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Saturday Fulham Stuff - 11/07/20...

Started by WhiteJC, July 09, 2020, 11:27:31 AM

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WhiteJC

Results


Friday
Huddersfield
0-2
Luton
Fulham
2-0
Cardiff

WhiteJC

#1
Fulham 2-0 Cardiff City


Fulham midfielder Harry Arter (R) spent last season on loan with Cardiff City

Fulham kept their faint hopes of automatic promotion alive with a 2-0 win that dents Cardiff's promotion bid.

Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return from suspension with a first-half penalty before Josh Onomah crashed home a second for the hosts after the break.

The Bluebirds have lost back-to-back games and will be leapfrogged by bitter rivals Swansea City if they can beat league leaders Leeds United on Sunday.

Fulham's third successive win sees them four points off West Bromwich Albion.

The Cottagers visit the second-placed Baggies on Tuesday, 14 July, the same night that Cardiff will host another play-off contender, Derby County, by which time Swansea may have knocked them out of the play-off spots.

Both sides made changes in attack for a contest between sides with contrasting styles.

Fulham were able to recall Anthony Knockaert and Mitrovic, with Cardiff having Callum Paterson back, but the attacking players had few moments to shine in a dour opening 30 minutes.

The Bluebirds survived two slight scares through Harrison Reed, who tested goalkeeper Alex Smithies with a mishit cross and a tame shot, but otherwise were largely comfortable in an opening half-an-hour where they penned back the hosts and would have had far the happier manager.

The deadlock was broken on 35 minutes when referee Gavin Ward pointed to the spot after adjudging that Dion Sanderson pulled down Mitrovic, who dispatched the penalty emphatically into the roof of the net.

Mitrovic's 24th goal of the season in the Championship sparked the contest into life, with Cardiff almost making a perfect response when Joe Ralls' left-footed volley crashed back off the crossbar, before Ralls then headed over after a well executed long-throw routine.

However, Fulham might have taken more than a one-goal advantage into the break as former Cardiff forward Bobby Decordova-Reid twice came close to extending their lead.

First his curling right-foot effort from outside the area was brilliantly turned onto the crossbar at full stretch by Smithies, before a moment to forget when he glanced his header wide from close range after Knockaert's perfect centre.

Bluebirds boss Neil Harris adjusted his shape with a positive move at half-time as he introduced Lee Tomlin at the expense of Sanderson, who endured a tough first half, but his side still struggled to create a clear opening.

The hosts were given a reprieve on 58 minutes when Michael Hector and Paterson clashed off the ball with the Fulham player appearing to strike Paterson in the face, but the officials deemed it only a yellow-card offence.

However, Cardiff did get their own bit of fortune when the referee waved away furious home penalty appeals despite Curtis Nelson clearly handling Joe Bryan's cross.

Fulham's anger at the failure to award a second penalty soon subsided when former Tottenham midfielder Onomah capped a lovely move with a fine touch and firm finish into the bottom corner of the net.

Cyrus Christie headed over from close range as the hosts threatened to run away with things in a contest they might have won by a greater margin, with subs Neeskens Kebano and Ivan Cavaleiro both spurning injury-time chances.

Fulham manager Scott Parker:

"The win is key at this time in the season, a team like Cardiff put you under extreme pressure.

"We limited Cardiff to a lot of long balls and second balls and dealt with that really well.

"We got the job done today, but we probably could have had one or two more goals.

"Overall I am very, very pleased. We need to keep going now, but momentum is with us."

Cardiff City manager Neil Harris told BBC Sport Wales:

"The difference tonight is that they were better than us in both penalty areas. It was sixth v fourth, so I knew it would be a tight game.

"The penalty, was it a penalty, was it not? I think it is soft at the end of the day, but he's a clever striker, the best in the business at this level. I think the referee was naive there.

"We got into some good areas, but didn't win any second balls.... that is the frustration.

"I will never be happy with a defeat, but the performance was strong. The performances have been strong since March. We have got to earn the right to stay in the top six."




https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52194181

WhiteJC

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was proud of the manner in which Fulham saw off Cardiff City on Friday night.

Neil Harris' side have been in good form post-lockdown, and arrived at the Cottage with the same physical gameplan as we've come to expect over the years.

"First and foremost, I was pleased with the result and the win," Parker said. "We had to stand up to a challenge tonight which was always going to be there from a strong, physical Cardiff team.

"They're a team that like to put the ball in the right areas and into the box from all angles of the pitch and also from set-plays and long throws. We stood up to that challenge and defended the edge of our box very well.


"Having said that, there was a real element of quality that shone through. There were times where I'd have liked to have had more control but it's difficult against Cardiff who constantly put the ball in those areas.

"I thought 2-0 was a fair result and we've had some big chances. Overall, I'm pleased with the resilience we showed."

The three points gained effectively cement Fulham's Play-Off position, but Parker is still looking up the table.

"The top two is there and we need to keep pushing," he stated. "I'm delighted that we got to the Play-Offs.

"The team we've beaten tonight was a team that was in the Premier League and was eight points better off than us last year.

"To get to the Play-Offs, we've done well. We've got a big game on Tuesday [at West Brom]. Four points is the gap and they do have that game in hand on us.

"We'll go there looking for a result to keep the pressure going. We can assess from there how we're looking."

Aleksandar Mitrović was put straight back into the side after serving his three game ban, and he marked his return with an emphatic penalty to get things up and running for his side.

"He's been a critical part of what we've done. In saying that, he made a big mistake three games ago and he had to take his medicine," Parker said of his number nine. "The team have stepped out to go without him.

"We're pleased to have him back, it's a squad game and everyone will be needed in this climate.

