Friday Fulham Stuff - 31/07/20...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Thursday
Fulham	1-2	Cardiff

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-2 Cardiff City
(Agg 3-2)

Lee Tomlin's goal saw Cardiff win on the night but it was not enough to overturn their first-leg deficit

Fulham withstood a gutsy fightback from Cardiff to reach the Championship play-off final despite losing the second leg of their semi-final.

Cardiff won 2-1 on the night at Craven Cottage courtesy of goals from Curtis Nelson and Lee Tomlin, as Neeskens Kebano levelled for Fulham moments after Nelson's headed opener.

But despite a nervy second half following Tomlin's volley, Fulham's 2-0 first-leg lead helped them progress 3-2 on aggregate to a Wembley final against Brentford.

It keeps Fulham's chances of an immediate return to the Premier League alive while Cardiff's attempts to secure promotion back at the first time of asking are over.

Needing to create history by being the first team to overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit in a second tier semi-final, Cardiff thought they had made the ideal start when centre-back Nelson rose at the back post to head in Joe Ralls' corner.

But just 24 seconds later, Fulham were level and back to being two goals clear on aggregate.

Straight from the restart, Kebano swept in right-footed ahead of Cardiff right-back Leandro Bacuna to meet Bobby Decordova-Reid's low cross from 12 yards out.

Kebano, who had also netted a brilliant free-kick in injury time of the first leg to put Fulham seemingly in command of the tie, had appeared to dash Cardiff's chances of a spirited comeback.

Fulham continued to test Alex Smithies in the Cardiff goal before half-time, but good saves from Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert efforts kept the scoreline level on the night.


Fulham players and staff kept celebrations to a minimum after the final whistle

With the visitors' opening attack of the second half, a Will Vaulks long throw caused problems in the Fulham penalty box - Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's header was parried away by Marek Rodak but centre-back Michael Hector was unable to force it clear, allowing Tomlin to pounce with a volley just inside the post.

But despite Fulham jitters, Cardiff were unable to capitalise. Smithies again had to make impressive saves to twice deny substitute Aboubakar Kamara, the second a fingertip deflection on to the base of the post.

At the other end, Rodak still had to be alert to maintain the home side's advantage when he first blocked a close-range effort from Robert Glatzel and then leapt back to his feet to tip over Vaulks' long-range drive.

Cardiff kept pushing to the end for the third goal that would have forced extra time and Glatzel came within inches of doing so deep into stoppage time when he volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from Callum Paterson's nod-down.

It was not to be for the visitors, who sunk to their knees at full-time while Fulham breathed a sigh of relief.

Fulham set up neighbourly final
Fulham's aggregate victory sets up an all-west London final on Tuesday against Brentford, who themselves saw off opposition from south Wales in the shape of Swansea on Wednesday.

Just four and a half miles separate the two clubs, who finished fourth and third respectively in the regular season.

Their counter-attacking styles of play, which produced goals aplenty in the regular season, should make for an attractive final.

Fulham's bid to make an immediate return to the Premier League has been boosted by a eight-game unbeaten run stretching into the play-offs, which at one stage gave them the chance to grab the second automatic promotion place at both West Brom and Brentford's expense.

What made their semi-final success over Cardiff all the more impressive was the fact it was done without Championship golden boot winner Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Serbia international again missed out with a hamstring strain, which could also put his participation in Tuesday's final in doubt.

While Mitrovic has been an absentee, the likes of Decordova-Reid, Onomah and Kebano have stepped up to provide the attacking flair alongside the more established names of Knockaert and captain Tom Cairney.

Cairney was the match-winner on Fulham's last Wembley visit just two years ago, when they beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the 2018 Championship play-off final.

A step too far for Harris' Cardiff
While one side retains hopes of an immediate top-flight return, for Cardiff that dream came to an end.

Manager Neil Harris transformed their seemingly stuttering campaign when he took over in November following Neil Warnock's departure and lifted them from 14th to an eventual fifth-placed finish.

Nelson's early goal hinted that a memorable away triumph was on, but they failed to threaten again before half-time once Kebano produced the instant equaliser.

Having shuffled his side slightly from the first leg, it was the introduction of two players who dropped out that helped them retake the second-leg lead.

But Tomlin later had to limp off with a hamstring injury and that illustrated how Cardiff were always playing catch-up after losing ground in the first leg.

Reaction
Fulham boss Scott Parker: "It was very nervy and I think we knew we were playing against a wounded animal in Cardiff, who had nothing to lose.

"At times tonight, we probably fell a bit short at dealing with the onslaught they bring to the game. It made it a bit of an uncomfortable night for us.

"But saying that, I don't think we should lose sight of what we've done in 48 games this season, coming through a semi-final over two legs.

"What's most important is we've won the tie on aggregate and now we go again for a final on Tuesday, which we'll be a completely different game.

"I'm extremely proud to reach a final and when it all settles after tonight, we'll reflect on what we've achieved as a team."

Cardiff boss Neil Harris: "Firstly I am disappointed we haven't got through. I had the belief coming here that we could go on and get through.

"I know most people didn't but I know the capabilities of the group. I felt even at the end there would be chances and Robert Glatzel gets that chance.

"But that's the disappointment done. I can't be prouder of the players, the staff, the whole football club on where we have dragged ourselves to this season."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53508850

[WhiteJC]

Head Coach press conference

Scott Parker was pleased to see his side dig in and get over the line to secure a Play-Off Final berth.

Fulham were beaten 2-1 on the night by Cardiff City, but that was enough to book a date at Wembley Stadium next week after our performance in Wales on Monday.

"We've got ourselves to the Final, an incredible achievement in terms of a long, drawn out season," Parker said in his post-match press conference. "The goal was to get to the Final and we've done that.

"The performance tonight was tough, Cardiff made it very difficult for us. They came here as a wounded animal after the First Leg, and had nothing to lose. You could see the difference in the two teams, there was a bit of edginess to us.

"They constantly put you under pressure because they can put the ball into the box from literally all over the pitch. They get a throw-in on the halfway line and then the ball comes in your box.

"At times tonight we didn't deal with that well enough, I think we all recognise that. It was a roll your sleeves up, do all you can to win this game, situation.

"There was a massive prize on offer, the Final, it was a prize that we all wanted because we want that chance to try and get into the big league."

The Whites responded brilliantly to the Bluebirds' first goal, but when they netted early in the second half it was a case of scrapping our way through the remainder of the tie.

