Sunday Fulham Stuff (09.01.11)

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Fulham keeper backs Kamara to keep boss out of the transfer market

Jan 8 2011


By Jacob Murtagh


Diomansy Kamara

DAVID Stockdale reckons Diomansy Kamara is the man to end Fulham's goalscoring problems.

The Senegalese striker hit a hat-trick to send the Whites into the FA Cup fourth round with a 6-2 drubbing of Peterborough.

It means Mark Hughes's men have smashed nine goals in two games following Tuesday's win against West Brom.

But the Fulham boss has made bringing in another striker his number one priority in the January transfer window.

However, keeper Stockdale has told his boss he's already got a proven goalscorer right under his nose.

He said: "Joe's always been the striker we could've been missing, it's just getting the chance.

"When you're among the goals, a striker will tell you he can go and score another three, so that will do him the world of good.

"I don't think anybody has ever questioned how good he is at goalscoring because his record shows it."



Read More http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/london-sport/fulham-fc/2011/01/08/fulham-keeper-backs-kamara-to-keep-boss-out-of-the-transfer-market-82029-27953154/#ixzz1AUC8LPzO

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http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/fulham-6-2-peterborough-kamara-scores-three/


Fulham 6-2 Peterborough; Kamara scores three


Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 10:01 pm

Great fun at the Cottage today, with Fulham belting six past an impressive but wide open Peterborough side.

Games like these allow all of our players to show off their skills; against weaker opponents they all become supersized versions of themselves.   So Danny Murphy was very much the playmaker, firing balls over the top and through the middle like a quarterback; Dickson Etuhu was the overgrown spoiler, too strong for his league 1 challengers;  Diomansy Kamara was the thoroughbread raider, picking his moments and scorching through the defence onto Murphy's bombs; Hangeland and Hughes were impregnable; Damian Duff was a lightning quick winger with dangerous ideas.   It wasn't all plain sailing, but you don't win 6-2 by accident.

The visitors dominated the first few minutes, forcing a succession of corners that Fulham just about dealt with.    Then we took charge.

The first goal was a beauty, Murphy placed the ball wide to Baird on the right wing, Baird pinged a superb cross to the far post, where Kamara headed home.   Important to get underway, nice for Kamara too.

Meanwhile, the real value was coming from Duff on the right wing.  The second came when he slipped free and squared across the area.  The ball was behind Kamara but was deflected back to the edge of the area, from where Dickson Etuhu smashed it back and into the net.  2-0, the game pretty much up.  Duff had been threatening to get on the end of the through balls all half, and Peterborough should probably have solved this problem before it hurt them.

In the second half the probing passes continued and started to pay off.  Murphy (dominating) with the pass, there went Kamara again, clear and slotting home from the inside left channel.

On came Jon Greening for Dempsey.  One of his first acts was to send a cross deep into the area, at which point Zoltan Gera rose high and headed home.  4-0.

Then came the downside.  Peterborough launched an attack at Baird, who was beaten by Lee Tomlin, who scored with a hard, low shot.  (Our full-backs didn't have an A1 game today; Baird wasn't quite at his best, Paintsil got skinned a couple of times.)

Fulham bounced back with another, Kamara sent a Beckhamesque ball to Greening on the left wing, Greening gave it back and Kamara scored again, a hat-trick for the unstoppable enigma whose future must surely now be at Craven Cottage.   When he plays like this there are none better.

Peterborough reacted with a second, Halliche (on for Hangeland) committing a foul in the area, the penalty banged home.  5-2.   Halliche had earlier been turned to set up a one-on-one with Stockdale; he showed impressive form in the air, but may need a bit more seasoning before he's ready for regular action.

Then Greening himself broke clear (!) and made it six.   Happy days.   This is why you play full strength sides in the cup.

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http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6642903,00.html


Hughes hopes for survival boost

Sidwell not guaranteed games at Craven Cottage


Last updated: 8th January 2011   


Hughes: Survival plans

Mark Hughes insisted his decision to field his strongest line-up for Fulham's FA Cup thumping of Peterborough would help his side's fight for Premier League survival.

The Cottagers proved they were serious about another crack at the cup after crushing their League One opponents 6-2 at Craven Cottage.

Hughes could have been forgiven for resting some of his stars to keep them fresh for Saturday's trip to fellow league strugglers Wigan.