"We'll keep pushing and keep going until the end."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/10/head-coach-press conference


WhiteJC

Mitrovic returns to keep play-off bound Fulham dreaming of quick return to the top

Fulham 2 Cardiff City 0

Back after suspension. Made captain in the absence of an injured Tom Cairney. On target to stay top of the Championship's goalscorers list. Life is never dull for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Fulham did rather well without him, winning all three games since the Serb was banned for that stray elbow at Leeds, but they welcomed him back with open arms and their faith was justified.

He slammed in a 35th minute penalty – a spot-kick he won himself – to make it 24 goals for the season and the Whites went on to secure the victory which confirmed their place in the play-offs.

Josh Onomah plundered a second goal for the Whites on 66 minutes and the win was never less than comfortable after that. They have won four in a row now after losing the first two games after the league's restart.

Automatic promotion remains a very long shot with three to play, but Fulham travel to second-placed West Brom on Tuesday so can dream a little longer about closing the four-point gap that currently exists.

The Whites started timidly and the nearest we came to a goal before the first drinks break was when Marek Rodak needed strong wrists to block a full-blooded effort from the bulky Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who was gifted some prime penalty area real-estate, thanks to some messy defending.

But with neither side looking particularly threatening, the Whites got their noses in front after Cardiff defender Dion Sanderson was adjudged to have manhandled Mitrovic as the Fulham striker rose to try and meet a cross from Cyrus Christie. 

It looked a harsh decision, but the Serb grateful accepted the penalty award, sweeping a perfect shot into the top corner past Alex Smithies' left hand for his 24th goal of the campaign.

Joe Ralls nearly drew the Bluebirds level moments later when he clipped a left-foot volley onto the roof of the crossbar, but Bobby Reid twice went close to increasing the lead against his old former club.

First he hit a dipping shot from outside the area, which Smithies saved superbly, tipping the ball onto the bar, then, just before the break, he contrived to send a glancing header wide from four yards when a cross from the left by Anthony Knockaert had left him with the goal at his mercy.

Fulham had a big penalty shout after an hour, when there were appeals for a handball and possible trip on Mitrovic during a goalmouth scramble, but not long after, Onomah - scorer of the late winner against Birmingham City last weekend - cracked in goal number two to put the Whites into the comfort zone.

The midfielder fired in after exchanging passes with Stefan Johansen, who had only just come off the bench in place of Harry Arter.

There was nearly a little gloss added by two of the subs. Neeskens Kebano, with a header, and Ivan Cavaleiro with a low shot might have made it three. But Cardiff had already been mortally wounded – their own play-off hopes dented as they fight to hold on to sixth place.

Fulham: Rodak – Christie, Hector, Ream, Bryan – Arter (Johansen 60), Reed (Sessegnon 84) – Onomah (McDonald 84), Reid (Kebano 78), Knockaert (Cavaleiro 78) – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Mawson, LeMarchand



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/2020/07/10/Mitrovic-returns-to-keep-play-off-bound-Fulham-dreaming-of-quick-return-to-the-top

WhiteJC

 Fulham 2-0 Cardiff: Aleksandar Mitrovic and Josh Onomah fire Cottagers up to third
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash at Craven Cottage

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored on his return for Fulham as they climbed up to third in the Championship with a 2-0 win over Cardiff.

Fulham kept their slim hopes of automatic promotion alive as Mitrovic's penalty and Josh Onomah's effort in each half secured their victory at Craven Cottage on Friday night, moving them to within four points of West Brom in second, and five behind Leeds - with those two sides playing later over the weekend.

For Cardiff, though, it was a huge blow to their play-off hopes. They remain sixth, but just a point clear of Swansea and three ahead of Preston and Derby. All three could overtake yet overtake them by the end of this round of games.

Mitrovic returns to steer Fulham to victory


Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 24th goal of the season from the penalty spot for Fulham

Fulham had won all three games in which Mitrovic had been suspended for his elbow on Ben White during their defeat at Leeds, but there was no doubt whatsoever that Scott Parker would throw him straight back in - even handing him the armband.

And on 35 minutes he repaid that faith, winning a penalty off Dion Sanderson as he was pulled down in the box, before sending the ball into the top corner from 12 yards - his 24th of the season to put him one ahead of Ollie Watkins in the race for the Golden Boot.

While Alex Smithies had no chance with the penalty, he did make a brilliant save on 42 minutes to deny Fulham a second. Bobby Decordova-Reid picked up the ball 25 yards out and sent in a peach of a strike that appeared destined for the top corner, only for Smithies to fling himself to his left to tip it onto the bar.

On the stroke of half-time Decordova-Reid should have put Fulham two ahead, though, but sent a header wide from point-blank range after a brilliant cross from Anthony Knockaert right into the heart of the six-yard box.

Cardiff, who themselves had hit the bar shortly after falling behind from a Joe Ralls effort, pushed again for an equaliser after the break, but it was Fulham who struck next to double their lead on 66 minutes.

It was smart work from Onomah as he played a one-two with substitute Stefan Johansen, receiving the ball from a smart pass in the box, before taking a touch and driving one low into the bottom corner. After that, there was no way back for Cardiff.

Talking points: Should there have been a Hector red card and another Fulham penalty?
There would have been questions from Cardiff as to how Fulham defender Michael Hector avoided a red card after a coming together with Callum Paterson after 58 minutes, but referee Gavin Ward elected just to show him the yellow card. A dismissal could well have changed the game at the point with just a goal in it.

Had Fulham not gone on to win the game, however, then they may well have felt aggrieved themselves by what they felt should have been a certain penalty after 63 minutes - just three minutes before their second goal.

It appeared that Curtis Nelson had clearly handballed a Joe Bryan cross, before Will Vaulks tripped Mitrovic as he tried to follow up, but on both occasions the referee waved their protests away as Decordova-Reid then fired over the bar.

