Sunday Fulham Stuff - 05/07/20...

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Results

Friday
Charlton	0-1	Millwall

Saturday
Derby	1-1	Forest
Rovers	1-3	Leeds
Brentford	3-0	Wigan
Bristol City	0-1	Cardiff
Fulham	1-0	Birmingham
Huddersfield	0-0	Preston NE
Luton	0-5	Reading
Stoke	4-0	Barnsley

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Fulham 1-0 Birmingham City

Josh Onomah slots home Fulham's late winner at Craven Cottage

Josh Onomah's stoppage-time winner kept Fulham in the hunt for the Championship's automatic promotion places as they squeezed past resolute Birmingham City at Craven Cottage.

Onomah swept home from 12 yards in the fifth minute of added time to reward a late Fulham flourish as the Cottagers moved back to within four points of second-placed West Bromwich Albion.

Scott Parker's side, without suspended 23-goal top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, had looked set to register a blank for the third time in four games since the Championship's resumption on 20 June.

It took them more than 85 minutes to truly threaten Blues keeper Lee Camp, who then produced fine saves to deny Joe Bryan, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Onomah before the latter's decisive strike.

Blues had created the better chances to that point and teenager Jude Bellingham, reportedly Borussia Dortmund-bound this summer, could have had a hat-trick in the first 15 minutes.

The 17-year-old fluffed his first opening and was later denied by Cottagers keeper Marek Rodak and the woodwork as Fulham escaped unpunished for a string of sloppy early defensive errors.

Tough run ahead for Fulham
Onomah's late goal keeps Fulham in contention for a top-two spot but after defeats to promotion rivals Brentford and Leeds in their first two post-lockdown games, they can afford no more slip-ups.

They now face a definitive run of three games in a week against other sides in the top six - the visit of Cardiff on Friday sandwiched in between midweek trips to Nottingham Forest and West Brom.

While the play-offs still appear their likeliest destination, they will have Mitrovic back - from a three-game ban for elbowing Leeds' Ben White - to face Cardiff and Albion.

They missed him badly against Birmingham, struggling to create any opportunities of note until a dramatic finale that left brave Blues empty-handed.

Camp foiled Onomah's well-struck 30-yarder and made a double save from Bryan and Decordova-Reid's follow-up but was helpless when Harrison Reed fed Onomah to steer home at the death.

Blues still not safe despite dogged display
Birmingham deserved at least a draw in west London, but a tally of 49 points with five games still remaining gives them every chance of ensuring survival.

Pep Clotet's 17th-placed team will be aware, though, that many of the sides below them have been picking up points.

This defeat extended their winless run to nine games and were left to rue Bellingham's early misses, most notably when he latched on to Michael Hector's loose backpass, only to lose possession in trying to round Rodak.

Bellingham then curled another chance straight at Rodak before putting a close-range header on to the crossbar after the keeper parried Jeremie Bela's cross into the air.

Post-match reaction
Fulham boss Scott Parker:
"There was a sense of relief because the longer the game goes on and you miss a couple of big chances before that, you start wondering whether it's not your day.

"Fair play to my team because in the absence of Mitrovic, we had to find a different way and still be that attacking threat, which I thought we were today - large parts of the game we dominated.

"We needed to be patient, we needed to work our moments and the way they set up it was always going to be a game not full of massive chances.

"It's a massive win for us and with the amount of games still to be played I think there's still going to be many twists and turns. That's back-to-back wins which is massive and we'll keep pushing."

Birmingham head coach Pep Clotet:
"I think the first shot on target for Fulham was in the 65th minute. We created enough chances to take the lead but unfortunately they didn't go in. We should score those chances.

"I think the result is completely unfair and unlucky for our team but that is how the game is. I think it was us who had the clear chances in this game. We deserved a point, maybe more.

"But we completely bounced back from a performance point of view from the last two games and our confidence will be intact after that performance.