But the Fulham boss believes it was far more important to maintain the momentum gained from two wins in their previous three games.

"We want to have a good run. I think that's important," said Hughes, whose side reached back-to-back quarter-finals under predecessor Roy Hodgson.

Continuity
"We're playing well at the moment and it's important that we have continuity to our performances and selection.

"That was the thinking behind it. We've got plenty of time to recover before the next game as well, so I was pleased."

He added: "We've got a big game next week away, so it's important we go into that game on a positive note, which we certainly have done with today's performance."

Hughes is trying to strengthen his squad during the transfer window and yesterday made his first January signing in Aston Villa misfit Steve Sidwell.

"He needs a number of games just to get up to speed, because he hasn't been playing a lot of 11 v 11 football," Hughes said.

"He's not come here with any guarantees he'll play from the beginning."

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The Professionals


Saturday 8th January 2011



Fulham recorded an emphatic 6-2 FA Cup defeat of Peterborough on Saturday with Whites defender Chris Baird praising his team's professionalism.

Mark Hughes fielded a strong side against the League One hopefuls, and despite a dogged and determined display from the visitors, Fulham looked controlled throughout.

"They [Peterborough] started well and took the game to us early on, but that was to be expected," said Baird to fulhamfc.com. "It is always difficult against teams like Peterborough because they came here looking to cause an upset. And to be fair to them they are a decent team.

"But this is the FA Cup and that's what it's all about. I thought we approached the game in the right manner and as a result we came out on top. This was a very professional performance and one that showed we are taking this competition very seriously."

Goals from Dickson Etuhu, Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening complemented a Diomansy Kamara as the Whites demonstrated a ruthless edge in front of goal.

"We took our goals well today, and scored at vital times," explained Baird. "It was great to see Diomansy get three because he worked really hard for them. He'll be happy with that, as we all were.

"To be fair, there were a lot of good goals today - and most of which came from very good team moves. Zolly and Jonno came off the bench and showed what they could do too."

Fulham now move into the Fourth Round with their third win from four games - a statistic the in-form Northern Ireland international believes the Whites can take a lot from.

"We have a bit of momentum now, which is important," said Baird. "You get so much confidence from winning games and there are a lot of positives to be taken.

"We have ambitions of doing well in this competition so we'll see where we go from here. We're playing well as a collective unit and as long as we keep our recent form going we have much to look forward too.

"I'm enjoying my football as a lot of the boys are and hopefully I can keep doing a job for the team."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/BairdPeterboroughReaction.aspx#ixzz1AUDrmzzh

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Hughes Pleased to Progress


Saturday 8th January 2011



Looking back on Saturday afternoon's FA Cup Third Round win over Peterborough United, Fulham Manager Mark Hughes gave his post-match assessment.

The Whites fielded an unchanged line-up from their previous victory over West Bromwich Albion, underlining Hughes' desire to progress far in this season's FA Cup.

"We want to have a good run. I think that's important," said the Fulham Manager after the 6-2 victory.

"We're playing well at the moment and it's important that we have continuity to our performances and selection. That was the thinking behind it. We've got plenty of time to recover before the next game as well, so I was pleased.

"We've got a big game next week away, so it's important we go into that game on a positive note, which we certainly have done with today's performance."

Fulham produced an incisive attacking display with Diomansy Kamara stealing the headlines with a hat-trick.

"I'm pleased for individuals as well, with Joe Kamara scoring I'm pleased with his performance," Hughes explained.

"Jonathan Greening I was pleased for as well. He hadn't had a lot of football but came on and made an impact.

"It's always important to go in with the right mindset when you go up against lower-league opposition. There are historically many examples of teams that have underestimated lower opposition and we weren't going to allow that to happen to us."
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Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesPeterboroughReaction.aspx#ixzz1AUE8RqoP

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Fulham 6 - 2 Peterborough

Mark Hughes elected to field a strong side for the visit of Peterborough United – making no changes from the starting eleven that beat West Brom at Craven Cottage on Tuesday evening.

Gary Johnson's men got off to a flying start, forcing David Stockdale into making two crucial saves in an early onslaught which saw Peterborough win five corners within the first five minutes.

Simon Davies, eager to get on the score sheet against his former side, saw a powerful drive from 25 yards just sail wide of Joe Lewis' left hand post as Fulham took the initiative following a slow start.

