigate the play-offs Credit: PA

Jokanovic made changes and there was a response from his players but Birmingham, who realistically needed only to avoid defeat to stay out of the relegation drama, defended solidly and it took until six minutes from the end for Fulham to reduce the deficit, Tom Cairney heading home from Floyd Ayite's cross.

A magnificent save by David Stockdale denied Mitrovic an equaliser moments later, before substitute Che Adams skipped past a weary Kevin McDonald to add Birmingham's third with two minutes of the 90 remaining.

"We were determined to finish the season on our terms and in that respect it is mission accomplished," said Monks, who has overseen five wins in 11 matches since replacing Steve Cotterill as manager in March.

"But avoiding relegation is not an achievement. We took over in a bad situation and we need to change the whole mentality of the club.

"You have seen the essence of that change out there today but I am going to be relentless in trying to achieve that goal."



https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/05/06/fulham-forced-settle-play-off-place-23-game-unbeaten-run-halted/

[WhiteJC]

 
the Play-off's

so after a record breaking unbeaten run we slip-up at Birmingham, unfortunate but what a run that was!

We now face Derby County to see who progresses to the play-off final.

Should you need a reminder of our two league games against them they were...
(home) 1-1  November
(away) 1-2  March

...so we've a reasonable record against them for this season.

The first game will be away at Pride Park on Friday evening 11/05, kick-off 19:45

The return leg will be the following Monday evening 14/05, kick-off 19:45, at Craven Cottage

I'm sure that Joka' and the lads are disappointed that we didn't get automatic promotion but with the run of form we're in we've no-one to fear.

Derby's last five results...
14/04/18 – Burton 3-1 Derby
21/04/18 – Derby 1-2 Middlesborough
24/04/18 – Derby 3-1 Cardiff
28/04/18 – Aston Villa 1-1 Derby
06/05/18 – Derby 4-1 Barnsley

whatever the result(s) we've had a fantastic season and this calendar year the lads have done us proud week in-week out.

I'd love a trip to Wembley

COYWs



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=230

[WhiteJC]

 
Fulham Players Rated In Their Disappointing Loss Vs Birmingham City: Cairney Gets 7.5/10!

Fulham travelled to the West Midlands to take on Birmingham City at the St. Andrew's Stadium. The Cottagers were looking to secure maximum points from the contest in order boost their chances of clinching a promotion spot at the expense of Cardiff City in the league table. The visitors started the game slow and fell behind to a 15th-minute goal from Lukas Jutkiewicz.

Harlee Dean doubled Birmingham's lead just before half-time to leave the Cottagers with a mountain to climb in the second half. Slaviša Jokanović's team fought hard after the break and got a goal back in the 84th minute courtesy of Tom Cairney's header from close range. However, Che Adams came off the bench to seal the fate of the contest in favour of the home side in the 89th minute when he scored from a difficult angle. The match ended with Birmingham City claiming a 3-1 victory over their London opponents which ensured their English Championship lives for another season.

Let's take a look at how each Fulham player performed during the contest.

GK: Marcus Bettinelli – 6/10

He made a few great saves to keep his team in the contest. However, the English keeper was guilty of conceding three goals during the encounter which won't please him.

RB: Ryan Fredericks – 6/10

The 25-year-old full-back made a huge impact while going forward but defensively, he was found napping at times.

CB: Denis Odoi – 5.5/10

Not the best outing for him as part of the Fulham backline, the Belgian defender made a few errors while defending and was justifiably booked in the second half for a bad foul.

CB: Tim Ream – 5/10

He huffed and puffed but failed to keep the Birmingham attackers at bay.

LB: Matt Targett – 6/10

The left-back set up a great chance for Lucas Piazon in the 4th minute and made a few good runs in the opposition half. However, the on-loan defender from Southampton had to go off with an injury at half-time.

CM: Stefan Johansen – 6/10

The Norwegian had a few great attempts at goal during the match but failed to find the back of the net.