"I never look over my shoulder at the table, I always want to look at what is in front of me. It's always about catching the teams above you."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52072735

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Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker faced the media after he saw his side claim a late three points at the Cottage against Birmingham City.

Our head coach was quizzed on the Birmingham match, Josh Onamah's strike, Aleksandar Mitrović and more.

Read on for a full transcript:

On an important win over Birmingham City...

We started to wonder whether it was going to be our day after the great double save. We came up against a team in which it was very evident that they'd come to play for a draw. The game was played in their game for the entirety. We needed to be patient. It was always going to be a game lacking massive chances. When they come your way, you need to take them. In the end, we deserved to win.

On the possibility of automatics...

It's a massive win for us, the gap is down to four points now. In this division, with the amount of games there are, there will be more twists and turns. Our main focus is to win games and we've got tough ones coming up. I think whether you're playing top, mid table or bottom, every game will be huge. These are ones we need to prepare for and try and get on a good run. Back-to-back wins are huge.

On Josh Onomah...

Josh has been fantastic since he came in, I've worked with him since he was a young player. The subs were excellent when they came on. Joe Bryan was excellent when he came in, so was Neeskens [Kebano], and obviously Josh got his winner. It was a good day in the end and it was massive.

On Mitro's absence...

Maybe. When you take 23 goals out of your team and the threat he possesses, it would be what everyone would think. Fair play to my team, we've had to alter things and still be an attacking threat. We dominated for the majority of today and as much as we miss Aleks, we have a group that are engaged. We are finding ways to win games.

On his side's fitness levels...

It's difficult. Fitness is one you have to get back up to speed and it's a long season. This should be pre-season. There are five games to go and this is where either seasons fritter away or people put their foot to the floor. That's the challenge. Let's make this season something we look back on.

Three months without being around my players, I knew the ones coming back in the best physical nick would perform. This week was our 20th session contact wise. We've done all we can. It's been a quick turnaround, but I'm pleased. We lost 2-0 and 3-0 against Brentford and Leeds and we didn't deserve that. We've deserved these two wins and we need to keep going.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/04/head-coach-press conference-birmingham

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Fulham leave it late but Onomah finally breaks Birmingham City resistance

Fulham 1 Birmingham City 0

Josh Onomah came off the bench to sweep home an injury-time winner for the Whites – just when it seemed they would pay the price for taking so long to get going.

Even allowing for the absence of the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic, it was puzzling that the Whites should be so toothless in attack and lacking creativity during a dreadful first half.

They improved greatly after the break, with Anthony Knockaert at the forefront of all their best attacks, but the winner seemed to have eluded them until Harrison Reed clipped a ball inside for the midfielder to roll into the bottom corner.

It was the 23-year-olds's second strike for the club – the first having come in the December win against Leeds United.

It secured back-to-back wins for the Whites and keeps alive their outside hopes of automatic promotion – albeit with games running out.

The early signs were not so promising for the Whites, who have been fitful since Championship football resumed two weeks ago. 

Michael Hector's form was patchy at QPR in midweek and he nearly got off to a calamitous start with a weak backpass which invited Birmingham starlet Jude Bellingham into a clear run on goal. 

It was lucky for the Fulham defender that the coveted youngster – Borussia Dortmund apparently the chief suitors - got his feet in a tangle and that Marek Rodak was able to block.

And the Whites got lucky when a goalmouth scramble ended with a header against an upright from Bellingham, before Marc Roberts almost stole in to head home the subsequent corner at the far post.

After a worryingly feeble first half, the Whites needed to up their game and Knockaert's curler just over the bar suggested Fulham were ready to raise their game, but it was a while before the summoned another dangerous shot – Knockaert just bending an effort wide of a post. 

The winger came closer after a cutback from Ivan Cavaleiro and although this one was finally on target, it was no trouble for Blues keeper Lee Camp.

It did seem that only Knockaert was capable of breaking the deadlock for Fulham and he almost got on the end of a ball played in from the left which eluded the last defender. His effort hit the side-netting.