Following the excitement of the early exchanges, the number of chances reduced significantly. Peterborough, to their credit, maintained their high tempo game ensuring that Fulham would have to work hard to find a way through their back line. Simon Davies again came close to finding an opening when, on 25 minutes, he was able to cut back on to his right foot inside the Posh penalty area to send a curling effort just beyond the top corner.

Peterborough's back line regularly needed to demonstrate a high degree of composure as Fulham often looked to thread delicate passes through the masses ranks of Posh defenders on the edge of the area.

Fulham took the lead on 32 minutes when Diomansy Kamara was able to head Chris Baird's pinpoint cross past Joe Lewis from four yards.

The goal shifted the balance of the game further in the Whites' favour and Mark Hughes' men almost netted the second when Kamara's reverse pass cut through the Peterborough defence, putting Damien Duff clean though on goal. The winger managed to place his finish past Lewis but also wide of the post.

Dickson Etuhu rounded off the scoring in the first-half, finishing off a fine move from the Whites. Danny Murphy's diagonal cross-field pass found the run of Duff who squared a dangerous pass into the area. The ball was cleared only as far as Etuhu on the edge of the area, who thundered a drive into the net.

Mark Hughes made an early substitution on 45 minutes, introducing Zoltan Gera in place of Simon Davies in a like-for-like swap.

Much as they did in the first-half, Peterborough got off to a good start, winning a number of early corners. John Pantsil had to be alert to acrobatically clear off the goal line after David Stockdale misjudged the flight of a delivery into the box on 47 minutes.

But Fulham soon gained control of proceedings and Joe Lewis had to produce an excellent one-handed parry to keep out Gera's stinging drive. The Peterborough goal continued to lead a charmed life when somehow Damien Duff's shot struck the inside of the near post, rolled across the face of goal before going out for a goal kick.

Fulham extended their lead on 58 minutes when Danny Murphy's intelligent through ball found the run of Diomansy Kamara down the inside left channel. Kamara made no mistake, rolling the ball past Lewis. Jonathan Greening replaced Clint Dempsey soon after the third.

Fulham made it four on 65 minutes when Zoltan Gera rose highest at the back post to head Damien Duff's corner past Lewis. It was another good goal for the Whites who were in full attacking flow. Danny Murphy was at his influential best in the centre of the park, displaying an accomplished range of passing.

Lee Tomlin netted a consolation for Peterborough on 71 minutes finishing well past Stockdale before Diomansy Kamara completed his hat-trick on 76 minutes. Kamara started and finished the move, playing an audition cross-field pass to Jonathan Greening, who managed to beat his man to lay the final pass on for Kamara.

Grant McCann netted a late consolation for Peterborough from the penalty spot when Criag Mackail-Smith was brought down in the area by Rafik Halliche, who had replaced Brede Hangeland.

Jonathan Greening rounded off the scoring in the 88th minute after he demonstrated good strength to hold off his marker and clip the ball past Lewis.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/FACup/PeterboroughHome.aspx#ixzz1AUETTzjK

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http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08012011/63/fulham-v-peterborough-8-january.html


Fulham v Peterborough - 8 January


Sat, 08 Jan 17:23:56 2011

Kamara treble sinks Posh

Diomansy Kamara scored his first hat-trick in English football as Fulham proved they were serious about another crack at the FA Cup this season after sweeping aside Peterborough in a 6-2 win to secure a place in the fourth round.

Quarter-finalists for the last two years, the Cottagers resisted the urge to rest players despite their Barclays Premier League relegation battle and duly demonstrated the true gulf in class between the top flight and npower League One.

Dickson Etuhu and substitutes Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening also found the net, while Lee Tomlin and a Grant McCann penalty salvaged some pride for the visitors, who survived an even heavier beating.

Missing playmaker George Boyd through injury, they nevertheless had their moments and even made much the better start.

David Stockdale was forced into a smart stop from Arron Davies as Fulham dithered at a corner and the goalkeeper also tipped over Craig Mackail-Smith's rising drive after a sweeping Peterborough move.

Fulham soon woke up and Simon Davies should have put them ahead against the club where he started his career when he slashed horribly at Damien Duff's low cross.

The midfielder almost made amends moments later with a sweet 20-yard volley that whistled past the post before Kamara went close from similar range and flicked a difficult header wide.

Both sides' top scorers - Mackail-Smith and Clint Dempsey - were off target before Davies curled narrowly over after some clever sleight of foot.

