Thursday fulham Stuff - 10/12/20...

[WhiteJC]

'We'll part ways': Director says reported Newcastle and Fulham target is free to leave

It is fair to say Schalke will not stand in Nabil Bentaleb's way if Newcastle United come calling once again during the January transfer window.

The Mirror (6 December, page 72) reported that the Algeria international could return to St James' Park for a second spell with Steve Bruce's side next month. Fulham are also interested in a technically gifted midfielder who made his name a few miles north at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Chronicle even claims that Bentaleb has been offered to Premier League clubs as Schalke look to cut ties over the next few weeks.

But why on earth are the Bundesliga strugglers desperate to get rid of a player who, in the words of sporting director Jochen Schneider, is nothing short of a 'great footballer'?

Schalke are bottom of the table and, in Sunday's 3-0 thrashing against Bayer Leverkusen, endured a 26th successive game without a win. Surely they need all the talent they can get, as the 2011 Champions League semi-finalists hurtle towards relegation.

Yet, as Schneider explains to Schalke's official website, the problem is with Bentaleb's attitude, not his ability.

"There's no question that he's a great footballer. But we have established that Schalke and Nabil Bentaleb clearly aren't a good fit," Schneider said.

"There's nothing in this moment that has led to this, but rather, it was part of a process. We will part ways by summer 2021 at the latest."

Bentaleb has been frozen out of first-team training at the Veltins Arena – and not for the first time either.

Those disciplinary issues were nowhere to be seen during his short-lived spell at Newcastle however, and Bruce obviously feels he can get a tune out of a talented if troublesome footballer who would bring some control and class to a flimsy midfield.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/12/09/well-part-ways-director-says-reported-newcastle-and-fulham-target-is-free-to-leave/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 2020/21 Home, Away and Third Kits

The 2020/21 Fulham kits have been designed to give them a distinct sense of identity and tradition. There are throwbacks to the successful teams of the past and the artworks in the stadium.

Fulham 2020/21 Home Kit

Adidas have designed the Fulham home shirt for the 2020-21 season with inspiration from the Adidas Condivo 20 template.

The shirt is white with black sleeves and it features a V-neck collar with an inner red lining.

The black sleeves and shoulders are a throwback to the team that had a memorable run in the Europa League a decade ago.

There is a unique round label on the back, under the collar which is a celebration of Craven Cottage and it showcases the ironwork located on the cottage balcony.

The home shirt is completed with black shorts and white socks.

Fulham 2020/21 Away Kit

The Fulham away shirt for the 2020-21 season is completely yellow and this is the first time the club will be wearing an entirely yellow strip since the 2008 season.

The shirt follows the Adidas Regista 20 template and it is made from recycled polyester in an effort to conserve resources and reduce emissions.

The shorts and the socks are completely yellow as well.

Fulham 2020/21 Third Kit

The third kit for the 20-21 season has been carried over from the last season. The red shirt features blocks of black stripes and patterns on the front with the iconic three stripes on the shoulders.

https://sportslens.com/fulham-2020-kits/321869/

[WhiteJC]

NEW FOF'cast 🎙🎧 'Man up' City

On this episode of FOF'cast, we are joined by regular co-hosts Gerry Pimm and Owen Smith as we discuss the following Fulham FC topics:

⚽  The 2-0 loss to Manchester City

⚽  Is any Fulham Loss acceptable?

⚽  Friends of Fulham Man of the Match

⚽  Fulham Remembrance Day (Recap)

⚽  Ticket Ballot Update

⚽  The January Transfer Window

⚽  Sunday's game v Liverpool

⚽  Liverpool Predictions

Thanks once again for listening, and as always, your feedback is appreciated to help improve future shows.

FOF'cast is also available on iTunes as well as Spotify, so make sure you subscribe to catch any future show.

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/fofcast-man-up-city/id1535958097?i=1000501767473

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aCRX0AyhyskpkqLo8dzrl



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1551

[WhiteJC]

LMA PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK IN ASSOCIATION WITH SKY SPORTS SOCCER SATURDAY - FULHAM RECORD FIRST AWAY WIN OF THE SEASON AT LEICESTER CITY

The League Managers Association's panel, comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett, Barry Fry Paul Ince and Rachel Yankey, has determined that the LMA Performance of the Week Award, in association with Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, should go to Fulham for their 2-1 victory against Leicester City on Monday 30th November 2020.

The experienced and highly distinguished panel has managed a combined total of over 6,500 competitive matches in professional football.