"There's always points in football matches which are nothing to do with tactics or technique," Parker explained, "it's to do with a mindset, an understanding of the moment, and that was a prime example tonight.

"In the first half it wasn't like that. They scored, but we had our quality and technique about us, and our structure and control got us through that half.

"The second half was totally different, it was a case of you've got to do what you've got to do to win a football match.

"You do what you have to do to get through this game and get to a Final. And we did that."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/july/30/head-coach-press conference

[WhiteJC]

Turkish giants reportedly interested in ex-Portsmouth and Wigan winger - along with Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall, Cardiff, Fulham, and Huddersfield
Fenerbahce are the latest club to be linked with former Pompey favourite Jamal Lowe.

Reports in Turkey suggest the winger is a target for the 19-time Super Lig champions following Wigan's relegation from the Championship.

The Latics dropped from 13th to 23rd after being hit by a 12-point deduction for entering administration, subject to an appeal tomorrow.

Wigan have already started selling off assets, with youngster Jensen Weir joining Brighton for an undisclosed fee.

It is reported the administrators have accepted a bid from QPR for striker Keiffer Moore, while the likes of Antonee Robinson and Joe Gelhart have been linked with moves away.

Lowe has also supposedly attracted interest – only a year after leaving Pompey for a fee of £2.5m following a protracted transfer saga.

The former Hampton & Richmond man recorded six goals and five assists during his maiden campaign at the Latics.

Mail Online previously reported that Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are keen, along with Championship duo Millwall and Cardiff.

Millwall had bids for the 25-year-old turn down last summer when Neil Harris was in charge. He's since taken the reigns at the south Wales outfit.

But now Fenerbahce are also supposedly weighing up a move for Lowe.

The Istanbul-based outfit finished seventh in the Super Lig last season.

Turkish-based reporter Zeki Uzundurukan claims Fulham, Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield are admirers, too.

Pompey have a sell-on clause installed in Jamal Lowe's DW Stadium contract, but he would need to depart Wigan for more than what they paid for him

The Blues have gained financial windfalls from Adam Webster's switch from Ipswich to Bristol City and Conor Chaplin's move from Coventry to Barnsley in recent years.



https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/turkish-giants-reportedly-interested-ex-portsmouth-and-wigan-winger-along-celtic-sheffield-wednesday-millwall-cardiff-fulham-and-huddersfield-2928238

[WhiteJC]

'Another one we mucked up' – Some Spurs fans react to former player's recent exploits

Some Spurs fans have taken to social media to express their regret at the club's decision to let Josh Onomah leave last summer.

The Spurs academy graduate was highly thought of at the club and was expected to break into the first team under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, the 23-year-old's progress stalled and he eventually went to Fulham last summer as at the same time as Spurs signed Ryan Sessegnon from the Cottagers.

The midfielder has since established himself as a key part of Fulham's promotion run this season. The side managed by former Tottenham midfielder, Scott Parker, overcame Cardiff City 2-0 away from home in the first leg of their playoff semifinals.

Onomah put in an impressive performance on Tuesday and scored Fulham's opener with a wonderful run through the heart of Cardiff's defence, followed by a smart finish.

The midfielder's performance and goal got some Spurs fans to question Pochettino's failure to bring the best out of the youngster.

The decision to sell both him and Marcus Edwards last summer received plenty of scrutiny, while a few warned against overreacted on the back of one good performance.

Fulham are back in action this evening in the second leg of the play-off semi-final, so will Onomah be able to impress again?



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/another-one-we-mucked-up-some-spurs-fans-react-to-former-players-recent-exploits/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham to meet Brentford in all-London Championship playoff final at Wembley



Fulham will face Brentford in the Championship Play-off final for a place in the Premier League after overcoming Cardiff City 3-2 on aggregate.

It will be an west London derby at Wembley on Tuesday as the two capital sides go head-to-head in what is billed as the most lucrative game in club football.

The Cottagers took a commanding 2-0 advantage to Craven Cottage for the second leg after Josh Onomah and Nesskens Kebano scored in the Welsh capital on Monday.

But Scott Parker was keen to reiterate to his players that the tie was not over and so it proved as Cardiff opened the scoring through Curtis Nelson.

The Cottagers equalised 24 seconds later through Kebano, who tapped home from Bobby De Cordova-Reid's cross.

And while Cardiff retook the lead through Lee Tomlin in the second half, Fulham battled to victory to seal their spot in the final.

Brentford defeated Swansea City 3-2 on aggregate on Wednesday night to book their place in the final.

Thomas Frank's Bees trailed 1-0 from the first leg but scored three times in what was their final game at Griffin Park to set up a showdown with their west London neighbours.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-to-meet-brentford-in-championship-playoff-final-at-wembley-a4513036.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham through to Wembley showdown with Brentford

Fulham 1 Cardiff 2

(Fulham win 3-2 on aggregate)

Fulham will play Brentford at Wembley in the Championship play-off final after holding off a fierce second-leg challenge from Cardiff.

Another goal from Neeskens Kebano was enough for Fulham, who will face the Bees in an all-West London battle for a place in the Premier League.

The Whites were again without Championship golden boot winner Aleksandar Mitrović as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

But they progressed despite having their eight-match unbeaten streak snapped.

They found themselves behind on the night after eight minutes, as Curtis Nelson rose highest to head in from a corner that resulted from one of Will Vaulks' long throws, which was a threat for the home side throughout.

But Kebano hit back just 24 seconds later with his fifth goal in four matches, nipping in ahead of Leandro Bacuna to stab home following good work from Bobby Decordova-Reid and Josh Onomah down the right.

Fulham regained some control of the game after the drinks break and should have added to their tally – Anthony Knockaert forcing a good save from goalkeeper Alex Smithies and going close again in first-half stoppage time.

Another Vaulks throw-in two minutes after the restart caused havoc in the Fulham box though, and substitute Lee Tomlin smashed home a rebound from close range to bring the Bluebirds to within one goal on aggregate.

It gave them a lift as Scott Parker's side started to look nervy and the game became stretched through much of the second half.

Chances came and went from the bright Aboubakar Kamara, who came on for Kebano at half-time and struck the inside of the post with a rasping shot.

At the other end, a goal-line stop by Cyrus Christie followed by a stunning Marek Rodak save from Vaulks kept the Whites' slender overall lead intact.