The Whites built some momentum as the match entered its business end and after Onomah had stretched Camp from outside the area, Joe Bryan's shot from afar had been blocked by Camp, the Blues keeper got up to deny Bobby Reid with his follow-up attempt.

Tom Cairney clipped the wall with a flighted free-kick as Scott Parker's men cranked it up still further, and with the home side tempo finally upped, and City stretched, one more chance was created that was finally put away.

Fulham: Rodak – Christie, Hector, Ream, Odoi (Bryan h/t) – Arter (Onomah 60), Reed – Knockaert (Jasper 88), Cairney, Cavaleiro (Kebano 70) – Reid. Subs not used: Bettineli, McDonald, Johansen, LeMarchand, Sessegnon



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2020/07/04/Fulham-leave-it-late-but-Onomah-finally-breaks-Birmingham-City-resistance

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Fulham 1-0 Birmingham: Josh Onomah strikes last-gasp winner
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Josh Onomah struck deep into added time to keep Fulham's automatic promotion hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Birmingham.

Scott Parker's side appeared set for frustration as they struggled to break down a Birmingham side now without a win in nine Sky Bet Championship matches.

But Onomah - on as a 60th-minute substitute - swept home from 12 yards to deliver the victory that moves them to within four points of second-placed West Brom.

Prior to that moment, the Cottagers had struggled to break Birmingham down with in-demand Blues teenager Jude Bellingham coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

And the youngster came close to scoring his fifth league goal of the season when an early header crashed against the Fulham crossbar.

Parker's side survived that scare but did not look capable of taking full advantage until they injected more tempo into the game after a disappointing first half.

Even then, when they did manage to find a way through the Birmingham defence, visiting keeper Lee Camp produced a succession of fine saves before he was finally beaten by Onomah.

The Cottagers had struggled to find their feet after the restart, suffering back-to-back defeats before the midweek win at QPR.

And it looked as though they would rue the continuing absence of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was serving the second game of a three-match ban.

In the absence of the leading scorer, Bobby Decordova-Reid led the Cottagers' attack but was unable to provide the same cutting edge.

There was a greater sense of urgency in Fulham's approach after the break as they dominated long periods of possession.

Ivan Cavaleiro got to the byline on the left hand side before pulling back, Anthony Knockaert failed to make a proper connection and the winger's shot was easily saved by Camp.

Camp again denied Knockaert before producing a superb double save from Joe Bryan and Decordova-Reid, but the keeper was powerless to prevent Onomah claiming the points after being set up by Harrison Reed.

What the managers said...
Fulham's Scott Parker: "That gives a sense of relief. As the game goes on, you miss some big chances, and the keeper pulls off an amazing double save. You start wondering if it is not your day. It was tough. We came up against a team who came here to play for a draw. At times the game was played in their half.

"It's a massive win for us, the way things have panned out in terms of lockdown, the games we have left. I think there will be many twists and turns. Our main focus is to win games. We have some tough games coming up. Whether you play someone at the top end or mid-table, they will be very big games."

Birmingham's Pep Clotet: "I'm devastated. Devastated for the players, for the club and for the fans. I thought the result was completely unfair. We had the most chances. We had two good chances in the first half and possibly a penalty. If we had scored those chances it would have been a completely different games.

"It's unfair but that happens. We deserve a point and could have had three. Unfortunately we lost the point we worked so hard to get. But I am pretty sure the performances will get better. I am not looking over my shoulder. We want to finish as high as possible."



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-birmham/report/409833

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Onomah's last-gasp goal gives Fulham crucial victory



An injury-time strike by substitute Josh Onomah helped an otherwise faltering Fulham record a second successive win, following a listless clash at Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker's side remain fifth in the Championship – but overall, they rarely looked like piercing Birmingham City in a game that was expected to yield a proper return to form.

Birmingham – without a win in their last eight games – started brightly enough.

Jeremie Bela brought out an instinctive close-range save by Marek Rodak from an angled shot in what was a quiet opening.