Fulham Manager Scott Parker will receive a celebratory bottle of champagne, courtesy of Tanners Wines, and an LMA Performance of the Week trophy on behalf of the whole coaching team.

Match Report

Fulham climbed out of the relegation zone with a magic Monday night display in Leicester.

A calm finish from Ademola Lookman was complimented by Ivan Cavaleiro's redemption penalty in a few first half minutes. Substitute Harvey Barnes' late goal made it a nervous close to the game, but ultimately Fulham did enough for a massive three points.




http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-performance-week/lma-performance-week-fulham-away-win/

[WhiteJC]

Notes from December meeting with FFC

On Monday 7 December at 14:00, the Fulham Supporters' Trust met with Fulham FC via video conference.

The Club was represented by:

    Alistair Mackintosh (CEO)
    Darren Preston (Chief Operating Officer)
    Carmelo Mifsud (Communications Director)
    Ally Spicer (Head of Ticketing Operations)
    Nicola Walworth (Supporter Relations Manager)
    Charlie Harris (Communications Assistant)
    Matt Lowery (Marketing Director)
    Jon Don-Carolis (Sales Director)

The FST was represented by Board Members:

    Tom Greatrex (Chair)
    Ian Clarke (Vice Chair)
    Hayley Davinson (Board Member)
    Simon Duke (Board Member)

HOW IT WORKS

The Trust asks any questions that it judges are of interest to supporters, based on responses from Trust Members to the advance notification of the meeting, and by generally interacting with the wider supporter base. There is no restriction placed on which questions the Trust choose to ask or points raised with the Club. These notes are then sent to Members only in advance of being posted on our website at a later date.

This meeting focused almost entirely on the return of supporters to Craven Cottage via the ballot process.

If any member has raised an issue that it was not possible to discuss in the time available, then please do contact us again in good time before the next meeting or alternatively we can seek to raise it between meetings if that is more appropriate.
TOPICS DISCUSSED

    Ticket ballots
        Introduction and update
        Three game cycles
        Ballot process
        Ticket returns
    Matchday operations
        Entry and exit
        Catering
        Other
    AOB
        Televised fixtures beyond December
        FXPro roof advertising
        Tributes at games
        Pay Per View income
        Riverside stand

TICKET BALLOTS
Introduction and update

The Trust opened the meeting with thanks to the Club's staff for their recent hard work within a very short timeframe and with the extensive guidance that has to be adhered to in enabling a limited number of fans to attend matches, beginning with this Sunday's visit of Liverpool. The Trust also welcomed the £40 adult ticket price as a fair setting for a matchday ticket and asked for an update on the progress of the first ballot cycle, entry for which closed shortly before the meeting.

The Club explained that they felt that the ballot process had gone well so far, particularly given that it was a new experience for everyone. Several thousand separate ticket applications, many of which are for multiple tickets, have been received by the Club for games in the first three match cycle.

Asked for clarification of ticket numbers, the Club confirmed that 2,000 tickets would be made available in the Hammersmith (1,100) and Putney (900) Ends for each fixture, with approximately 85% allocated to 'general admission' and 15% to seasonal hospitality ticket holders and sponsors. The Trust are aware that this proportion is similar to a number of other Premier League clubs. The Johnny Haynes stand will be used for officials and press, as it has been since re-start, which are not included in the capacity number.
Three game cycles

The Trust highlighted that it had received a lot of feedback from members and the wider supporter base that balloting in a three-match cycle with a commitment to buy whichever ticket was allocated was problematic, particularly with one weekend match, one evening match and one Bank Holiday match. The expectation arising from previous discussion was that supporters would be able to specify which fixture(s) they were entering a ballot for.

The Trust explained that the issue for many is that whilst one or two matches were possible to attend, balloting for all three together reduced their ability to be able to enter; this was particularly seen to be a problem for families and supporters who had a long distance to travel. In normal times season ticket holders might chose to pass tickets on, but this was obviously not possible in current circumstances. The Trust also drew attention to the fact that every other Premier League club admitting supporters so far were either running individual ballots, or grouped ballots with the option to specify fixtures.

The Club explained that the balloting method had initially been implemented to be able to manage demand for three games in quick succession, and with the limitations of the ticketing software, but that they understood that the system was by no means perfect.

The Trust encouraged the Club to reconsider for the next group of fixtures, not least because potential changes to tier levels could impact on those entering the ballot, and to enable as many season ticket holders as possible who wish to do so to attend a game.