CM: Kevin McDonald – 6/10

The Scottish midfielder won a number of freekicks in the Birmingham half but got cautioned for a reckless challenge in the 70th minute.

CM: Tom Cairney – 7.5/10

The 27-year-old midfield enforcer was guilty of missing some wonderful opportunities during the first-half and his finishing left a lot to be desired. However, Cairney made amends in the 84th minute when he scored with his head to give Fulham some hope of a late comeback.

RM: Lucas Piazon – 6/10

The Brazilian went close with an early effort and did well to earn a few free kicks for the Cottagers. However, his impact in the game faded as the match went on, which led to his substitution after the hour mark.

ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic – 6.5/10

The on-loan Newcastle United forward had a good game and set up a number of great opportunities for his teammates. However, he was unlucky in front of goal which capped off a disappointing outing for the Cottagers.

LM: Ryan Sessegnon – 5/10

The Fulham youngster was unable to make his mark in the game and had a day to forget.

Substitutes:

RM: Floyd Ayité – 7/10

The Togolese midfielder came off the bench to set up Cairney's goal in the 84th minute.

RB: Cyrus Christie – 6/10

The English full-back did well to have an impact in the attacking third and was a threat down the right flank.

ST: Aboubakar Kamara – 6/10

The French forward came off the bench to make a real impact inside the Birmingham City box. Although, he failed to find the back of the net which led to his team's defeat on the day.



http://the4thofficial.net/2018/05/fulham-players-rated-disappointing-loss-vs-birmingham-city-cairney-gets-7-510/

[WhiteJC]

 
Slavisa Jokanovic says Fulham will be ready for the play-offs despite final day heartbreak: 'I always believe we'll win our next game... that hasn't changed'

    Fulham missed out on last automatic promotion spot with defeat at Birmingham
    Cardiff went up with Wolves and Fulham enter play-off semi-final against Derby
    Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic insists they'll be ready for the first leg on Friday
    Aston Villa face Middlesbrough in the other Championship play-off semi-final

Slavisa Jokanovic urged his Fulham players to dust themselves down and ensure an exceptional second half of the season ends in Premier League promotion through the play-offs.

A hugely disappointing performance in a 3-1 defeat at Birmingham City ended Fulham's automatic promotion hopes and their 23-game unbeaten run - and they now take on Derby County in the semi-finals.

The first leg takes place at Pride Park on Friday night, with the return at Craven Cottage the following Monday.


Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham would maintain their belief as they prepared for the play-offs

'It is a shame and we are disappointed because we lost a great chance,' said Jokanovic.

'We cannot be happy that we didn't win today because we must always win the game. For the first 45 minutes, I don't know what happened, but the Championship is a complicated competition.

'But I always believe we will win the next game and, just because I lost one game, I am not now going to change my mind.

'We showed many times our quality, we showed many times our character, we showed many times we can play good football and we will be ready for the play-offs.'

Fulham suffered play-off heartache a year ago when they were beaten by Reading, though Jokanovic believes his team are stronger this time around.

'In general, we are more experienced. This is the second year in the play-offs,' he said.


Aleksandar Mitrovic lies dejected as Fulham saw their automatic promotion chances ended

'It is not easy but we are a good team and we can perform better than we did today. We need to find more pace, create more chances and be better on the defensive side.

'For us, we have to be calm and confident as we have been many times this season, keep going and be ready.'

Birmingham's win secured their survival and manager Garry Monk said: 'We were in a pretty bad situation and whichever way you get it done, you get it done.

'We have tried to take care of our own business and today was the icing on the cake.

'This club has been in this situation three times in the last five years so there is relief and happiness.

'Just because you are a big club, it doesn't give you the right to avoid this situation. But it has to change.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5697349/Slavisa-Jokanovic-says-Fulham-ready-play-offs-despite-final-day-heartbreak.html#ixzz5EnV1Z06A
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