Man of the Match - Harrison Reed
For the first half an hour when Fulham weren't at the races, Reed kept his side in some kind of control of Cardiff as the away side dominated. Without him they may well have fallen behind when they were under pressure. It was a crucial, if understated performance from the midfielder.

What the manager's said...
Fulham's Scott Parker: "Three points is key at this moment in the season, and a third clean sheet on the bounce. When you play against a team like Cardiff you're going to get put under extreme pressure, and at times the ball gets put in the right areas and it becomes a bit of an onslaught.

"You have to defend your box very well and I thought we defended set plays and we limited them to a lot of long balls and second balls, which we dealt with very well. I would have like to have been better on the ball, but the message again was a clean sheet and job done."

Cardiff's Neil Harris: "It was disappointing to lose the game as there wasn't a lot in it. First half I thought Fulham shaded it, but second half we had a strong performance. But it was fine lines.

"I was disappointed to concede the penalty. Experience outweighed a bit of naivety at the back post, but I thought it was cheap. But then we might have got away with one in the second half.

"We played with a lot of bravery in the second half, but we didn't do enough in the penalty area, and that's where games are won and lost. Fulham were better in both areas."

What's next?
Both sides are back in action on Tuesday. Fulham head to West Brom for a 5pm kick-off that's live on Sky Sports Football, while Cardiff host Derby for a 7.45pm kick-off.



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/12025810/fulham-2-0-cardiff-aleksandar-mitrovic-and-josh-onomah-fire-cottagers-up-to-third

WhiteJC


Mitrovic penalty helps sink Cardiff and secure Fulham play-off spot

    Mitrovic and Onomah strike to give Fulham 2-0 win
    Luton boost survival hopes with win at Huddersfield


Aleksandar Mitrovic scores from the penalty spot to put Fulham ahead Photograph: Nigel Keene/ProSports/Shutterstock

Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty cemented Fulham's Championship play-off place in a 2-0 win over their promotion rivals Cardiff. The Serbia striker marked his return from a three-match ban with a spot-kick at Craven Cottage as Fulham recorded a fourth straight league win.

Josh Onomah later fired his third goal of the season to seal victory for Scott Parker's side, who leapfrogged Brentford into third place, temporarily at least, with the Bees travelling to Derby on Saturday.

Fulham kept up the pressure on the top two, Leeds and West Brom, but Parker will be delighted to have secured a play-off place.

Mitrovic went back to the top of the Championship scoring chart with his 24th goal, inching ahead of Brentford's Ollie Watkins again. The 25-year-old had played the villain with his retrospective ban for an ugly elbow on Ben White in Fulham's 3-0 defeat at Leeds on 27 June.

Fulham pulled off wins over QPR, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest in his absence – all without a recognised striker. While they still struggled for fluency, both the result and Mitrovic's goal will have Fulham buoyed up for a strong finish to the season.

Cardiff missed the chance to open up a four-point gap on seventh-placed Swansea, with their bitter rivals taking on Leeds on Sunday. The visitors were left to rue Joe Ralls failing with two first-half chances.

Fulham's first chance proved to be Mitrovic's penalty. Dion Sanderson tangled with Mitrovic in the area and the spot-kick changed the game. Mitrovic approached the ball casually before firing home with ferocity.

The lead flattered Fulham, who had rode their luck on several occasions before the penalty and their goal regalvanised Cardiff, with Anthony Knockaert soon receiving a deserved yellow card for taking out the breaking Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Ralls then hit the bar with an angled half-volley, hooking high over the ball with fine technique. The Cardiff midfielder immediately traded misfortune for a miscue, however, in heading over the bar under zero pressure.

Fulham dominated the second half as Cardiff faded. The hosts were left furious not to earn a second penalty when a Joe Bryan cross appeared to strike Curtis Nelson's arm – with Mitrovic then claiming he was fouled by Will Vaulks in the ensuing melee. They quickly doubled their lead, though, when Onomah traded passes with Stefan Johansen before drilling into the bottom corner.

Nathan Jones revelled in a "massive, massive result" after a 2-0 win at relegation rivals Huddersfield lifted Luton off the bottom. Second-half goals from Sonny Bradley and Elliot Lee moved Luton above Barnsley before they play Wigan on Saturday.

"It was a wonderful result for us," Jones said. "The performance was outstanding."



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jul/10/mitrovic-penalty-helps-sink-cardiff-and-secure-fulham-play-off-spot


WhiteJC

 Fulham 2-0 Cardiff: Aleksandar Mitrovic scores on return as hosts stay in automatic promotion chase

Scott Parker's side have now guaranteed a Championship play-off spot, but they are still aiming for more


Aleksandar Mitrovic was back among the goals on his return from suspension as Fulham saw off Cardiff at Craven Cottage ( PA )

Aleksandar Mitrovic played a key role as Fulham clinched a Championship play-off spot and kept their automatic promotion chances afloat with a 2-0 win over top-six hopefuls Cardiff on Friday night.

Serbian striker Mitrovic returned from suspension to net a first-half penalty for the hosts at Craven Cottage, while former Tottenham midfielder Josh Onomah secured victory with a second goal late on.

Fulham's win sees them move above Brentford - who travel to Derby tomorrow - into third and an unassailable 13 points clear of seventh-placed Swansea City, while they are now four adrift of West Brom in second ahead of a key trip to The Hawthorns on Tuesday night.

Mitrovic edged back to the top of the league's scoring charts with his 24th goal of the campaign, inching ahead of Brentford's Ollie Watkins again.

The 25-year-old had played the villain with his retrospective ban for an ugly elbow on Ben White in Fulham's 3-0 defeat at Leeds on June 27.

Fulham pulled off wins over QPR, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest in his absence, however - all without a recognised striker.

And while Parker's men still struggled for fluency, both the result and Mitrovic's goal will have Fulham buoyed up for a strong finish to the campaign.