The Club responded that the ballot system will be constantly under review, that they were happy to learn from the feedback and ideas provided by the Trust, and that adjustments may be made for the next games, starting with the Manchester United fixture scheduled for 12 January 2021.
Ballot process

The Club were able to confirm that the ballot is conducted randomly, using features of the existing ticketing facilities. All ballot entrants in this cycle would be able to see at least one match. The process is now to conduct the Liverpool draw and allocate groups to the seat plan, followed shortly afterwards by the Brighton draw. A decision would then be made as to whether some supporters in this first cycle would be able to also attend the Southampton match or whether it would be opened up again. The Trust clarified a number of detailed points on behalf of members, including:

    Ballot re-entry after success. The Club will notify supporters who have been successful with one allocation when they can enter subsequent ballots by email.
     
    Retention of credit card information. The credit card details of supporters who are unsuccessful in a ballot cycle will not be retained.
     
    Use of 2019/20 credit to pay for tickets. The Club had expected the IT system to allow payment using credit, but this had not been possible in this cycle because pre-authorisation by credit card is required. A solution is being sought for this issue.
     
    Household purchases. The Club confirmed that supporters applying together as part of a single household transaction would be kept together in the ballot – household groups will not be split.
     
    Selection of £20 concession price. The Club explained that there had been an IT problem early on in the ballot period that prevented the £20 option from being selected, although the correct price was charged. This has been rectified.
     
    Next ballot. A decision has not been made as to the date of the next ballot. This may depend in part on selection of matches for TV.
     
    FA Cup ties. The Club confirmed that any home Cup ties would be run on an individual ballot basis, separate from arrangements for remaining League games.
     
    Supporters in tier three. The Club confirmed that supporters who live in tier three will be able to enter the ballot process as soon as their tier level drops, and as such they will not be disadvantaged.
     
    Supporters without smart phones and printers. The Club appreciates that some supporters will not have the technology required by this process (ticket to phone or print at home). Unfortunately it is not possible to issue paper tickets for balloted matches because of the track and trace requirements, including health questionnaires. The Trust undertook to liaise with the Club where we knew supporters were encountering this difficulty.

We encourage all supporters to read the detailed and comprehensive FAQ on the Club web site which answers many of the other questions we have been asked, including

    Rollover of credit to 2021/22 season. This is possible.
     
    Maintenance of 2021/22 season ticket rights. 2019/20 season ticket holders will have their 2021/22 season ticket rights retained regardless of their participation in the ballot process.

Ticket returns

The Trust asked for clarification of the returns process for supporters who cannot use tickets that they are allocated in the ballot. The Club explained that, given the very short timescales involved and the complexities of both ticket allocation and collection of health questionnaires, tickets could only be returned if a member of the party is unable to attend for Covid health reasons or change of tier. The Club reiterated that in these cases supporters should phone the Club to confirm their non-attendance and that, given the low numbers involved, they did not expect this to place undue strain on the ticket office. Should a supporter be unable to attend for these reasons, the whole booking will be cancelled and moved to the next game that the supporters concerned are able to attend.

All supporters should be aware that tickets are not transferrable in any circumstances.

MATCHDAY OPERATIONS

The Trust asked the Club to explain as far as is currently understood the operations that will be in place on matchdays. The main points for supporters to be aware of in advance of the game are as follows.
Entry and exit

    Entry to the stadium will be via the Hammersmith End turnstiles and the Putney End exit gates. A queuing mechanism will be in operation in Stevenage Road with Club staff on hand to check tickets and answer questions.
     
    Those with tickets in the blocks closest to the Riverside stand will be placed within the earlier ticket arrival window (75 minutes before kick off), and those closer to Stevenage Road the latter (45 minutes before kick off).
     
    The Club requests that supporters use clear plastic bags for any possessions they wish to bring into the ground. This will greatly ease the search process.
     
    All attendees over the age of 16 will be required to show photo ID for entry to the stadium. The Club will confirm whether a TfL photocard (such as Freedom Pass) will be accepted as form of ID.
     
    Anyone who has not completed the pre-match medical questionnaire (which will be emailed to all ballot winners) will not be allowed entry to the stadium.
     
    The safe departure of fans post-match on Sunday is still to be confirmed. There is a possibility that a staggered exit will be necessary.
     
    The Club has been informed that local tube stations may close for Sunday's match for 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after final whistle.