Tomlin blasted narrowly over from 20 yards after a lightning break from the increasingly under pressure visitors.

And they finally buckled in the 32nd minute when Chris Baird's far-post cross was nodded home with ease from point-blank range by Kamara.

Unbowed, the lively Mackail-Smith sent a dangerous ball across the Fulham box before Tomlin drew a foul from Brede Hangeland that saw the latter booked.

Duff saw a low drive deflected wide before missing a great chance to make it 2-0 after racing clear and clipping just past the post.

But the winger was the creator of the second on the stroke of half-time, his cross cleared to Etuhu, who blasted home via a deflection.

Both sides made a change during the break, Fulham withdrawing Davies for Gera and Peterborough Chris Welpdale for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Posh repeated their flying start to the first half, with Mackail-Smith sending an angled drive wide and John Pantsil forced to clear acrobatically after Stockdale made a hash of a corner.

Again, Fulham got going and Gera stung the palms of England Under-21 goalkeeper Joe Lewis, Duff saw his close-range finish hit the post and screw across goal, and Kamara's attempted backheel was smothered.

Posh responded to the onslaught by handing a debut to on-loan Tottenham youngster Jonathan Obika in place of Davies in the 55th minute but they were dead and buried four minutes later.

Danny Murphy's sliderule pass broke a non-existent offside trap and Kamara raced clear before slotting the ball into the far corner.

That was the cue for Greening to replace Dempsey, but there was no respite for the visitors.

Murphy almost but Duff clean through before the latter produced an inch-perfect cross for Gera to head across Lewis and into the net for Fulham's fourth.

Everton's Kieran Agard came on for Adam Clayton in Posh's final change 20 minutes from time.

Two minutes later, Tomlin netted a consolation with arguably the goal of the game, the winger racing in from the right-hand side and arrowing a low finish into the far corner.

But there was more misery to come for Posh and more joy for Kamara when the striker sidefooted home Greening's cutback from the left to complete his hat-trick.

Hangeland was withdrawn for Rafik Halliche, who conceded a penalty for tripping Mackail-Smith moments after Stockdale had saved from Obika.

Posh captain McCann sent Stockdale the wrong way in the 86th minute but Greening made it 6-2 when he sidefooted home a minute from time and Gera also volleyed wide in stoppage-time.

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/8248153/Fulham-6-Peterborough-United-2-match-report.html

Fulham 6 Peterborough United 2: match report


Read a full match report of the FA Cup third round tie between Fulham and Peterborough United at Craven Cottage on Saturday Jan 8, 2011.


Ful of it: Diomansy Kamara score for Fulham Photo: PA

By Neil Trainis 6:00PM GMT 08 Jan 2011


Critics of the FA Cup craving a return to the competition's thrilling bygone era were left scowling by Fulham's obdurate professionalism.

Victory over Peterborough United was impressive in its opportunism rather than scintillation despite an emphatic result. A place in the fourth round was secured without pyrotechnics, courtesy of Diomansy Kamara's hat-trick and goals from Dickson Etuhu, Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening.

"It's always important to have the right mindset when you go against non-league opposition," said Fulham manager Mark Hughes, who did not underestimate Peterborough and fielded a strong line-up. He also denied rumours Kamara will leave in the transfer window.

"I'm not likely to let any strikers leave when we have a dearth of them."

Peterborough were dogged even when the fixture was lost and registered through Lee Tomlin and Grant McCann's penalty. Ultimately pedigree shone through.

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/08/fulham-peterborough-united-fa-cup


Diomansy Kamara hits hat-trick in Fulham romp against Peterborough


FA Cup Third Round


Fulham 6 Kamara 32, Etuhu 45, Kamara 59, Gera 66, Kamara 76, Greening 89
Peterborough 2 Tomlin 71, McCann (pen) 86

Barry Glendenning at Craven Cottage guardian.co.uk, Saturday 8 January 2011 17.43 GMT Article history


Diomansy Kamara, third from left, heads Fulham's opening goal against Peterborough. Photograph: Joe Giddens/Empics

In his programme notes, Mark Hughes spoke of recent Fulham wins helping to provide "a good platform to build on". Rather than construct, his players demolished. Six swings of the wrecking ball reduced their League One opponents to rubble.