Cardiff missed the chance to open up a four-point gap on seventh-placed Swansea, with their bitter rivals taking on leaders Leeds on Sunday.

The visitors were left to rue Joe Ralls failing with two first-half chances, with Neil Harris' side unable to threaten after the break. Fulham's first genuine chance proved to be Mitrovic's penalty.

Dion Sanderson tangled with Mitrovic in the area though, and the resulting spot-kick changed the entire game's complexion. Mitrovic hauled himself off the turf, approaching the ball casually before lashing home with some ferocity.

The lead flattered a Fulham side who had rode their luck on several occasions prior the the spot-kick. Harry Arter's errant pass had gifted Nathaniel Mendez-Laing a run on goal, but the Bluebirds forward drilled straight at Marek Rodak.

Tim Ream had to endure several bouts of uncomfortable Cardiff pressing, and even had to play out for a corner from midway inside his own half.

Fulham's galvanised Cardiff again, and Anthony Knockaert received a fully deserved yellow card for taking out the breaking Mendez-Laing. Ralls then hit the bar with an angled half-volley, hooking high over the ball with fine technique.

The Cardiff midfielder immediately traded misfortune for a miscue however, in heading over the bar under zero pressure. Fulham dominated the second-half as Cardiff faded, unable to force any genuine threat.


Josh Onomah also netted for Scott Parker's side, who have now guaranteed themselves a place in the play-offs (Getty Images)

The hosts were left furious not to earn a second penalty, when a Joe Bryan cross appeared to strike Curtis Nelson's arm - with Mitrovic then claiming he was fouled by Will Vaulks in the ensuing melee.

The Whites did quickly double their lead however, as Onomah traded passes with Stefan Johansen before drilling into the bottom corner.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-cardiff-city-result-2020-championship-aleksandar-mitrovic-a4495346.html

WhiteJC

Result: Aleksandar Mitrovic strikes as Fulham beat Cardiff to secure top-six spot

Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty cemented Fulham's Championship play-off place in a 2-0 win over promotion rivals Cardiff City.

Serbia hitman Mitrovic marked his return from a three-match ban with a bullet spot-kick at Craven Cottage as Fulham sealed a fourth straight league win.

Josh Onomah later fired his third goal of the season to rubber-stamp a crucial victory for Scott Parker's men.

The Whites leapfrogged Brentford into third place, temporarily at least, with the Bees travelling Derby on Saturday.

Fulham's latest win will keep the pressure on the league's top two Leeds and West Brom, but boss Parker will surely be delighted to have secured a play-off place.

Mitrovic edged back to the top of the league's scoring charts with his 24th goal of the campaign, inching ahead of Brentford's Ollie Watkins again.

The 25-year-old had played the villain with his retrospective ban for an ugly elbow on Ben White in Fulham's 3-0 defeat at Leeds on June 27.

Fulham pulled off wins over QPR, Birmingham and Nottingham Forest in his absence, however – all without a recognised striker.

And while Parker's men still struggled for fluency, both the result and Mitrovic's goal will have Fulham buoyed up for a strong finish to the campaign.

Cardiff missed the chance to open up a four-point gap on seventh-placed Swansea, with their bitter rivals taking on Leeds on Sunday.

The visitors were left to rue Joe Ralls failing with two first-half chances, with Neil Harris' side unable to threaten after the break.

Fulham's first genuine chance proved to be Mitrovic's penalty. Dion Sanderson tangled with Mitrovic in the area though, and the resulting spot-kick changed the entire game's complexion.

Mitrovic hauled himself off the turf, approaching the ball casually before lashing home with some ferocity.

The lead flattered a Fulham side who had rode their luck on several occasions prior the the spot-kick.

Harry Arter's errant pass had gifted Nathaniel Mendez-Laing a run on goal, but the Bluebirds forward drilled straight at Marek Rodak.

Tim Ream had to endure several bouts of uncomfortable Cardiff pressing, and even had to play out for a corner from midway inside his own half.

Fulham's galvanised Cardiff again, and Anthony Knockaert received a fully deserved yellow card for taking out the breaking Mendez-Laing.

Ralls then hit the bar with an angled half-volley, hooking high over the ball with fine technique.

The Cardiff midfielder immediately traded misfortune for a miscue however, in heading over the bar under zero pressure.

Fulham dominated the second-half as Cardiff faded, unable to force any genuine threat.

The hosts were left furious not to earn a second penalty, when a Joe Bryan cross appeared to strike Curtis Nelson's arm – with Mitrovic then claiming he was fouled by Will Vaulks in the ensuing melee.

The Whites did quickly double their lead however, as Onomah traded passes with Stefan Johansen before drilling into the bottom corner.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/cardiff-city/result/result-aleksandar-mitrovic-strikes-as-fulham-beat-cardiff-to-secure-top-six-spot_406020.html

WhiteJC

Fulham win again and guarantee top-six finish

Battling Fulham sealed a top-six finish with a fourth successive Championship victory.

The Whites still have an outside chance of automatic promotion, but goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic from the penalty spot and an excellent effort by Josh Onomah in the second half were enough to see off sixth-placed Cardiff City.

In a quiet start, with the Bluebirds largely content to contain Fulham, Marek Rodak was eventually called upon to make a fine save from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing after the midfielder took advantage of some slackness by Tim Ream.

It was an anxious moment for Fulham, who had only managed to test Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies, via a Harrison Reed shot from around 20 yards.

Still, the Whites went ahead when they were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute, when Mitrovic was hauled down by Dion Sanderson.

The Serbian striker subsequently made no mistake from the spot, blasting the ball into the roof of the net for his 24th goal of the campaign.

Cardiff midfielder Joe Ralls almost levelled straightaway, with a superb 38th-minute volley which struck the bar.

At the other end, it was the turn of Bobby Reid to hit the woodwork from distance: a fine effort that could have doubled the hosts' lead as the encounter sparked into life at the end of the first half.