But, after Robert Glatzel blazed over in the dying seconds, Fulham weathered a tense finish to hold on and reach Wembley for the second time in three seasons as they look for an immediate return to the top flight.

Fulham: Rodak, Christie, Hector, Ream, Bryan (Le Marchand 90), Reed, Cairney, Onomah, Knockaert (Odoi 76), Kebano (Kamara 46), Decordova-Reid.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-through-to-wembley-showdown-with-brentford

[WhiteJC]

Championship: Fulham hold off Cardiff to book play-off final date at Wembley with Brentford

Fulham 1-2 Cardiff (3-2 agg): The visitors piled on the pressure with long throws and crosses into the box but a one-goal victory was not enough to overturn the first-leg deficit


Fulham's Neeskens Kebano, left, celebrates scoring their first goal ( Reuters )

Neeskens Kebano's fifth goal in four matches booked Fulham a London derby Championship play-off final with Brentford despite a 2-1 loss to Cardiff at Craven Cottage.

Congo winger Kebano's neat finish sent Fulham into the final 3-2 on aggregate, even though Scott Parker's men lost their semi-final second leg on Thursday night.

Curtis Nelson and Lee Tomlin struck to drag the Bluebirds back into the fight for a place at Wembley, after Fulham had prevailed 2-0 in south Wales on Monday. But the in-form Kebano's latest eye-catching goal proved the difference over the two-leg tie, sending Fulham to Wembley.

Kebano had toiled away on a 35-match drought dating back to December 2017 before the final weeks of his elongated season. The 28-year-old netted twice in the 5-3 win over Sheffield Wednesday on July 18 however, and has not looked back since.

This crucial close-range effort is the first of his five-goal glut to be converted from inside the area. More than that though, this was the finish that keeps Fulham's dreams alive for an immediate Premier League return.

Their progression to the final was as nerve-wracking for manager Parker as it would be satisfying – especially as they had to contend without leading scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic once again.

The prolific Serbia striker sat out with the lingering effects of a hamstring issue, perhaps in a calculated gamble from Parker to have him fit for Tuesday's final against west London rivals Brentford. Any risk paid off in the end, but not before Cardiff pushed their opponents to the end. Now all that stands between Fulham and a Premier League return is Thomas Frank's free-flowing Bees.

Fulham have lost both league meetings with Brentford this term. They in fact lost their first match following football's restart 2-0 to Brentford, at Craven Cottage. Parker's men followed up that loss with a 3-0 humbling at Leeds. Throw in losing captain and top-scorer Mitrovic to a three-match ban after that, and at the start of July Fulham were battling to stay even in the play-off frame.

They had recovered from that Leeds loss however – and despite this home loss to the Bluebirds they now face a mouthwatering match-up.

Any designs Fulham had on a comfortable night evaporated when Cardiff took the early lead. A back-pedalling Marek Rodak had to tip the ball over his bar after Will Vaulks' long throw bounced high off the firm surface. And from Joe Ralls' corner Nelson thumped home a fine header.

Just 24 seconds after the restart however, Fulham were level on the night and back in control of the tie. Anthony Knockaert laid off to Bobby Decordova-Reid on the right flank, and his smart cross was met with an even more astute finish from the red-hot Kebano. He tiptoed round Cardiff's static defenders to flick home in style, to calm the early storm.


Fulham manager Scott Parker on the touchline (Reuters)

Neil Harris' visitors opened the second half as they had the first, finding the net with an early attack. Half-time replacement Tomlin hooked in at the far post after Rodak's weak punch. The opportunistic finish had the Bluebirds leading 2-1 on the night – but still trailing Fulham 3-2 on aggregate.

Cottagers' replacement Aboubakar Kamara drilled a low shot against the inside of the post and had to watch in frustration as the ball rolled to safety. But Parker's side continued to tighten up as the second half unfolded, and Cardiff kept pressing.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could not connect in a goalmouth scramble as the Bluebirds sought to level up the aggregate score. Fulham could not clear though, and Vaulks' impressive hooked effort from 18 yards forced a fine save from Rodak.

Robert Glatzel blazed over late on as the luckless Cardiff pressed again, but this was Fulham's night.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/fulham-cardiff-result-final-score-championship-playoffs-brentford-a9647021.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham into Championship play-off final despite Cardiff City scare to set up Brentford clash

Fulham lost to Cardiff on the night but will still head to Wembley after a 3-2 aggregate win but they were pushed all the way by the Welsh side who won 2-1 at Craven Cottage



Fulham will take on Brentford in the play-off final after surviving a spirited Cardiff City fight back at Craven Cottage.

Scott Parker's side bought a 2-0 lead back from the Welsh capital but lost 2-1 on the banks of the Thames.

It means the Wembley showpiece will be an all west London affair as the Cottagers bid to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

But the Bluebirds made Fulham sweat in the second-half after Lee Tomlin's strike left them just one goal away from forcing extra-time.

Curtis Nelson opened the scoring for Cardiff after just eight minutes as he rose highest from a corner to give the visitors the perfect start.

But their lead last just a minute as Neeskens Kebano levelled proceedings and re-established Fulham's two-goal lead.

Cardiff continued to apply the pressure after Tomlin scored with what his was his first touch.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing hit a rasping drive for the visitors that swerved just wide of Marek Rodak's goal.

The Fulham No 1 was also called into action during a goalmouth scrammble that had Cardiff boss Neil Harris with his head in his hands.


Fulham can win a second play-off final in three seasons (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Cottagers skipper Tom Cairney, who scored the winner in the play-off final two years ago, felt his side were not their usual selves with contributed to the result.

"It wasn't pretty at all. It was the worst start you can think of," he told Sky Sports

"These 2-0 leads are a bit weird in your head. It feels comfortable but is not at the same time.

"We let ourselves down by not playing our normal game, and we invited pressure, but in the second half we dug in deep we got over the line."



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-fulham-play-final-despite-22445586

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-2 Cardiff (3-2 Agg): Scott Parker's side reach Championship play-off final despite second-leg defeat
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg at Craven Cottage.

Fulham will play Brentford in the Championship play-off final after edging past Cardiff despite defeat in the second leg at Craven Cottage.

Cardiff were aiming to become the first side in Championship history to overturn a two-goal deficit from a semi-final first leg, and they went close to doing just that with a 2-1 win on Thursday night, but eventually succumbed to a 3-2 aggregate defeat.