Victory for the hosts should have been even more emphatic, but it was Peterborough who came roaring out of the traps. They won five corners in the opening minutes, with Fulham goalkeeper Robbie Stockdale forced to warm his fingers on a Chris Whelpdale effort from point-blank range, then a near-post Craig Mackail-Smith drive.

Peterborough came into this encounter having conceded in all but three of 28 outings this season and after half an hour Fulham took advantage of their generosity when Diomansy Kamara helped himself at the far post, nodding home a Chris Baird cross from deep.

Put through on goal with only Joe Lewis to beat just before the hour, Kamara rolled the ball into the bottom corner to end the match as a contest; just before half-time, Dickson Etuhu had taken advantage of a poor clearance from a Damien Duff cross to double Fulham's lead.

Although Peterborough looked decent on rare excursions forward, the gulf in class was all too apparent when they were under the cosh, with their one-time trainee Simon Davies and Duff proving their main tormentors with a series of jinking, mazy runs. On for Davies after the interval, Zoltan Gera made it 4-0 with a header from a corner, where once again markers were absent without leave.

The 5,000 Peterborough fans who had travelled finally found full voice when Lee Tomlin prodded a deserved consolation. It was far too little, too late.

Kamara promptly bagged his third, with substitute Jonathan Greening helping Fulham sign off with a flourish after Grant McCann had doubled the visitors' tally from the spot.

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3123992


Fulham v Peterborough


Match facts

FA Cup Third Round

Saturday 8 January 2011 15.00

  Score line
 
Final score  Fulham  6 – 2 (HT 2 – 0) Peterborough 
Kamara 32
Etuhu 45
Kamara 59
Gera 66
Kamara 76
Greening 89

  Tomlin 71
McCann (pen) 86

Bookings Hangeland 34
   
Fulham's Percentage Peterborough's Percentage
Corners 5 38%  8 62% 
On target 8 66%  4 34% 
Fouls 11 52%  10 48% 
Offside 6 60%  4 40%
 
Fulham David Stockdale, John Paintsil, Brede Hangeland (Rafik Halliche, 78), Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Clint Dempsey (Jonathan Greening, 61), Simon Davies (Zoltan Gera, 46), Diomansy Kamara

Peterborough Joe Lewis, Mark Little, Kelvin Langmead, Gaby Zakuani, Grant McCann, Tommy Rowe, Chris Whelpdale (Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, 46), Arron Davies (Jonathan Obika, 55), Adam Clayton (Keiran Agard, 70), Craig Mackail-Smith, Lee Tomlin

Referee Mason, L

Venue
 
Attendance 15,936

[White Noise]

http://posh.footballblog.co.uk/goals-galore-fulham-62-peterborough-united.html

Goals Galore. Again – Fulham 6-2 Peterborough United


9 January 2011

by John Verrall


Premier League quality shone through as Fulham smashed 6 past Posh to get through to the 4th round of the F.A Cup.

Fulham started with a very strong side despite Mark Hughes suggesting in his programme notes that he may have utilised some of the back-up players available to him. Young goalkeeper David Stockdale was chosen to play in goal, replacing Mark Schwarzer who is away on International duty. Diomansy Kamara was selected to start up-front ahead of American international, Eddie Johnson.

Gary Johnson sent out an un-changed side from their last league fixture against Walsall. Lee Tomlin continued to be selected as a striker, although he did drop deep at times, ahead of new loan recruits Kieran Agard and Jonathon Obika who both had a relatively small amount of time to settle into their Posh careers since signing on loan during the week.

The Posh may have been the underdogs heading into the game but Johnson's attack minded strategy was not going to be changed. The visitors flew out of the blocks, committing a number of men forward, and managed to create some good early pressure because of it. Indeed, in the first five minutes Posh had a succession of corners – 5 in total – and both Arron Davies and Craig Mackail-Smith produced goods saves from Stockdale in the Fulham goal.

The early pressure had acted as a warning sign to the Premier League side that this fixture may not be quite as easy as they were expecting it to be; Peterborough certainly were not going to try to defend their way to a replay. As a result Fulham reacted through Simon Davies, who had received a good ovation from the Posh crowd of over 4,500, when he cut inside and fired a curling effort just wide of the far corner of Lewis goal after being allowed too much time on the edge of the box.

It was Posh who would create the next chance though as the home side began to settle after being stunned by Peterborough's early enthusiasm. Craig Mackail-Smith and Lee Tomlin worked well together and it was the former who nearly opened the scoring but his shot went just wide of the mark.