After enjoying more possession following the interval, Fulham eventually doubled their lead, thanks to Onomah.

The former Tottenham player fastened on to a neat pass in the 66th minute from substitute Stefan Johansen before driving a precise right foot shot which left Smithies helpless.

Cardiff looked more energised and pressed to try and get back into the game, but the Whites remained solid when called upon and showed the required discipline to see the game out.

Fulham now have a big test at second-placed West Brom on Tuesday.
Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Ream, Hector, Bryan, Arter (Johansen 60), Reed (Sessegnon 85), Knockaert (Cavaleiro 78), Onomah (McDonald 85) , Decordova-Reid (Kebano 78), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-win-again-and-guarantee-top-six-finish


WhiteJC

Arter and Christie feature as Fulham guarantee themselves a play-off place
The Ireland international duo both started in their side's 2-0 win over Cardiff City this evening.

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC'S PENALTY cemented Fulham's Championship play-off place in a 2-0 win over promotion rivals Cardiff City.

Serbia hitman Mitrovic marked his return from a three-match ban with a bullet spot-kick at Craven Cottage as Fulham sealed a fourth straight league win. Josh Onomah later fired his third goal of the season to rubber-stamp a crucial victory for Scott Parker's men.

The Whites leapfrogged Brentford into third place, temporarily at least, with the Bees travelling to Derby County tomorrow. Fulham's latest win will keep the pressure on the league's top two, Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, but boss Parker will surely be delighted to have secured a play-off place.

Mitrovic edged back to the top of the league's scoring charts with his 24th goal of the campaign, inching ahead of Brentford's Ollie Watkins again. The 25-year-old had played the villain with his retrospective ban for an ugly elbow on Ben White in Fulham's 3-0 defeat at Leeds on 27 June.

Fulham pulled off wins over QPR, Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest in his absence, however – all without a recognised striker. And while Parker's men still struggled for fluency, both the result and Mitrovic's goal will have Fulham buoyed up for a strong finish to the campaign.

Cardiff missed the chance to open up a four-point gap on seventh-placed Swansea City, with their bitter rivals taking on Leeds on Sunday. The visitors were left to rue Joe Ralls failing with two first-half chances, with Neil Harris' side unable to threaten after the break.

Fulham's first genuine chance proved to be Mitrovic's penalty. Dion Sanderson tangled with Mitrovic in the area though, and the resulting spot-kick changed the entire game's complexion. Mitrovic hauled himself off the turf, approaching the ball casually before lashing home with some ferocity.

The lead flattered a Fulham side who had rode their luck on several occasions prior to the spot-kick.

Harry Arter's errant pass had gifted Nathaniel Mendez-Laing a run on goal, but the Bluebirds forward drilled straight at Marek Rodak.

Tim Ream had to endure several bouts of uncomfortable Cardiff pressing, and even had to play out for a corner from midway inside his own half.

Cardiff were galvanised again, and Anthony Knockaert received a fully deserved yellow card for taking out the breaking Mendez-Laing. Ralls then hit the bar with an angled half-volley, hooking high over the ball with fine technique.

The Cardiff midfielder immediately traded misfortune for a miscue however, in heading over the bar under zero pressure.

Fulham dominated the second-half as Cardiff faded, unable to force any genuine threat.

The hosts were left furious not to earn a second penalty, when a Joe Bryan cross appeared to strike Curtis Nelson's arm – with Mitrovic then claiming he was fouled by Will Vaulks in the ensuing melee.

The Whites did quickly double their lead, however, as Onomah traded passes with Stefan Johansen before drilling into the bottom corner.



https://www.the42.ie/arter-and-christie-feature-as-fulham-beat-promotion-rivals-to-guarantee-a-play-off-place-5147415-Jul2020/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic and Onomah clinch play-off place for Fulham

A penalty from the returning Aleksandar Mitrovic settled Fulham's nerves as they overcame a slow start to beat Cardiff City at Craven Cottage this evening and confirm a place in the Championship play-offs. The Serbian striker – missing for three matches after he was suspended for lashing out at Leeds' Ben White – rifled home an emphatic spot-kick to reclaim his spot at the top of the division's scoring charts, before an equally powerful finish from the excellent Josh Onomah put the game beyond Neil Harris's brave visitors.

The victory, which looked very much in doubt during a tight and tense first half, lifts Scott Parker's side up to third, taking them temporarily above Brentford who play tomorrow, and to within four points of second-placed West Brom. The Baggies are Fulham's next opponents in what could prove a critical clash at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night. For now, Parker can reflect on the character of his charges – who bounced back from a dreadful resumption of the season to deliver four straight victories with three consecutive clean sheets and are now learning how to win key fixtures, which could prove crucial come the play-offs.

This game, against a Cardiff side still hoping to force their way into the top six themselves, was a case in point. The visitors were full of high energy pressing in the early stages and might easily have gone in front had they punished some particularly slack Fulham defending. Nathanial Mendez-Laing started brightly down the Cardiff right, seeing a couple of early shots blocked, before Marek Rodak made a smart save to deny the winger at his near post after a woefully underhit pass from Harry Arter had put the hosts in all sorts of trouble.

It was only after hearing a few home truths at the drinks break that Fulham finally clicked into gear. A flowing move down the right ended with Arter screwing a shot well wide from the edge of the area, but the breakthrough was not long in coming. Cyrus Christie's deep cross was heading for Mitrovic at the far post, but the Fulham forward was shoved to the ground by young full-back Dion Sanderson. Referee Gavin Ward pointed to the spot and Mitrovic made no mistake from twelve yards, finding the top corner with ease.