Fulham won through to the Championship play-off final after a 3-2 aggregate win over Cardiff

Curtis Nelson scored early to give Cardiff hope, but they conceded a leveller on the night within a minute as Neeskens Kebano struck - adding to his impressive free-kick at the end of the first leg that proved so vital in this tie.

Lee Tomlin then put the Bluebirds back to within a goal of parity, but Fulham held on to seal their spot at Wembley, where they will face their fierce west London rivals Brentford on Tuesday night - live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm (kick-off 7.45pm).

Fulham triumph despite defeat at the Cottage


Neeskens Kebano celebrates scoring Fulham's goal at Craven Cottage

Cardiff would have been dreaming of a bright start to give themselves some hope in the tie, and they got just that after eight minutes. Fulham failed to deal with a corner into the heart of their area, and Nelson rose to nod home.

Their optimism would last less than a minute, however. Just 24 seconds after the restart and Fulham restored their two-goal advantage in this semi-final. Bobby Decordova-Reid was afforded far too much space in the right channel to cross low for Kebano, who continued his excellent recent form with a low strike past Alex Smithies.

Neil Harris reacted at half-time to try and get Cardiff back into the game, throwing on Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Tomlin, and immediately the pair combined to get Cardiff to within a goal of Fulham again. With 47 minutes on the clock the home side failed to deal with another long throw, Mendez-Laing then saw a header saved, but Michael Hector's failed attempt at a clearance fell perfectly for Tomlin to volley in from close range.

Cardiff pushed for an equaliser and went so close to getting it on 72 minutes. Fulham had Marek Rodak to save as he denied Mendez-Laing from point-blank range, before reacting quickly to tip over a stinging Will Vaulks volley.

But there would be no comeback in the end, as Fulham held on to reach the final and keep their dream of an immediate return to the Premier League alive.

What the managers said...
Fulham's Scott Parker: "I think the way the game panned out tonight was not how I expected, but at the same time, I realised the task ahead of us today. Cardiff were a team wounded from the first leg that came in and had nothing to lose. They put us under an incredible amount of pressure at times and we didn't really put a stamp on our game. We've got ourselves to the Championship play-off final and it's up for grabs.

"That was our 48th game tonight and I told the players to not lose sight of what we've done. We live in a world where you can quite easily lose sight of achievements and I sense a little bit of disappointment. We've got a massive game coming up on Tuesday. It's going to be a totally different game from what we've seen tonight. We need to stay bright, we need to stay positive.

"We all know it's a coin toss. What we need to understand is that we need to turn up, we need to be professional, we need to understand what we are good at, we need to understand how we play and how we put a stamp on the game."

Cardiff's Neil Harris: "It's not just tonight [that I'm proud]. Since the moment I came into the building, the performances, the way they've improved, the way they've taken on board what we want, the hours on end learning on TV screens, on the training pitch to get us to where we are tonight.

"To come and win 2-1 at Fulham in the scenario we were in after losing 2-0 at home, I can't be any prouder. The players have been class for me. We've come up against a very talented Fulham side tonight and there are two very good sides in the final.

"I'm at a club that craves top six football in the Championship and Premier League football. We feel like the capital city of Wales should have a team in the Premier League and we have to earn the right to get there. However proud I am, I'm gutted that we haven't got through but I've said to the players that they have to be so proud of what they've achieved and we have to be even better next year."

Analysis: So close for Cardiff; Fulham will be relieved
Liam Rosenior on Sky Sports Football...

"Cardiff - what a performance. They did everything but score [again]. Fulham survived that and you can tell from the body language of the Fulham players compared to Brentford's elation, it's just pure relief for them. Cardiff pushed them so far and for them to do that after going 2-0 down in the first leg and playing away from home shows the character and resilience of Neil Harris' men.

"Scott Parker is going to be one relieved man because it was an absolute bombardment with long throws and set plays but they got the job done and now they're one game away from the Premier League."

Jobi McAnuff on Sky Sports Football...

"[Parker] will be trying to offset that disappointment because there was that look from some of the players because they lost tonight. But they're through. That's the difference with play-off games, it's about being the better team over two legs, getting through it and getting to Wembley.

"Parker will want to move past this performance, which for large spells wasn't at the level that he would want. But the result is the most important thing in these semi-finals and I'm sure that's what he will be saying afterwards."

Man of the Match - Tom Cairney


Tom Cairney (L) consoles Joe Ralls at full-time

It was an ugly performance from Fulham, in truth. Cardiff were excellent and the home side had their backs to the wall for large swathes. Whenever they did get forward, though, Cairney did all he could to give them breathing space in the tie. He created a load of chances and will hope to have Aleksandar Mitrovic back on the end of them in the final.

When is the Championship play-off final?



Fulham will take on Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley on Tuesday, August 4. Coverage starts at 7pm on Sky Sports Football, ahead of a 7.45pm kick-off.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-cardiff/report/426360

[WhiteJC]

Fulham stumble into Championship play-off final after Cardiff fall just short


Tom Cairney (left) consoles Joe Ralls of Cardiff City after the final whistle. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Lock out the fans, play the games in late July, append them to a Championship season whose agonies away from the pitch have largely overshadowed the action on it. It turns out none of those enforced measures can drain the life from the play-offs and Cardiff came within a whisker of proving the point emphatically.

Fulham, rather than Neil Harris's side, will face Brentford in the Wembley final on Tuesday and that is an alluring prospect given the west-London rivals' technical merits. But they were mightily fortunate to emerge unscathed from a tie that should, given their two-goal lead from the away leg, have been dead on arrival and there was no mistaking the sense of relief that wafted out over the Thames moments after Robert Glatzel had volleyed Cardiff's last chance over the bar deep into stoppage time.

By then Cardiff could already have become the first side to overhaul a two-goal deficit in a second-tier semi-final. "The way the game panned out was not how I expected it," Scott Parker, the Fulham manager, said, speaking for most of those present except the contingent that had rolled along the M4. "But a wounded animal had nothing to lose, putting us under pressure."

Parker was referring to Harris's pre-match description of his own team, who had been floored by Neeskens Kebano's late free-kick on Monday. The sense of possibility seemed muted at the outset, despite the glorious mid-evening sun radiating across the Thames, but Cardiff raised themselves. It was quick, direct, aggressive football, every action designed to maximise their opponents' discomfort, and Fulham were caught off-guard.