Catering

    There will be no catering options open for the Liverpool game because all concourse space is required for supporters. Opening catering outlets would reduce the number of supporters who could attend. Supporters can bring their own refreshments, including hot drinks, but not alcohol. Again, the Club reiterated the importance of using a clear plastic bag – to minimise the requirement of close contact and searching of bags. The Club will review catering for future matches and seek alternatives, possibly 'hawker' type sales.

Other

    The Club Shop will not be open for the Liverpool fixture. It may be possible to open the shop for future fixtures based on experience from the first few matches.
     
    Clappers will be on seats on Sunday.

AOB
Televised fixtures beyond December

Following the decision to end PPV and all fixtures being broadcast until the end of December, the Trust asked when arrangements for January would be known. The Club said it anticipated that broadcast picks for fixtures after the FA Cup Third Round would be announced relatively soon, but was unable to confirm whether all fixtures would continue to be televised.
FXPro roof advertising

FXPro do not pay for the advert emblazoned across the Hammersmith/Putney ends. Should a new sponsorship opportunity present itself, the Club are open to this being replaced.
Tributes at games

In response to recent sad passing of Papa Bouba Diop, and the experiences for many Fulham families over the course of 2020, a suggestion was raised by supporters to have a dedicated tribute match to remember those we have lost, once larger crowds return. The Club confirmed this was something they were open to and it was agreed that the Trust would present ideas at a future meeting, drawing on what a number of other clubs already do. The Club also confirmed that Papa Bouba Diop will be remembered at the Liverpool game this weekend.
Pay Per View income

With regards to the Pay Per View income received by Fulham during that period, the Club were unable to confirm that the money, should there be any, had been distributed.
Riverside Stand

The Club confirmed the Riverside Stand progress continues at good pace, still within Covid restrictions, and that the food and drink options on the ground floor will be open to supporters post-match once the stand is opened. There will also be opportunities to enjoy the Fulham Pier areas of the new stand after games, and also The Flag is looking to be used in some form. 


The meeting closed at 15:15.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2020/12/notes-from-december-meeting-with-ffc-2/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham must avoid signing Nabil Bentaleb in January

Fulham and Newcastle United have both been linked with a January move for Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, but the Cottagers must avoid signing him.

According to the Sunday Mirror (via Tribal Football), both clubs are taking an interest in the Algerian international ahead of the January transfer window.

The former Spurs man spent the second half of last season on loan with the Toon but struggled to have much impact whatsoever, averaging a disappointing 6.47 rating across his 12 appearances in the top-flight (per WhoScored).

His performances this season have been even worse, with the 26-year-old averaging a shocking 6.12 rating from his seven appearances in the Bundesliga so far this campaign.

The midfielder was dropped to Schalke's U23 side last year for disciplinary reasons, whilst back in 2016, German newspaper Sports Bild (via Sport Witness) labelled the Algerian as a "slacker" and criticised his "arrogance".

Therefore, it seems strange that Fulham may be considering a move for the 26-year-old, as he has clearly been a bad influence and a troublemaker at times during his spell with Schalke.

Since joining Die Königsblauen in a permanent deal in 2017, having spent the previous season on loan, he has managed just 105 appearances for the club, contributing 19 goals and nine assists (per Transfermarkt).

Whilst this isn't the worst record, his transfer value in recent seasons has significantly decreased, suggesting that he is no longer the player he was in his early days with the Bundesliga side.

Fulham are arguably already well-stocked in central midfield, so adding the £3.6 million-rated Bentaleb would surely just give Scott Parker a selection headache.

As well as this, the 26-year-old's contract with Schalke is set to expire at the end of the season, suggesting that it would also make no financial sense to sign him for a fee in January when they could potentially sign him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Therefore, Tony Khan would do well to avoid signing Bentaleb, who earns €96k (£86k) per week at Schalke, in January, as there is very little to suggest that he would be a worthwhile addition to Parker's squad.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-fc-transfer-rumours/fulham-nabil-bentaleb-scott-parker-cottagers-newcastle-united

[WhiteJC]

Tony Khan must already have millions put aside for one Fulham deal in 2021 – Our View

Fulham haven't had the best of starts to their return to the Premier League, but despite only picking up seven points from their first 11 games back in the top-flight, they remain one point above the relegation zone.

If the season ended today, Fulham would remain in the Premier League, and while a 17th-placed finish is far from inspiring, it is something to build on.

With Fulham's FFP picture looking rather murky due to the continued amortisation of the signings they made in the summer of 2018, the Whites weren't able to spend massively in the summer, spending relatively low fees on Harrison Reed, Tosin Adarabioyo, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson, while the rest of their deals consisted of loans.