Cardiff weren't in a mood to surrender having conceded, though. Anthony Knockaert committed the sort of cynical foul Stefan Johansen specialises in, upending Mendez-Laing when he was in full flight and breaking dangerously across the halfway line – at the expense of a yellow card. Midfielder Joe Ralls went close twice in quick succession – first striking the crossbar with a beautifully struck half volley and then heading over unchallenged from close range. The Bluebirds were indebted to goalkeeper Alex Smithies for keeping them in it just before the break – Bobby Decordova-Reid was denied a spectacular goal against his old side, when Smithies splendidly tipped his curler onto the crossbar.

The former Cardiff forward had no excuses in stoppage time, though, when Knockaert – who had swapped flanks to pop up on the left – darted in space and whipped in an inviting cross only for Decordova-Reid to somehow glance the deftest of headers wide from a couple of yards out. It was a bewildering miss rather in keeping with his luck in front of goal this season.

The second period saw Fulham dominate possession and carve out more chances in front of goal. They were perhaps fortunate to still have eleven men on the field when Michael Hector was only booked for lashing out at Callum Paterson before a quick throw out from Marek Rodak led to further controversy when Joe Bryan's floated cross from the left looked to have picked out Mitrovic. The Serbian striker was furious not to have been awarded a second penalty, if not for the handball by Curtis Nelson then for a foul by Will Vaulks as he attempted to fire goalwards.

Fulham did earn more breathing space midway through the second period when a gorgeously disguised pass from Johansen allowed Onomah, who is really growing in stature after a difficult start to life at the Cottage, to thump home a resounding finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. It might have been three shortly afterwards but Christie's heading ability when he was found by a Bryan free-kick didn't match his long-range shooting that brought a goal at QPR recently.

To their great credit, Cardiff didn't stop throwing men forward in search of a late lifeline, but Fulham defended Vaulks' long-throws and a succession of carelessly conceded free-kicks pretty well. There were half chances for substitutes Robert Glatzel and Danny Ward before Tim Ream was fortunate to escape conceding a penalty when he pulled back the latter as he tried to reach a high ball in stoppage time. At the other end, Neeskens Kebano squandered a glorious opportunity to add to Fulham's margin of victory when he sent a free header straight at Smithies from Ivan Cavaleiro's cross. The Portuguese winger wasn't exactly in Mitrovic's good books after refusing to square a late cross for him in favour of trying to surprise the former QPR goalkeeper at his near post – but such was Fulham's command of the contest by this point it would prove merely academic.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Bryan, Hector, Ream; Reed (S. Sessegnon 84), Arter (Johansen 60), Onomah (McDonald 84); Knockaert (Cavaleiro 78), Decordova-Reid (Kebano 78); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Odoi, Mawson, Le Marchand.

BOOKED: Knockaert, Hector, Christie.

GOALS: Mitrovic (pen 35), Onomah (66).

CARDIFF CITY (4-2-3-1): Smithies; Sanderson (Tomlin 45), Bennett, Morrison, Nelson; Bacuna, Vaulks; Hoilett (Ward 73), Mendez-Laing (Murphy 87), Ralls; Paterson (Glatzel 67). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Flint, Bamba, B. Smith, Pack.

BOOKED: Ralls.

REFEREE: Gavin Ward (Surrey).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/mitrovic-and-onomah-clinch-play-off-place-for-fulham/

WhiteJC

Scott Parker vows not to settle for playoff place after securing top-six spot

Scott Parker has told Fulham to keep pushing for automatic promotion after the Whites sealed their Championship play-off berth.

Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty and a late strike from Josh Onomah sunk promotion rivals Cardiff City 2-0 at Craven Cottage as Parker's side sealed a fourth-straight win.

Fulham travel to second-placed West Brom on Tuesday, with boss Parker calling on his men not to ease off just because a play-off place is in the bag.

Asked about automatic promotion, Parker said: "It's there and we need to keep pushing, I'm delighted we've got to the play-offs.

"This team we've played tonight was in the Premier League with us, and they were eight points better than us there only a year ago.

"To get to the play-offs like we have, to perform as we have this year, I feel that we've done very, very well.

"But now there's a big game for us on Tuesday. Four points is the gap, albeit we know they have that game in hand.

"But we'll go there hoping to get a result to try to keep the pressure on.

"We had to stand up tonight to a challenge that was always going to be there from a strong and physical Cardiff team.

"A team that put the ball in the right areas from set plays and from all over the pitch.

"There was an element of real quality that shone through at times.

"We would have liked to have a bit more control but that's difficult against a good team like Cardiff.

"But also 2-0 is probably a fair result and on the scale of things we've had some other big big chances we've missed And overall I'm pleased with the result and my team's resilience."

Serbia hitman Mitrovic moved back of the league's scoring charts with his 24th goal of the campaign, marking his return from a three-match ban with a ferociously dispatched penalty.

Mitrovic missed three vital matches after elbowing Leeds' Ben White, but while Fulham won all those games in his absence, Parker admitted the Whites are relieved to have their talisman back leading the forward line.

"It's a big boost for us to have Mitrovic back, he's been an integral part of what we do," said Parker.

"But in saying that he made a big mistake and had to take his medicine.

"The team had to step up and go without him and they have done extremely well in that time, stepping up to a man.

"But we're pleased to have him back of course we are.

"It's a squad game with how thick and fast the matches are coming.

"So we've got to keep pushing and keep going."

Sixth-placed Cardiff missed the chance to open up a four-point gap on fierce rivals Swansea, leaving boss Neil Harris admitting the Bluebirds will now be sweating on results elsewhere to help their play-off battle.

"I don't think we need three wins, we certainly need to win two games and we probably need an unbeaten finish to be honest," said Harris, when asked what it will take for Cardiff to seal a play-off berth.

"We've just fallen short the last couple of matches so we've got to get back onto the right side of the fine margins and the right side in both penalty areas.

"So we look forward to it, that's the message to the players."