After an early period of dominance Posh were on the back-foot as Fulham began to show their quality. Some intricate passing moves, led by the composed Danny Murphy, were making the Posh defenders panic and Tommy Rowe was looking increasingly nervous after Damien Duff had managed to get behind him far too easily on a number of occasions in the early stages. As the visitors struggled defensively they were allowing Fulham players too much time on the edge of the area, seemingly more intent on marking the Fulham players attacking runs, and The Cottagers almost capitalised with both Simon Davies and Clint Dempsey putting the ball inches wide, from just outside the 18-yard box, in quick succession.

Fulham opened the scoring just past the half-hour mark when an intricate run from Damien Duff drew Rowe out of position it allowed Chris Baird too much space to put a cross into the Peterborough area and DIAMANSY KAMARA was found un-marked at the far post to head the ball past a despairing Lewis who had no chance. The build-up to the Fulham goal was excellent but Posh still should have done better defensively. For the visitors it now became a question of getting in at half-time without conceding another goal to make sure they were still in the match after the interval.



It seemed that any hope that Peterborough had of pulling of an unlikely cup upset was to be ended by Damien Duff, who again found it too easy to round Tommy Rowe, who managed to create a great opportunity but the highly-rated winger stroked his effort wide of Lewis' far post after having time to place his shot wherever he wanted to.

Just as it seemed Posh, who were now under a lot of pressure, would hang on until half time ended hopes of victory were ended when DICKSON ETUHU fired the hosts into a 2-0 lead. Again Duff was allowed too much time by Rowe, who was having a nightmare first half, to pick out the onrushing central midfielder who made no mistake, smashing the ball in past Joe Lewis.



Posh fans had seen their team crash out at this stage last season with a heavy defeat to London opponents, Tottenham, where The Posh had rarely tried to break out of their own half. This was different though, although the scoreline left the away support worrying about another hammering, Posh were throwing men forward and the lead rather flattered Fulham who had edged a closely fought affair after 45 minutes. Certainly, the away side had had their chances but unfortunately they hadn't been able to dispatch with them.

Johnson knew that it would take a remarkable comeback to see his side even make a replay but he wasn't about to give up just yet. An attacking change was made at half-time with Chris Whelpdale coming off to be replaced by Mendez-Laing, a very attack minded right winger. Fulham also made a substitution with Simon Davies coming off in a straight switch with Zoltan Gera.

The first half almost started in dramatic fashion. Clearly fired up be a dressing room, motivational, speech from Johnson the Posh swarmed forward from kick-off and after Mackail-Smith was slotted through by Grant McCann it was a great chance for the away side to reduce the deficit, especially as Arron Davies was charging forward ready to tap the ball into an empty net, however Mackail-Smith chose to shoot from a tight angle and the ball rolled just wide of Stockdale's far post.

The vociferous away support were encouraged by the early momentum that their side were managing to gain and again the visitors came close to getting on the score-sheet. This time the chance fell from a corner that was whipped in from Grant McCann and fumbled by Stockdale but Mackail-Smith's goal bound header was cleared away in acrobatic style by John Pantsil.

As Posh committed more and more men forward in search of an elusive goal they were becoming increasingly vulnerable to counter attacks, especially as the defence was holding such a high line, and Fulham almost capitalised twice because of it. First Zoltan Gera's shot was parried away by Lewis, expertly, and then Damien Duff was played through but his shot hit the inside of the post before trickling along the goal mouth and agonisingly wide.

Posh needed to attack more if they were to stand any chance of forcing an unlikely comeback and, as a result, Johnson chose to bring on Jonathan Obika to make his debut up-front. The new loan signing from Tottenham replaced Arron Davies, who had been quiet before his withdrawal, and Tomlin was quickly moved to right midfield with Mendez-Laing switching to the left flank as a consequence of the striker's introduction.

The game was well and truly ended as a contest just before the hour mark when DIOMANSY KAMARA was played through by Danny Murphy and the striker dispatched with the chance in clinical fashion. Mark Little was largely at fault seemingly giving the attacker acres of space to run into due to some poor marking and then not getting back quick enough to put some pressure on the finish.

Mark Hughes knew now that this was job done and quickly began to rest his key players. Clint Dempsey was withdrawn moments after the third goal and Jonathon Greening was given half an hour to impress the home management and support. And shortly after his introduction into the match he was in the thick of the action, crossing the ball to set up ZOLTAN GERA who headed the ball in at the far post.