They were certainly rattled by the presence of Will Vaulks, who had seemingly been called up on account of his booming long throw. His second of the match spooked Marek Rodak, the Fulham goalkeeper, sufficiently so that he tipped the ball over even though any goal would not have counted. Joe Ralls swung in the resulting corner, Curtis Nelson leapt highest and the tie was alive within eight minutes.

It seemed to have died again 24 seconds later when Cardiff, unusually but fatally, fell asleep and their former striker Bobby Decordova-Reid crossed for Kebano to convert on the run. Fulham settled down for the rest of the opening period despite further attempts to pack their box from set pieces and Alex Smithies' fingertip save from Anthony Knockaert effectively guaranteed a contest for the tie's final half.

What a 45 minutes of football it turned out to be. Harris upped the ante by introducing Lee Tomlin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and within 90 seconds the latter had drawn a brilliant save from Rodak after meeting another Vaulks howitzer. Tomlin was perfectly placed to convert the rebound and the tempo from thereon was breathtaking.

The Fulham substitute Aboubakar Kamara forced a tip round a post from Smithies and then an even better one on to it. But Cardiff were relentless and should have completed the turnaround. Mendez-Laing, whose presence changed the game, crossed for Josh Murphy but the winger headed straight at Rodak. Then Leandro Bacuna delivered millimetres ahead of Danny Ward but the most telling intervention would come from Rodak.


Marek Rodak makes an incredible save from a shot by Will Vaulks of Cardiff City. Photograph: Andrew Fosker/BPI/Shutterstock

"When you're under it you need certain players to step up," Parker said, and he was referring to the moment 18 minutes from the end when Vaulks – showing aptitude with his feet this time – thrashed in a volley that appeared to have him beaten. Somehow Rodak tipped it over and Fulham, whose trials were not yet over, could breathe again.

"They pushed themselves to the limit and then that big chance came," Harris said, referring to the gargantuan effort that preceded Glatzel's late miss. It was hardly a sitter but Harris would have backed a player who is "so reliable around the penalty area" to score.

Instead he could only reflect on the strides Cardiff, who were 14th when he took over in November, have made in the last eight months. "I showed my disappointment [afterwards] with strong words: I want more," he continued. "But I'm also proud of them."

Parker was justified in feeling pride too, even though Fulham had sailed close to the wind. His players were serenaded by celebrating supporters outside Craven Cottage after full-time and will hope to match their win over Aston Villa in the final of two seasons ago, if not the disastrous Premier League campaign that followed.

"It was a roll-your-sleeves up night where you need to do everything to win the game, the massive prize is the final," he added.

Fulham might find more enjoyment in Brentford's artistry than in the buffeting they received against Cardiff. Either way, it will be a tussle between the best of London's west and Parker, who hopes Aleksandar Mitrovic will be fit, could simply thank his lucky stars he will be there at all.



https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jul/30/fulham-cardiff-city-championship-play-off-match-report

[WhiteJC]

Marek Rodak magic and slice of luck help Fulham see off Cardiff and set sights on Wembley

The goalkeeper produced a stunning save on an uncomfortable night for Scott Parker's team in the play-off semi-final second leg


Tom Cairney of Fulham (Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Caught your breath yet, Fulham fans? This was supposed to be, by play-off standards at least, a straightforward evening.

Scott Parker's team were seemingly within touching distance of Wembley thanks to a 2-0 first leg win away to Cardiff City on Monday night but, yes, it was only half-time in the tie and if there is one thing we know about this format down the years is that even the most unlikely of scenarios can rapidly transform into reality.

No team had recovered from a two-goal first-leg defeat at home but for much of a fraught second period on a balmy night at Craven Cottage it looked like history was about to be made by a Cardiff side that sought to overcome their more stylish opponents with some old-fashioned brute force.

By the end Fulham were clinging on desperately, the injured pair of Harry Arter and Aleksandar Mitrovic willing them on from the stand during a breathless final few minutes before producing a humongous sigh of relief at the end.

"Overall we've got ourselves to the final, an incredible achievement in terms of a long and drawn out season," Parker said. "The goal was to get to the final and we've done that.

"The performance was tough, Cardiff made it very difficult for us. They were a wounded animal and had nothing to lose. There was an edginess to us."

A supreme triple save from Marek Rodek with just under 15 minutes to go was the standout moment but this was about the unity as much as individual interventions.

The bombardment came from all angles and the long throws of Will Vaulks seemed particularly concerning missiles. It was the Cardiff midfielder who was denied by Rodek's third stop, the goalkeeper diverting a ferocious goalbound drive over his crossbar with precious little reaction time having made initial saves to deny Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Curtis Nelson.

While the Welsh side, managed by former Millwall boss Neil Harris, had brought the tie to life inside eight minutes thanks to Nelson's opener, Fulham responded through Neeskens Kebano within 60 seconds.

The remainder of the first half was just about shaded by the hosts, the metronomic presence of Harrison Reed and Tom Cairney in midfield aided by the hard work of Josh Onomah in front.

Then Lee Tomlin arrived on the scene and it all changed. One part of a double substitution at the break along with Mendez-Laing, the wily attacking midfielder scored with his first touch to make it 2-1 Cardiff on the night and 3-2 Fulham on aggregate.

From there it was close to one-way traffic, save for a couple of Aboubakar Kamara runs down the left and a Cairney free kick that saw the Fulham skipper slip to produce an instant meme but there was little for Alex Smithies to be concerned by.

Cardiff continued to believe they could complete the turnaround, throwing all they could forward even though Tomlin was forced off hamstrung and in the fifth minute of added time the chance fell to striker Robert Glatzel, who blazed narrowly over.

The relief for those in white was palpable. This was a let off. As defender Michael Hector said at the end: "We got the job done and that's all that matters." Parker agreed: "In the end it was about mentality and roll your sleeves up."

Fulham are Wembley bound to face Brentford on Tuesday night and London will have another Premier League side next season but Parker's team rode their luck and relied on their goalkeeper here.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/marek-rodak-magic-slice-luck-18692088

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker's Fulham rebuild takes another major step forward as they survive scrap with Cardiff

Scott Parker has been painstakingly rebuilding Fulham into a club that can succeed, one that can fight and here, as they battled a bullish Cardiff to reach the play-off final, he may have seen one of the biggest steps in their journey to date.

They have seen off the Bluebirds in the semi-finals, sealed largely with their usual swagger on Monday night, meaning a 2-1 defeat here will not stop them facing London rivals Brentford in Tuesday's final.