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/cardiff-city/news/scott-parker-vows-not-to-settle-for-playoff-place-after-securing-top-six-spot_406030.html


WhiteJC


Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Beat Cardiff City

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

In this episode, Yannis Tjanetis and Russ Goldman discuss their initial thoughts on Fulham's 2-0 victory against Cardiff City.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/7/10/21320606/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-beat-cardiff-city

WhiteJC

Parker pleased to reach play-offs

Scott Parker was pleased with Fulham's resolve as they made sure of a Championship play-off spot at the very least with a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Craven Cottage tonight.

The Fulham boss professed his delight with the way Fulham handled the challenge of fellow promotion-chasers Cardiff, who made life difficult for his side in the early stages of a tense contest. The Whites went in front thanks to an Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty and made sure of the victory through Josh Onomah's second half strike.

Parker told his post-match press conference:

First and foremost, I was pleased with the result and the win. We had to stand up to a challenge tonight which was always going to be there from a strong, physical Cardiff team. They're a team that like to put the ball in the right areas and into the box from all angles of the pitch and also from set-plays and long throws. We stood up to that challenge and defended the edge of our box very well.

Having said that, there was a real element of quality that shone through. There were times where I'd have liked to have had more control but it's difficult against Cardiff who constantly put the ball in those areas. I thought 2-0 was a fair result and we've had some big chances. Overall, I'm pleased with the resilience we showed.

The Fulham manager is still refusing to give up on their chances of forcing their way into the automatic promotion spots after this victory lifted his side to third in the table.

The top two is there and we need to keep pushing. I'm delighted that we got to the play-offs. The team we've beaten tonight was a team that was in the Premier League and was eight points better off than us last year. To get to the play-offs, we've done well.

He still feels that next week's trip to second-placed West Brom may prove pivotal.

We've got a big game on Tuesday [at West Brom]. Four points is the gap and they do have that game in hand on us. We'll go there looking for a result to keep the pressure going. We can assess from there how we're looking.

Parker admitted he was happy to have Mitrovic available again for the run-in following his three match suspension for violent conduct.

"He's been a critical part of what we've done. In saying that, he made a big mistake three games ago and he had to take his medicine. The team have stepped up to go on without him. We're pleased to have him back, it's a squad game and everyone will be needed in this climate. We'll keep pushing and keep going until the end.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/parker-pleased-to-reach-play-offs/

WhiteJC

Fulham 2-0 Cardiff: Aleksandar Mitrovic nets first-half penalty on return from suspension before Josh Onomah fires home as hosts secure Championship play-off spot

    Fulham's fourth successive win sees them move four points behind West Brom
    The Cottagers face second-placed Baggies at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night
    Mitrovic marked his return from a three-match ban with a first-half penalty
    Onomah crashed home a second for the hosts after the break on Friday

Four straight wins, Aleksandar Mitrovic back in the side, and scoring, and a place in the play-offs confirmed.

Scott Parker's Fulham can now focus on chasing down West Brom – who they play at the Hawthorns on Tuesday – in second although they could be seven points behind by then should Slaven Bilic's side win at Blackburn on Saturday.

It must be said, though, that this was by no means convincing and there are surely tougher tests to come.


Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return from suspension with a first-half penalty

Cardiff's weekend will be made worse should they drop out of the top six and on this evidence the firepower needed to keep them competitive is lacking. Neil Harris started with Callum Paterson, who was replaced by Robert Glatzel but neither gave Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak cause for concern.

And it's at the top of the pitch that these two sides differ greatly.

In Mitrovic, Parker has a striker who can be relied on and who is now the Championship's top scorer. The Serbian was back in the side after a three-game ban for elbowing Leeds defender Ben White last month and his 24th of the campaign came from the penalty spot.


Dion Sanderson pulled down Mitrovic, who confidently fired his penalty into the roof of the net

Parker may have said that Mitrovic's place in the side wasn't guaranteed but he was kidding nobody and the Fulham No 9 returned to the side to spearhead the attack.

His presence wasn't too apparent as Fulham's attacking play, certainly in the early stages, was rusty and the service up to him inadequate. Cyrus Christie's wayward ball into the Cardiff box from the right, which went over Mitrovic, a prime example of that.

A key characteristic under Parker is Fulham's patient and thoughtful style. It can look really good when executed as per his instructions but can lead to things going badly very quickly should a mistake be made.


Fulham midfielder Josh Onomah crashed home a second for the hosts after the break

Such as when Harry Arter dribbled the ball back towards his own goal, passed into space with the hope of centre back Tim Ream taking possession only for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to sprint and nick the ball off him before bearing down on goal. Thankfully for Arter, Rodak made a strong save down to his left to deny a fierce effort from Mendez-Laing.

The first-half drinks break soon followed and provided some respite for Fulham. Time to regroup, time to try and find a better route to goal without being so careless at the back.

The result of Parker's quick lecture was a more alert, crisper Fulham. It also rubbed off on Mitrovic who stole ground on Cardiff's Dion Sanderson before the on-loan Wolves full-back hauled the striker down.

Mitrovic powered the ball into the top left corner from the spot-kick and Fulham were ahead.


Tottenham midfielder Onomah capped a lovely move with a fine touch and firm finish

Conceding the penalty seemed to affect Sanderson for longer than he had wished as shortly afterwards he scuffed a clearance, sending the ball out for a Fulham corner.

Cardiff did respond well, though. Captain Sean Morrison going up for a free-kick nearly worked wonderfully as he headed down in the Fulham box for Joe Ralls to eventually hit the bar with a left-footed volley.

It could have knocked Fulham's confidence but being a goal up they took more risks. After Reid had produced an outstanding save from Smithies, Anthony Knockeart switched from the right to the left flank. From there he sent in an inviting cross which Reid failed to make full contact with and sent the ball wide.