4-0 was a particularly harsh scoreline on the away side who had more of the game than the scoreline would have suggested and they did managed to find a consolation goal through LEE TOMLIN to at least give the large away following something to cheer about. The goal came after some good attacking play from Posh and an inch perfect through ball from McCann provided Tomlin with a chance to outpace Baird before calmly slotting the ball beyond Stockdale. The composure shown by the former Rushden man is encouraging, especially as this is arguably the biggest stage that he has been able to exhibit his skills on in his relatively short career to date.



Tomlin had grabbed the ball out of the goal and it suggested that, although most fans had given up hope even if you wouldn't have guessed from the noise levels, the Posh players were not about to stop trying just yet. Johnson threw on Kieran Agard in central midfield, a position that the youngster is unaccustomed to, to replace Adam Clayton who had impressed. This substitution meant that Posh had five particularly attack minded players on the pitch at the same time.

As a result of this Posh were almost completely disregarding their defensive duties and Fulham looked dangerous every time they attacked – it seemed inevitable that the hosts would score again. And they did. The fifth Fulham goal came from DIOMANSY KAMARA, who completed his hat-trick by slotting the ball beyond Lewis after more suspect defending from the League One outfit.



It was now a question of remaining professional for Fulham and Posh were starting to play with freedom, knowing the game was over as a contest. Lee Tomlin was particularly impressive skinning John Pantsil, a full-back who played regularly at the World Cup in the summer, on numerous occasions. Loan signing Jonathan Obika had a great chance to grab a debut goal from himself after finding space in the area but his shot was tame and easy for Stockdale to save.

The visitors did manage to reduce the deficit once more though when Craig Mackail-Smith was brought down by substitute defender Rafik Halliche, who had replaced the impressive Brede Hangeland only moments before. Obika wanted to take the spot kick and was visibly disappointed when captain McCann decided that he should take it. GRANT McCANN was cool from the spot though, sending Stockdale the wrong way, and confirming his position as Posh's first choice penalty kick taker.

It was the hosts who would score the last goal of a free-scoring second half though and restore their four goal advantage through JONATHON GREENING. Again Mark Little's marking was suspect and a half-hearted attempt at a tackle wasn't good enough to stop Greening from tucking the ball past Lewis, via a deflection and completing the scoring. The goal capped off an impressive cameo appearance from the midfielder who had provided two assists and scored a goal in his brief period on the pitch.



On the whole it was an encouraging performance from Posh, especially going forward. The team seemed more creative as a unit and could have had more than the two goals that they did score had they of been more clinical – anyhow to score two goals away to Premier League side is a fairly impressive achievement in itself. However, defensively we were shown up once more. Of course, some excuses can be made that Fulham are a higher quality opponent that than the ones that we might face in League One action but the fundamentals were still being done incorrectly. Johnson is looking to bring in new defensive additions and it seems imperative that a new right back, centre back and left back are brought in if we are to have any chance of limiting the goals that we concede at the moment.

A special mention must go to Lee Tomlin who was outstanding throughout and seemed to fit in at this level. His quality is second to none and he must have caught the attention of Mark Hughes as he caused the Fulham defence a torrid time. It will not be long until the offers begin to flood in for Tomlin and he will make the club a lot of money when he does leave for bigger things. Honestly, he looks set to go right to the top. The player oozes class and quality and it is no surprise that Rushden fans were so disappointed when he left; he has settled in at this level with consummate ease and, at the age of only 21, has time to develop further.

If we continue to play like this going forward against League One sides we will have no problems in scoring plenty of goals – not that we have had a problem in doing so already this season. But it was encouraging to see the squad looking to play some football rather the smashing the ball long, something that the team have had a tendency to do in recent weaks. Fulham were professional and had a lot of class that we can't compete with but this won't be found at our regular level, therefore the performance had many encouraging signs.

One thing that must also be commended is the Posh support. Every single one of the fans that made the trip to London were terrific today and got behind the team right until the final whistle. Let's make sure it's like this every match from now on and hopefully some of the less regular fans will be encouraged to come to some more games at London Road after that entertaining match.

Anyway, onto Brentford on Tuesday night now and here is hoping for three points – it's a very big game.

Up The Posh.