However, those loan deals indicate that a flurry of spending may be just around the corner at Craven Cottage, with the London outfit holding an option to buy Ola Aina, Alphonse Areola and Mario Lemina.

While there are question marks around whether or not Fulham should sign Aina on a permanent deal after his somewhat shaky start to life back in England, there can't be any questions about the permanent signing of Areola.

The fact that he's an ex-PSG and Real Madrid player, and he's playing at Fulham tells you all you need to know about how much of a coup his loan signing was, and his performances so far have certainly indicated that his stay should be made permanent.

Areola has the fourth-highest save percentage of any goalkeeper in the Premier League, and that's despite having to face the third-most shots of any glovesman in the division.

A goalkeeper can single-handedly win you points, especially when you're battling down the bottom of the division, and while Marek Rodak was fantastic last season, you can't turn down the chance of keeping a player of Areola's calibre.

Of course, this deal won't be cheap, but if Fulham stay up, they will have money to spend and millions of that potential windfall should already be set aside for the permanent signing of the Frenchman.

If Fulham stay up, this should be their first piece of business in the summer of 2021.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/12/09/tony-khan-must-already-have-millions-put-aside-for-one-fulham-deal-in-2021-our-view/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham pause allocating Southampton tickets over fears of Tier 3 rules in London

Fulham have paused allocating tickets for their match against Southampton on Boxing Day due to fears that London could be moved into Tier 3 of coronavirus restrictions, Peter Rutzler can reveal.

The club concluded their first ballot cycle on Monday, where 2019-20 season-ticket holders were able to apply for tickets to one of their next three home matches, against either Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion or Southampton.

The Athletic understands that while tickets have been allocated or are in the process of being allocated for the games with Liverpool and Brighton, Fulham have paused the process for the Southampton game amid fears that supporters may not be permitted to attend the game on Boxing Day.

Why has this decision been made?
Fulham have taken the decision as a precautionary measure and will make a further call once the COVID-19 restrictions are reviewed on December 16.

Fulham's ballot process has differed from other Premier League clubs. Once it was confirmed that London had moved into Tier 2, Fulham proceeded with their 'ballot cycle' approach to allocating tickets to supporters.

The process entailed 2019-20 season ticket holders being eligible to apply for a 'ballot cycle', which included all three of Fulham's matches with Liverpool, Brighton and Southampton.

Applicants would initially only be able to attend one match, and they would be randomly allocated to one of those fixtures.

Successful applicants for the Liverpool and Brighton matches are to be allocated their seats in due course, however the process for the Southampton game has been paused.

Supporters who were successful for the Brighton game will be notified from Wednesday, while those who were successful for the Southampton game were due to be notified on December 18.

How likely is it that London will go into Tier 3?
There are growing suggestions London might be facing Tier 3 restrictions in the week before Christmas. A report in the Evening Standard on Wednesday said officials have concerns over London.

Government officials will meet on December 16 to review tiers. Public Health England data showed that in 20 of London's boroughs, infection rates are higher than the average in England.

Will the Brighton game be impacted?
As things stand, the Brighton match is not thought to be impacted and supporters will be allocated their seats once the process has been completed for the Liverpool game, which will take place this coming Sunday.

Fulham host Brighton at Craven Cottage on December 16, the date restrictions are due to be reviewed.

How have ticket sales gone for Liverpool and Brighton?
The club told Fulham's Supporters Trust on Monday that they felt the ballot process had gone well, with "several thousand" separate ticket applications.

Despite initial concerns, Fulham currently plan to host the maximum of 2,000 supporters for their upcoming matches, with 1100 due to be seated in the Hammersmith End, and 900 in the Putney End.

Of those, 15 per cent will be given to seasonal hospitality ticket holders and sponsors.

In their discussions with the Trust, the club mention that a decision may need to be made about whether to re-open the ballot for the Southampton game, however, and that all entrants in the current cycle "would be able to see at least one match".

For the ballot cycle, only season ticket holders from the 2019-20 season were able to enter, while all entrants needed to be eligible to attend any one of the three games in the cycle.



https://theathletic.com/news/fulham-tickets-southampton-tier-latest/mIShO1Yv3V0m

[WhiteJC]

Jurgen Klopp doesn't dwell on Midtjylland mess as Liverpool boss turns his focus to Fulham

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refuses to wallow in the mess that was the Reds' 1-1 draw with Midtjylland in the Champions League.