Having lost their last home game against west London rivals Brentford, again Fulham lacked the initiative to break down their opponents, with the Blues very well organised.

Finding Birmingham especially robust, it proved to be a very disappointing first half for the hosts, particularly in view of what was a vital away win at QPR in midweek. The Whites completely failed to test Blues keeper Camp. Clearly, the absence of the suspended Aleksandar Mitrovic was being keenly felt.

Fulham were still labouring after the interval, although a looping cross by Tom Cairney went just wide in the 56th minute.

Anthony Knockaert, eventually, fired a 12-yard shot which was saved by Camp due to a lack of power.

Meanwhile, Parker, sensing a serious need for freshness, sent on Neeskens Kebano for the ineffective Ivan Cavaleiro.

Knockaert should have struck the target from close range at the far post from a raking pass but his failure to do so was altogether symptomatic of Fulham's slovenly afternoon. Camp did make a couple of good, late saves from Onomah and Bryan respectively, before a bolt of late drama.

After being teed up by Harrison Reed, Onomah took his opportunity to carefully place the ball low past Camp from 12 yards to finally break the Blues' resistance. It proved to be a moment of sheer relief with the Whites still unconvincing.

Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Ream, Hector, Odoi (Bryan 46), Arter (Onomah 60), Reed, Knockaert (Jasper 86), Cairney, Cavaleiro (Kebano 70), Decordova-Reid
Subs not used: Bettinelli, McDonald, Bryan, Johansen, Le Marchand, S Sessegnon



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/onomahs-last-gasp-goal-gives-fulham-crucial-victory

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Result: Fulham keep automatic promotion hopes alive with last-gasp Birmingham win

Josh Onomah struck deep into added time to keep Fulham's automatic promotion hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Birmingham.

Scott Parker's side appeared set for frustration as they struggled to break down a Birmingham side now without a win in nine Sky Bet Championship matches.

But Onomah – on as a 60th-minute substitute – swept home from 12 yards to deliver the victory that moves them to within four points of second-placed West Brom.

Prior to that moment, the Cottagers had struggled to break Birmingham down with in-demand Blues teenager Jude Bellingham coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

The 17-year-old is a target for Manchester United but is believed to be close to sealing a move to Borussia Dortmund with the Bundesliga side reported to have offered a deal worth up to £30million.

And the youngster came close to scoring his fifth league goal of the season when an early header crashed against the Fulham crossbar.

Parker's side survived that scare but did not look capable of taking full advantage until they injected more tempo into the game after a disappointing first half.

Even then, when they did manage to find a way through the Birmingham defence, visiting keeper Lee Camp produced a succession of fine saves before he was finally beaten by Onomah.

The Cottagers had struggled to find their feet after the restart, suffering back-to-back defeats before the midweek win at QPR.

And it looked as though they would rue the continuing absence of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was serving the second game of a three-match ban.

In the absence of the leading scorer, Bobby Decordova-Reid led the Cottagers' attack but was unable to provide the same cutting edge.

There was a greater sense of urgency in Fulham's approach after the break as they dominated long periods of possession.

Ivan Cavaleiro got to the byline on the left hand side before pulling back, Anthony Knockaert failed to make a proper connection and the winger's shot was easily saved by Camp.

Camp again denied Knockaert before producing a superb double save from Joe Bryan and Decordova-Reid, but the keeper was powerless to prevent Onomah claiming the points after being set up by Harrison Reed.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/birmingham-city/championship-promotion-race/result/result-fulham-keep-automatic-promotion-hopes-alive-with-last-gasp-birmingham-win_405156.html

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Onomah grabs late Fulham winner

Talk about last gasp. Substitute Josh Onomah's stoppage-time strike stole a valuable victory for Fulham against brave Birmingham City at Craven Cottage this afternoon after Scott Parker's side had been distinctly unimpressive for large spells of a soporific spectacle.