Parker has often spoken so much about creating a new mentality within this club, something that was put to the test here, twice having their aggregate lead reduced to just one goal, the first time after just eight minutes when Curtis Nelson headed home from a Joe Ralls corner.

Fulham produced quite the riposte, a fifth goal in four games from Neeskens Kebano, cutting across Leandro Bacuna to convert Bobby Decordova-Reid's cross, coming just 24 seconds after the restart to settle the nerves in west London. They weren't so sharp the second time around.

The Cottagers had survived a shaky start on Monday before recovering to dominate proceedings, but they could not quite manage the same here. Consistently cheap fouls broke up play, preventing them from getting their usual stranglehold on things. The final ten minutes of the first half saw them finally hit their groove, with the break coming just at the wrong time for Parker.

The second half started with a double Cardiff change which rocked Fulham, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing seeing his header saved by Marek Rodak before Lee Tomlin swept home the leftovers and made the usually serene Craven Cottage a far more uncomfortable place for its occupants, who could offer no snappy reply this time.

Instead, Cardiff had their tails up, battering the Whites' back line time and again, Fulham struggling against their far uglier, more direct style. It took time for them to fight their way back, riding a wave of Cardiff pressure before, twice in as many minutes Aboubakar Kamara, on for goalscorer Kebano at the break, sparked into life and saw a driving effort saved before a near identical attempt clattered the near post. It was not the turning point many would have hoped for, but Fulham fought on.

Cardiff were still pushing, wave after wave, and came back for more after the drinks break - drawing a double stop worthy of winning any tie from Rodak, first denying Mendez-Laing before Cyrus Christie tried to clear, finding Will Vaulks who saw his shot tipped over the bar.

Fulham may have been nervy, but their stylish work in the first leg was helping them through this scrappy bombardment from their Welsh visitors with Parker sending on Denis Odoi for Anthony Knockaert to see them through to the final, another step on their journey complete but not without its scares - notably Robert Glatzel firing high and wide deep into stoppage time.

Parker will have to hope their swagger returns on Tuesday, facing a brimming Brentford following their return to form on Wednesday night, but for now he will focus on the single achievement of reaching Wembley.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-cardiff-scott-parker-rebuild-championship-playoff-final-a4513051.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham one match from Premier League return despite loss to Cardiff

London: Fulham advanced to next week's Championship play-off final despite a 2-1 home loss to Cardiff City on Thursday after edging past their opponents 3-2 on aggregate.

They will face local rivals Brentford, who beat Swansea City by the same aggregate score after Wednesday's 3-1 victory, in an all southwest London final at Wembley on Tuesday.

In a furious start Cardiff, who had lost the first leg 2-0, stunned the hosts after eight minutes with centre back Curtis Nelson's header.

But Fulham struck back 24 seconds after the restart, snatching an equaliser through Neeskens Kebano to restore their two-goal advantage in the tie.

After conceding possession to Fulham for the rest of the first half, substitute Lee Tomlin put Cardiff back in front two minutes after the restart to set up a tense second half.

Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies kept his team in the game on several occasions with a string of superb saves, including tipping an Aboubakar Kamara shot onto the post in the 68th minute.

But despite late Cardiff pressure for a goal that would have sent the game into extra time, Fulham hung on to earn the chance to return to the Premier League after one season in the second tier.

"It wasn't pretty at all. It was the worst start you can think of," Fulham captain Tom Cairney told Sky. "These 2-0 leads are a bit weird in your head. It feels comfortable but is not at the same time.

"We let ourselves down by not playing our normal game, and we invited pressure. But in the second half we dug in deep we got over the line."

Fulham, who had finished one place above Cardiff in the final Championship table, last won a Championship play-off final two years ago, beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley to earn promotion.

Brentford are looking to earn a spot in the top division for the first time in 73 years as they prepare to move to their new Brentford Community Stadium home for the 2020-21 campaign.

Reuters



https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/fulham-one-match-from-premier-league-return-despite-loss-to-cardiff-20200731-p55h61.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham survive second leg scare to book Wembley place

Slavisa Jokanovic's side were swashbuckling and Scott Parker's men are streetwise. They might have reached Wembley in contrasting styles but the end result is still the same – Fulham are into the Championship play-off final and stand ninety minutes away from a return to the top flight.

Parker's side had to survive an almighty scare after Cardiff City grabbed an early goal at Craven Cottage to make their comfortable cushion after Monday's 2-0 win in Wales look pretty precarious and when Lee Tomlin thumped home seconds after stepping off the bench at half-time, Fulham's very participation in Tuesday's final, against near neighbours Brentford, appeared to be in serious jeopardy. But Parker has made his team much more gritty during his first season in charge – and Fulham's fortitude come to the fore as they rebuffed a succession of Bluebirds' attacks in the closing stages.

It was never likely to be plain sailing on the banks of the Thames, especially given the enormity of the prize on offer. Cardiff, who were aiming to make play-off history by becoming the first side to overturn a two-goal deficit in a Championship semi-final, knew they needed to strike first – and they did, albeit in controversial circumstances. Marek Rodak felt he had been impeded by Danny Ward, preventing him for coming to collect Joe Ralls' corner before Curtis Nelson nodded in at the back post. Referee Paul Tierney disagreed – and the goal stood.

Fulham's anger evaporated after 24 seconds. That's how long it took for the hosts to fashion the perfect riposte. Bobby Decordova-Reid, again deployed as a false nine against his old side as Aleksandar Mitrovic rested his sore hamstring, sauntered down the right and delivered the perfect cross for Neeskens Kebano to roll home his fourth goal in as many matches from twelve yards. That spirited response galvanised the home side, but try as they might, they couldn't find another goal before half-time to put the tie beyond the visitors.

Alex Smithies, who was once again excellent in the Cardiff goal, produced smart saves to keep out efforts from Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert at his near post, whilst the French winger also saw an effort deflected narrowly over the crossbar. Kebano wasn't fit to continue past the break, with Aboubakar Kamara replacing the Congolese winger, who had an ice pack applied to his hamstring for much of the second half.

It was Cardiff's half-time changes that proved more consequential, however. Two minutes after the break, two substitutes made telling contributions from a Will Vaulks long throw-in to reduce the arrears to one once more. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing capitalised on some hesitation to power a header goalwards and, although Rodak did well to keep it out, Michael Hector missed his chance to clear and Tomlin powered home the rebound from close range.