The interval came and went and Cardiff settled the better of the two sides in the second half. Pinning Fulham back they started to look much more dangerous with Junior Hoilett attempting a couple of early crosses which failed to find Paterson.

Hard graft was required but so was some intelligence but that was lacking in Cardiff's attacking approach.

They also appeared to be left wanting at the back, too, and they nearly conceded a second penalty when Joe Bryan's cross seemed to strike the arm of Curtis Nelson. Mitrovic and Reid spun round to face referee Gavin Ward to demand a penalty be awarded but none was forthcoming.

But by now Cardiff were leaving themselves exposed and Fulham didn't need much of an invitation to inflict more damage. Josh Onomah exchanged passes with Stefan Johansen inside the Cardiff box, took a touch and rifled an effort into the bottom right corner.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8512015/Fulham-2-0-Cardiff-Mitrovic-Onomah-strikes-secure-Championship-play-spot.html


WhiteJC

Scott Parker assesses West Brom 'crunch game' as Fulham book play-off spot

Scott Parker has hailed his Fulham player after their 2-0 win over Cardiff City in the Championship last night.

Goals from a returning Aleksandar Mitrovic, and another one for Josh Onomah has seen Fulham book their place in this season's Championship play-offs.

Automatic promotion is not yet out of sight though. After the win, Parker told www.fulhamfc.com of his admiration for the performance last night, and recognised Cardiff as a solid team in the Championship:

"First and foremost, I was pleased with the result and the win. We had to stand up to a challenge tonight which was always going to be there from a strong, physical Cardiff team.

"Having said that, there was a real element of quality that shone through. There were times where I'd have liked to have had more control but it's difficult against Cardiff who constantly put the ball in those areas."

The stats showed a fairly even game at Craven Cottage. Fulham though were the team who took their chances, and the win is their fourth-straight in the Championship, and their third clean sheet in-a-row too.

"I thought 2-0 was a fair result and we've had some big chances," explained Parker. "Overall, I'm pleased with the resilience we showed. The top two is there and we need to keep pushing. I'm delighted that we got to the Play-Offs.

"The team we've beaten tonight was a team that was in the Premier League and was eight points better off than us last year.

"To get to the Play-Offs, we've done well. We've got a big game on Tuesday [at West Brom]. Four points is the gap and they do have that game in hand on us. We'll go there looking for a result to keep the pressure going. We can assess from there how we're looking."

The upcoming game at The Hawthorns next week has become a pivotal one in the Championship promotion race. Fulham have an extra day of rest with West Brom travelling to Ewood Park today, but a win today could see the Baggies pull seven points clear of Fulham.

The verdict

For all the criticism that Parker has had throughout the season, it's spells like this which make fans think that he could be the right man for the job.

They overcame a strong side in Cardiff last night and did so with relative ease. The top-two look to be pulling away though, and Parker's side might have to settle for the play-offs this time round.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/scott-parker-assesses-west-brom-crunch-game-as-fulham-book-play-off-spot/

WhiteJC

'It's there' - Fulham boss fires promotion warning to West Brom & Leeds United

West Bromwich Albion news: Scott Parker's Whites ensured the pressure is still on Slaven Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa's sides this weekend as the Premier League promotion race continues

Fulham booked their place in the play-offs with a convincing 2-0 defeat of Cardiff City last night but Scott Parker doesn't want to settle for the top six.

The Whites moved to within four points of West Bromwich Albion in second place and five of Leeds United at the summit of the Championship after the win at Craven Cottage.

Albion and Leeds can put further space between themselves when they play Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City respectively this weekend but for now Fulham and Brentford continue to keep up the pressure.

The form of Fulham and Albion ensures Tuesday night's meeting between the pair isn't one to be missed.

With games and points running out Fulham will be hoping their fellow promotion-chasers slip-up and let them back into it.

But the picture will look a lot clearer after this weekend with Brentford also in action when they play Derby County at lunchtime today.

"It's there and we need to keep pushing, I'm delighted we've got to the play-offs," Parker said.

"This team we've played tonight was in the Premier League with us, and they were eight points better than us there only a year ago.

"To get to the play-offs like we have, to perform as we have this year, I feel that we've done very, very well.

"But now there's a big game for us on Tuesday. Four points is the gap, albeit we know they have that game in hand.

"But we'll go there hoping to get a result to try to keep the pressure on.



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-leeds-united-fulham-18579776

WhiteJC

Journalist assesses Harrison Reed situation with Fulham fans urging permanent signing


Fulham fans have been urging the permanent signing of on-loan Southampton man Harrison Reed all season, but it's unlikely that the club will already have the option-to-buy.

That's according to journalist Alan Nixon. With Fulham having had their sights on an immediate return to the Premier League throughout, it's unlikely that Southampton would've included an option-to-buy.

Now with Fulham booking their place in the play-offs, it's become increasingly hard to see a permanent deal for Reed materialise in the coming weeks:

What's more is that, given Reed's current form at Craven Cottage, Southampton may well be interested in bringing him back to the club in time for their own Premier League season next time round.

The midfielder has become a serial-loanee in past seasons, impressing at both Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers in previous terms.

He's struggled with injury at times this campaign, but he's registered 23 Championship appearances for Fulham and having experienced a regular stint in the side of late, Fulham look all the more solid for it.

They've now won their last four Championship outings, keeping clean sheets in the last three and looking like they'll take all of Leeds, West Brom and Brentford right to the wire in the hunt for a top-two finish.

The verdict

With the amount of players that Fulham have signed permanently from initial loan deals – most recently Anthony Knockaert from Brighton – it'd make sense that Fulham should do so with Reed.

But the club have just spent – or rather will spend – £10 million on the Frenchman, and that might leave no room for the fan favourite Reed.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/journalist-assesses-harrison-reed-situation-with-fulham-fans-urging-permanent-signing/