Onomah's second Fulham goal arrived just in the nick of time to lift the hosts above Nottingham Forest into fourth place in the Championship table – keeping their extremely feint hopes of rejoining the battle for automatic promotion alive. The former Tottenham midfielder had supplied some sorely needed creativity and dynamism to a turgid Fulham display when introduced on the hour mark, but his precise right-footed finish to a flowing move down the right will provide a timely confidence boost ahead of Tuesday's trip to the City Ground. It was fitting that a surging late run into the box from the superb Harrison Reid, comfortably Fulham's most consistent performer, laid on the chance for Onomah, whose low strike from twelve yards left the otherwise unbeatable Lee Camp with little chance.

Fulham finished with an intensity that left you wondering where such vigour and potency had been in the first 70 minutes. Parker had opted for the same starting line-up that had laboured to victory at QPR on Tuesday, but his side failed to muster a single shot on target in a first half where they enjoyed 80 per cent of the possession. Indeed, it was Birmingham, who looked by far the likelier to open the scoring. Michael Hector's inexplicably shoddy backpass allowed talented teenager Jude Bellingham an early sight of goal but the Dortmund transfer target didn't get a clean enough connection to beat Marek Rodak. He shot tamely at the Fulham goalkeeper from just outside the box moments later as the home defence continued to creak alarmingly.

The visitors fashioned plenty of openings despite not seeing much of the ball and should have gone ahead on the quarter hour. Jeremie Bela sauntered away from Cyrus Christie down the left and his dangerous cross almost caught out Rodak, with the Fulham goalkeeper palming the ball onto the near post and watching with relief as Bellingham could only head the follow up against the crossbar. At the other end, Fulham's clearest sight of goal during a forgettable first half saw Christie's attempt to reprise his midweek winner bravely blocked by Gary Gardner.

Parker's only alteration at half-time was to replace Denis Odoi with Joe Bryan at left back and, whilst the former Bristol City full back, offered greater threat going forward, it failed to wake Fulham from their slumber. Anthony Knockaert was full of running but once again lacked that clinical touch in the final third. The French winger ballooned a shoot over the bar within thirty seconds of the restart and then hit a low shot straight at Camp from close range after Cavaleiro had tricked his way into the Birmingham box. His most glaring miss, though, came when he was found at the far post by a beautiful Bryan switch of play only to fire wastefully wide from six yards.

It appeared destined to be one of those days. Fulham upped the tempo considerably in the closing quarter of an hour but Camp kept Blues in the contest. He pushed away a powerful Onomah strike from fully 30 yards and then produced a magnificent double save, keeping out Bryan's blast from distance before recovering to thwart Decordova-Reid, although the Fulham forward should have finished on the volley.

A succession of corners came and went and, as the Birmingham back line dropped deeper, it appeared as if Craven Cottage was about to witness its first league goalless draw in nearly nine years. But, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Fulham fashioned a priceless winner with movement that had been badly lacking earlier. Decordova-Reid jinked down the right, committing a couple of defenders, spotting Reed's clever run and the Southampton loanee squared it for Onomah to slide home a nerveless finish. It felt harsh on Birmingham and more than a little fortuitous but Parker and Fulham will hope Onomah's late intervention ignites their promotion push.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Odoi (Bryan 45), Hector, Ream; Reed, Arter (Onomah 60), Cairney; Knockaert (Jasper 87), Cavaleiro (Kebano 70), Decordova-Reid. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, S. Sessegnon, Le Marchand, McDonald, Johansen.

BOOKED: Hector, Odoi.

GOAL: Onomah (90+5).

BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-1-4-1): Camp; Colin, Pederson, Roberts, Clarke-Salter; Sunjic, Gardner, Crowley (Dean 85), Bellingham (Kieftenbeld 57), Bela (Harding 74); Hogan (Jutkiewicz 74). Subs (not used): Trueman, Gordon, Stirk, Boyd-Munce, Reid.

BOOKED: Gardner, Bellingham, Roberts, Clarke-Salter.