The pair were at it again a couple of minutes later. They linked up beautifully down the right and an untimely slip from Christie gave Josh Murphy a glorious sight of goal, but he opted to use his head instead of bringing the ball down, and Rodak gratefully plucked the ball out of the air. Leandro Bacuno then crafted a delicious cross that narrowly eluded Danny Ward. By now, Fulham, who had been dominating the ball during the first half, looked decidedly jittery and capable of collapsing before the finishing line.

Tom Cairney did his bit to restore some order, producing a mesmerising run from wide on the left to the edge of the box before he was cynically upended by Sean Morrsion. Cairney was on the ground again seconds later, having slipped as he tried to send the free-kick goalwards, but Abouakar Kamara picked up the baton – charging forward in his unique fashion to draw two stunning saves from Smithies in quick succession. He flew past Bacuno and the former QPR goalkeeper had to be alert at his near post and then Smithies somehow tipped a piledriver onto the woodwork from just outside the box.

The remainder of the drama came at the other end as Cardiff pushed for a third that would have taken the tie into extra time. They were indebted to Rodak for a sensational double save in the midst of a mad goalmouth scramble with eighteen minutes to go. Robert Glatzel, on as a substitute, almost scored with his first touch – with Rodak somehow blocking his deft flick from Ralls' set piece. In the aftermath, Christie put his body in the way of efforts from Mendez-Laing and Nelson, before Rodak hauled himself off the floor to turn away Vaulks' venomous volley that was heading for the top corner.

Cardiff kept searching for their leveller, even after Tomlin was forced off when he aggravated his troublesome hamstring, and Glatzel spurned their best chance to dash Fulham's dreams deep into stoppage time. Callum Paterson climbed highest to glance a long free-kick into Glatzel's path and, although the German forward got great contact on his effort, it was always rising over Rodak's crossbar.

This wasn't vintage Fulham, but that didn't matter. Parker's side have shown determined and significant staying power to keep their promotion hopes alive in a season where they often looked out of the race. Here was another example. Unlike that glorious night against Derby a couple of years ago, relief rather than ecstasy was the prevailing emotion at full-time. A backs-to-the-wall effort secured a shot at glory, against our local rivals, at the home of football. Parker will know his side will need to show more quality at Wembley – but he can be confident of their stomach for the fight.

FULHAM (4-3-3): Rodak; Christie, Bryan (Le Marchand 90), Hector, Ream; Reed, Cairney, Onomah; Knockaert (Odoi 76), Kebano (Kamara 45), Decordova-Reid. Subs (not used): Bettinelli, Mawson, McDonald, Johansen, Cavaleiro.

BOOKED: Decordova-Reid, Rodak, Christie, Onomah.

GOAL: Kebano (9).

CARDIFF CITY (4-2-3-1): Smithies; Bacuno, Bennett, Morrison, Nelson; Pack (Tomlin 45; Whyte 83), Vaulks; Murphy, Hoilett (Mendez-Laing 45), Ralls; Ward (Glatzel 71). Subs (not used): Etheridge, Bamba, Sanderson, Smith.

BOOKED: Morrison, Bacuna, Vaulks, Ralls.

GOALS: Nelson (8), Tomlin (47).

REFEREE: Paul Tierney (Lancashire).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2020/07/fulham-survive-second-leg-scare-to-book-wembley-place/

[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic expected to be fit for play-off final

Scott Parker expects Aleksandar Mitrovic to recover from a hamstring problem in time for Fulham's Championship play-off final showdown with Brentford.

The injury kept Fulham's top scorer out of of both semi-final legs.

"I'm hopeful," Whites boss Parker said after his side got past Cardiff 3-2 on aggregate.

"He was close tonight, but not good enough. It would have been a massive risk.

"We pushed and pushed, the medical team had done everything they could, but he just wasn't ready.

"Now we have some time, so we're going to do what we can to get him out there. He'll be working now, get treatment, and be out on the grass."

Having led 2-0 from the first leg in Wales, the Whites fell behind early on at Craven Cottage before Neeskens Kebano scored his fifth goal in four games and restored the aggregate lead immediately afterwards.

Parker's men looked nervy at times, especially after substitute Lee Tomlin scored shortly after the restart, though they were able to sustain the Bluebirds' pressure and held on to reach their second play-off final in three seasons.

"Overall, we've got ourselves to the final and that's an incredible achievement, in terms of it being a long, drawn-out season," Parker said.

"That was the 48th [league] game tonight. The goal was to get to the final, and we've done that.

"The performance tonight was tough and Cardiff made it very difficult for us. They came here tonight as a wounded animal after the first leg. You saw the difference in the two teams with a bit of edginess to us.

"They had nothing to lose tonight. If they win the game, they're heroes, and we sensed that with the way they play. They constantly put you under pressure by putting the ball in the box from literally all over the pitch.

"At times tonight, we didn't deal with that well enough and we recognise that.

"In the end, it was about the mentality, the mind-set, rolling your sleeves up.

"You need to do all you can to win this game, because at the end of it is a massive prize. It's the prize which we want, a chance to try and get into the big league."

When asked about Fulham's chances against their local rivals, Parker was adamant that both sides' recent results mattered little in determining which west London outfit will reach the top flight.

"Brentford are a very good side," he said. "When you play in this league, you always need to step up and produce performances.

"But a final's a final. Form goes out the window. We'll go into this game fully prepared, regather and recoup, and go from there."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-expected-to-be-fit-for-play-off-final

[WhiteJC]

Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Hold On To Go To Wembley

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

In this episode, Emilio and Russ looked back at the second leg of the play off matchup against Cardiff City. Fulham lost the match, but still move on to the Final to face Brentford at Wembley. In the end we discussed that Fulham were the better side over the two legs.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/7/31/21348905/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-hold-on-to-go-to-wembley

[WhiteJC]

'That's what we'll need again in the final': Scott Parker believes Fulham will need to repeat show of mental fortitude shown against Cardiff for play-off final with Brentford after the Cottagers booked their place at Wembley

    Scott Parker believes Fulham will need to repeat mental fortitude at Wembley
    Fulham booked their place in the play off final, seeing off Cardiff on aggregate
    The Cottagers had to stand firm as Cardiff laid on a second-half onslaught
    Parker feels Fulham will need that 'ingredient' again when they play Brentford

Scott Parker believes Fulham will need to repeat the hard-nosed mental 'ingredient' that saw them past Cardiff to beat Brentford and reach the Premier League.