The result literally has no impact on his team's progression in Europe, so it's not really worth the headache.

As is customary these days, the game was littered with VAR calls, resulting in a whopping eight minutes of added time ahead of the final whistle.

Speaking after the game, the boss immediately switched his mind to Fulham – the Reds' next fixture in the Premier League.

Liverpool are into the knockouts of the Champions League and sit joint-top of the Premier League table, so it could be worse – and don't we know it?!

Three points against Fulham could set up a tasty spectacle as we're due to host Spurs – who are setting the pace in the early title race – at Anfield on December 16.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2020/12/09/jurgen-klopp-doesnt-dwell-on-midtjylland-mess-as-liverpool-boss-turns-his-focus-to-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Christie nabs assist in defeat to leaders Norwich while O'Dowda plays role in Bristol win

NORWICH MOVED THREE points clear at the top of the Sky Bet Championship as they came through another tight game with all three points, edging past Nottingham Forest 2-1 at Carrow Road.

The Canaries claimed victory by a single goal margin for the ninth time this season after being pushed all the way by the struggling visitors.

After going ahead on the stroke of half-time through Danish youngster Jacob Sorensen's first goal in English football, Norwich were pegged back after 72 minutes.

Anthony Knockaert scored almost immediately after coming off the bench, with Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie providing the assist.

But Daniel Farke's side showed their mettle by hitting back quickly, with a 77th-minute strike from Emi Buendia – which took a big deflection – settling the game.

Andrew Omobamidele was an unused sub for the winners Norwich while Harry Arter featured for Forrest.

Famara Diedhiou ended Blackburn's seven-match unbeaten run with an 82nd-minute winner as Bristol City edged a thriller 1-0 at Ashton Gate.

The striker had only been on the pitch for seven minutes as a substitute when he shot home on the turn after Callum O'Dowda had nodded down a Nahki Wells cross from the left. Chris Martin provided the assist.

It was rough justice on Rovers, who contributed much to a game full of attacking intent from both teams, but were let down by their finishing.

Ireland's Max O'Leary was named on the bench for Bristol while Derrick Williams played the full game for Blackburn.

Jon Toral scored twice as Reading's four-match unbeaten run in the Championship came to an end in a 2-1 home defeat to 10-man Birmingham.

Ireland's Scott Hogan was in the starting line-up for Birmingham and was withdrawn from the action late on.

A poor first half from the hosts saw City take a merited 2-0 lead, both goals coming from excellent strikes from Toral in an eight-minute spell.

Reading got back into it in the 61st minute, when Yakou Meite touched in from close range, and had a chance to equalise 10 minutes later.

But after City defender Harlee Dean had fouled Meite in the area – and was sent off – goalkeeper Neil Etheridge saved Lucas Joao's resultant penalty.

Three goals in the final half hour handed Preston a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

The hosts secured only their second home Championship win of the season, and their first at Deepdale against Boro since 1972, with Brad Potts, Scott Sinclair and Emil Riis all finding the net.

Ireland's Alan Browne started for Preston and was replaced by Tom Bayliss late in the second half. Sean Maguire was introduced from the bench in the 74th minute as Tom Barkhuizen made way.

Joe Rafferty and Adam O'Reilly were named among the substitutes.

Derby moved to within a point of safety in the Championship after holding play-off chasing Brentford to a goalless draw.

Bryan Mbeumo and Josh Dasilva both hit the woodwork for the hosts, now unbeaten in 10 league matches, while Kamil Jozwiak's effort suffered the same fate as the game opened up after the break.

But this was a contest low on quality in both final thirds as Brentford failed to regain their place in the top six against a well drilled Derby side under the guidance of interim boss Wayne Rooney.

Ireland's Jason Knight completed the full match for the Rams.

Barnsley racked up a fourth win in their last six matches at Oakwell by overcoming Wycombe 2-1.

Cauley Woodrow's penalty – his seventh goal of the season – settled matters after a Joe Jacobson spot-kick had cancelled out Callum Styles' first-half opener for the Tykes.

The defeat meant Wycombe have still not won at the South Yorkshire stadium on any of their four visits.

Daryl Horgan started the tie for Wycombe before being taken off in the 84th minute.

Championship Results:

Preston North End 3-0 Middlesbrough
Barnsley 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
Brentford 0-0 Derby County
Bristol City 1-0 Blackburn Rovers
Norwich City 2-1 Nottingham Forest
Reading 1-2 Birmingham City



https://www.the42.ie/championship-results-6-5294412-Dec2020/