REFEREE: Keith Stroud (Bournemouth).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/onomah-grabs-late-fulham-winner/

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Scott Parker relieved as Fulham strike late to keep promotion hopes alive

Scott Parker admitted his relief after Josh Onomah's added-time goal secured Fulham a 1-0 Sky Bet Championship win over Birmingham.

Parker's side appeared set for frustration until Onomah finally broke the deadlock in the fifth minute of added time.

And after seeing his side move to within four points of second-placed West Brom, the manager has no doubt they are still in the hunt for an automatic promotion spot.

Parker said: "A sense of relief, as the game goes on, you miss some big chances, and the keeper pulls off an amazing double save.

"You start wondering if it is not your day. It was tough. We came up against a team who came here to play for a draw. At times the game was played in their half.

"It's a massive win for us, the way things have panned out in terms of lockdown, the games we have left.

"I think there will be many twists and turns. Our main focus is to win games. We have some tough games coming up.

"Whether you play someone at the top end or mid-table, they will be very big games.

"We need to plan and prepare to win them. We want to get on a good run. That's two back-to-back wins. We will keep winning."

Parker praised Onomah's contribution after stepping off the bench midway through the second half to hit the winner after Fulham had struggled to make up for the absence of suspended leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

He added: "Josh has been fantastic since he came in. I have worked with him for large parts. I know the quality he has.

"If you take out a player with 23 goals, then the threat he possesses, it will only be hard. Fair play to my team.

"In Mitro's absence, we found a different way. We had to alter and change things and still be an attacking threat."

Pep Clotet was convinced his side deserved something from the game and admitted the manner of defeat was hard to take.

The Birmingham manager rued his side's failure to make more of their first-half chances – Jude Bellingham headed against the bar and slipped when given a sight of goal – and believed they could have had a penalty for a first-half handball.

"I'm devastated," he said. "Devastated for the players, for the club and for the fans.

"I thought the result was completely unfair. We had the most chances. We had two good chances in the first half and possibly a penalty. If we had scored those chances it would have been a completely different games.

"It's unfair but that happens. We deserve a point and could have had three.

"Unfortunately we lost the point we worked so hard to get. But I am pretty sure the performances will get better.

"I am not looking over my shoulder. We want to finish as high as possible."

He added: "I think we are possibly not being even when it comes to penalties. We must understand the referee is doing his work and I totally respect him that he came and said he didn't see it."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/birmingham-city/championship-promotion-race/news/scott-parker-relieved-as-fulham-strike-late-to-keep-promotion-hopes-alive_405162.html

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Parker praises 'fantastic' Onomah

Scott Parker hailed the decisive contribution of 'fantastic' substitute Josh Onomah after the midfielder scored a late winner to beat Birmingham City and breathe new life into Fulham's promotion push.

The Fulham manager described his side's narrow victory as 'massive' with the gap to second-placed West Brom, who play tomorrow, reduced to just four points. Parker believes there are plenty 'more twists and turns' to come and wants his team to keep up the momentum when they travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, who they leapfrogged in the table today, on Tuesday.

Parker told his post-match press conference at Craven Cottage:

    It's a massive win for us, the gap is down to four points now. In this division, with the amount of games there are, there will be more twists and turns. Our main focus is to win games and we've got tough ones coming up. I think whether you're playing top, mid table or bottom, every game will be huge. These are ones we need to prepare for and try and get on a good run. Back-to-back wins are huge.

He was particularly pleased with the Onomah's impact and the performances of all of his substitutes after a dire first half.

    Josh has been fantastic since he came in, I've worked with him since he was a young player. The subs were excellent when they came on. Joe Bryan was excellent when he came in, so was Neeskens [Kebano], and obviously Josh got his winner. It was a good day in the end and it was massive.

Parker admitted that he was left questioning whether Fulham would manage to get a winner after Birmingham goalkeeper Lee Camp pulled off a stupendous double save to deny Bryan and Bobby Decordova-Reid in the closing stages.