Fulham lost 2-1 in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday night, but still reached the final 3-2 on aggregate.

Neeskens Kebano's fifth goal in four games was enough for Fulham to seal their place in the play-off final, with Curtis Nelson and Lee Tomlin on target for luckless Cardiff.


Scott Parker says Fulham will have to show their mental resolve if they want to gain promotion


The Cottagers booked their place in the Championship play-off final against Brentford

And after a nerve-wracking and gritty finale on Thursday, manager Parker admitted Fulham will need plenty more steel to beat local rivals Brentford at Wembley on Tuesday.

'We'll need the ingredient I saw at times tonight, and that ingredient is a real mentality about you, that when the going gets tough; technical ability, what qualities you have, go right out the window,' said Parker.

'There's always points in football matches that have nothing to do with tactics, nothing to do with technique, and are all a mindset and an understanding of the moment.


However, they were made to work hard to advance by a strong and robust Cardiff side

'It becomes an understanding that 'I need something to fall back on', and tonight was a prime example of that in the second half.

'In the first half our technical ability, our shape, our precision and tactics all had us in a good position. But the second half had nothing to do with that.

'And it was that moment that was not about quality or technique or ability, it was about just doing what you've got to do to win a football match, get through this game, and we did that.

'That's constantly my message to this team. And that's what we'll need again in the final.

'Overall we've got ourselves to the final, which is an incredible achievement in terms of a long drawn out season, the 48th game that was tonight.


The Cottagers managed to weather the storm to book their place at Wembley next Tuesday

'The goal was to get to the final and we have done that. The performance and where we were was tough. Cardiff made it very difficult for us, come here like a wounded animal after the first leg and had nothing to lose, in that sense.

'You see the difference between the two teams, a bit of an edginess to us, while goals change that equation.

'They had nothing to lose. We sensed that, the way they play they constantly put you under pressure from all over the pitch.


Parker (left) says they'll have to be mentally strong again to get past Thomas Frank's Brentford

'Brentford are a very good side, we're playing against a very good side and we understand that.'

Cardiff boss Neil Harris admitted his dejection that his side had not turned the tide from their 2-0 first-leg deficit and inched through to the final themselves.

'I'm disappointed we haven't got through, I've got to be honest,' said Harris.

'I had the belief still coming here tonight that we could get the win and go through. Most people didn't but I know the capabilities of the group.

'If we'd got one more goal we would have gone on and won it. We were written off the other night, which I wasn't happy with, but we've bounced back again.

'I wanted us to chase the game, in our own manner. And the players deserve the credit for how far we've come.'




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8578617/Scott-Parker-believes-Fulham-need-repeat-mental-fortitude-play-final.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham and Brentford to meet in $220 million game

London – Fulham will face Brentford in the Championship playoff final after holding on to beat Cardiff 3-2 on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their semifinal on Thursday.

Curtis Nelson headed Cardiff back into the contest from a corner after just eight minutes to give the Welsh side hope of a comeback, but the visitors' lead lasted less than a minute as Neeskens Kebano swept home an equalizer.

Fulham then had a host of chances to put the tie to bed before the break, but was made to endure a nervy night as halftime substitute Lee Tomlin hooked in with his first touch to give Cardiff life again at the start of the second half.

Cardiff continued to pepper the Fulham box with crosses and came within inches of forcing extra time when Robert Glatzel fired over on the volley deep into stoppage time.

However, Scott Parker's men held out to set up a West London derby against Brentford at Wembley on Aug. 4 in the most lucrative game in world soccer, with promotion to the Premier League worth an estimated £170 million ($220 million) to the winner.

"It wasn't pretty at all," Fulham captain Tom Cairney told Sky Sports.

"It was the worst start you can think of. These 2-0 leads are a bit weird in your head. It feels comfortable but is not at the same time.

"I think we let ourselves down a little bit by not playing our normal game, and we invited pressure.

"But, look, we showed a different side to us at times as well in the second half especially. When our backs were against the wall, we dug in deep and we got over the line."



https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/07/31/soccer/fulham-brentford-meet-220-million-game/#.XyPSfx3TU8Y

[WhiteJC]

How Chelsea's forgotten man became the key player for Scott Parker's promotion dreaming Fulham

The 28-year-old has been outstanding since January and is now one at Wembley from the Premier League

There can be few more patient footballers than Michael Hector, the Fulham defender who spent half the campaign training but ineligible to play as he waited for the January transfer window to clear his £8million move from Chelsea that had been agreed before autumn took hold.

Once that clearance arrived he stepped straight into Scott Parker's side, immediately impressing on debut against Aston Villa in the FA Cup to make one of the centre half spots his own. But then coronavirus shut the world down for three months and he was left in stasis as more time passed by without action.

The 28-year-old trained diligently, confident that he would be in top form once football was allowed to resume, and he has found a new level since the restart.

While last night's play-off semi-final second leg against Cardiff City was about Marek Rodak's supreme work in goal and a collective effort to repel the Welsh side, it remains hard to argue against Hector's importance to the overall structure of Parker's side.

As composed as he is dominant, Hector is the glue man in a defence that has improved markedly since his integration.

This was his 22nd Championship appearance for Fulham and they have kept a clean sheet in half of them, conceding 20 times (a figure massaged by allowing three in against Sheffield Wednesday).

Before January Parker's team had kept seven clean-sheets in 26 games, conceding 30 times.

No wonder he has been given the nickname Virgil van Mike inside the changing room.

While he may have done more to stop Lee Tomlin from making it 2-1 to Cardiff on the night, reducing Fulham's aggregate lead to 3-2 and ensuring a nervy conclusion, Hector's standout moment came in the first leg of this tie on Monday night when he made a remarkable sliding clearance to deny Robert Glatzel with the game still scoreless.

It was arguably the match-saving challenge of the season in any division across England but perhaps forgotten about because of the quality of the goals that followed.

Hector may not get the plaudits of leading goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic or the stylists in midfield such as Tom Cairney, Harrison Reed and, lately, Josh Onomah. But his impact cannot be understated.

His next job will be to keep Brentford's fearsome front three quiet at Wembley on Tuesday. Succeed and Fulham will likely be back in the Premier League and Hector will be given the opportunity he has craved for years.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/how-chelseas-forgotten-man-became-18692148