    We started to wonder whether it was going to be our day after the great double save. We came up against a team in which it was very evident that they'd come to play for a draw. We needed to be patient. It was always going to be a game lacking massive chances. When they come your way, you need to take them. In the end, we deserved to win.

He praised his charges for finding a way to win a second successive game without the services of suspended top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic up front.

    Fair play to my team, we've had to alter things and still be an attacking threat. We dominated for the majority of today and as much as we miss Aleks, we have a group that are engaged. We are finding ways to win games.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/parker-praises-fantastic-onomah/

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Beat Birmingham City

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, Emilio Di Nello and special guest Robert Wilson shared their initial reactions to Fulham's 1-0 victory.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/7/4/21313425/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-beat-birmingham-city

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'Proud' Onomah delighted to take his chance

Josh Onomah was delighted after firing Fulham to 'a valuable result' over battling Birmingham deep into stoppage time at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The midfielder described his second Fulham goal as 'a proud moment' that helped to secure back-to-back wins to help the Whites get back on track after a shocking restart to the Championship season following lockdown. The 23 year-old buried his late chance to end an afternoon of frustration and take Fulham above Nottingham Forest – their next opponents – in the table.

Onomah told FulhamFCTV after the final whistle:

    It was a proud moment for me. I'm just happy that I could help the team. We deserved it. We played well from minute one, had a lot of chances and I was just happy to take my chance in the dying seconds.

    We work on a lot of pattern play throughout training and when Bobby [Decordova-Reid] and Harrison [Reed] combined, I just knew that Harrison will play me in, so I was ready for it. Just before that I had a shot that got parried away, Ant came close and so did Bobby. I just thought, 'Ah, it might not be our day,' but thankfully I had the last shot and scored it!

Onomah admits he is getting used to having to make an impact from the substitutes' bench after coming on and setting up the winner for Cyrus Christie against QPR in midweek, but he humbly stressed the importance of picking up three points over individual performances.

    I feel like when you're a sub you get a chance to see the game from a different point of view and as I come out I was just hoping to affect the game and help the team in any way I can. Obviously, I did that in the last game and I did that today – I'm just happy helping the team.

    Credit to Birmingham. They made it quite difficult for us, it was never easy for us to score and they made it a challenge. To come out with a win after that is a good feeling.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/proud-onomah-delighted-to-take-his-chance/

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Wembley sale could gain more support as FA digest redundancies and potential losses of £300m after coronavirus pandemic causes financial havoc

    The Football Association has suffered redundancies and is facing huge losses
    That could lead to more support for the idea of selling Wembley to raise money
    Shahid Khan withdrew a £600m offer in 2018 due to lack of support from the FA

The Football Association believe there would be increased support for the future sale of Wembley from their council, as they digest redundancies and potential losses of £300million.

A senior FA source told The Mail on Sunday that a substantial number of FA council members could now back the sale — despite Fulham owner Shahid Khan withdrawing a £600m offer for the stadium in 2018 due to their lack of support.

The potential U-turn comes as the governing body digest losses of between £100m-£300m over the next four years, due to the coronavirus crisis and the prospect of a recession.


Support for the sale of Wembley could increase as the FA deals with redundancies and losses

The FA have announced they are to make 124 redundancies due to cancelled fixtures, matches with no crowds and the suspension of concerts and entertainment at Wembley.

'We face some very difficult decisions and the issue of selling Wembley could be among them. Everyone can see our circumstances have changed dramatically over the last two years', said the source.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham this week warned 'we do not think we can afford to do all the things we did before' as he announced the cutbacks.

Khan has not ruled out making another bid if there was more support from FA Council members, although it is unlikely he would be willing to match his previous offer.

'We don't know what the future holds,' said chairman Greg Clarke. 'The problem is that the pandemic will be followed by recession.


Shahid Khan withdrew a £600m offer for the stadium in 2018 due to their lack of support



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8490553/Wembley-sale-FA-prepares-life-pandemic-potential-recession.html