[White Noise]

http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFACup/NewsAndFeatures/2011/3RPFulPboro


Kamara (hat) trick

By Glenn Lavery at Craven Cottage - Saturday, 08 January, 2011

Diomansy's treble guides Fulham into Fourth Round.

Fulham 6-2 Peterborough United

Kamara 32, 55, 77, Etuhu 45+1, Gera 66, Greening 89

Tomlin 71, McCann (pen) 87


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Third Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 8 January 2011
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A Diomansy Kamara hat-trick helped send Fulham into the Fourth Round of The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON at the expense of a spirited Peterborough United.

His first two goals came either side of Dickson Etuhu's firm drive from the edge of the area, while his third, and Fulham's fifth, after 77 minutes, put a fine gloss on the scoreline before substitute Jonathan Greening made it six in the final minute. Zoltan Gera's far post header had made it 4-0 and ultimately gave Gary Johnson's side a mountain to climb.

Peterborough's Lee Tomlin deservedly got himself on the scoresheet to make it 4-1, and skipper Grant McCann coolly despatched a late penalty, but it was not enough to halt the Premier League side's progress.

Buoyed by their 3-0 victory over West Brom in the week, Fulham rode an early tide of Peterborough pressure until their quality eventually shone through and they now await tomorrow's Fourth Round draw with interest.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes named the same eleven from that win over West Brom and Peterborough were also unchanged from their last match, a 4-1 win over Walsall.

It was the League One play-off contenders who came out of the blocks quickest, winning three corners inside the opening three minutes, though all three amounted to very little. However, just a minute later they came within a David Stockdale glove of taking the lead as the Fulham 'keeper was required to turn Craig Mackail-Smith's fierce, angled drive over the bar.

Peterborough were the better side in the early exchanges, but Simon Davies had two chances in quick succession to put the hosts ahead. A quick counter-attack led to Damien Duff being released down the right but Davies could not connect properly with the Irishman's centre and he then fired a long range effort just narrowly past the angle of post and bar.

Fulham gradually grew into the game and Clint Dempsey was the next Cottager to try his luck, producing a fine run from deep before some neat footwork afforded him a yard of space to get his shot away, but it curled just past Joe Lewis' right-hand upright.

The American began to pull the strings in his position just behind Kamara and he fed a cute through ball to Davies after 25 minutes although the Welsh midfielder was again narrowly off target with his curled attempt. This concerted spell of Fulham pressure was soon broken up when Tomlin took possession of the ball and burst forward at pace before unleashing a fizzing right-foot drive, which had Stockdale momentarily worried.

However, just after the half-hour mark Fulham took the lead as Davies' corner from the left eventually found itself on the opposite flank where Baird swung in a deep cross for Kamara to nod home at the back post.

Duff should have doubled this lead just six minutes later after being played in by a beautifully weighted pass from the goalscorer, but as Lewis narrowed the angle, the winger could only curl wide from inside the box.

On the stroke of half-time Etuhu did double the advantage, arriving in the box just in time to smash home Duff's low pull-back from the right and this goal put the home side in a commanding position at the break.

Just as they did in the first half, Peterborough began second 45 on the front foot as Mackail-Smith broke clear and flashed a low shot across goal but just beyond the target. It then took an acrobatic clearance from John Pantsil to avert the danger after Stockdale spilled McCann's first corner of the second half.

Half-time substitute Gera, on for Davies, had Fulham's opening second-half effort on 52 minutes and he forced Lewis into an excellent stop. Next up was the Duff, a constant livewire, who hit the inside of Lewis' near post before Kamara took centre stage once more.

The forward latched on to Danny Murphy's wonderful pass down the left, raced into the box and steered the ball beyond Lewis and into the far corner of the net.

If Kamara's second had effectively ended the tie as a contest, on 66 minutes, two Fulham substitutes combined to put a fine gloss on the scoreline. Greening, who replaced Dempsey just four minutes earlier, sent in a delicious cross from the right wing and Gera climbed above everyone at the back post to guide the ball into the far corner, much to the delight of the Fulham faithful.

Despite the four-goal deficit, Gary Johnson's charges refused to lie down and Tomlin, arguably Peterborough's best player on the day, used his electric pace to race into the box and lash home a goal his individual performance had merited.

That gave the visiting hoards something to shout about but their joy was not long-lived as Kamara completed his treble, his first in English football, from close range to make it 5-1, before McCann slotted home an 87th-minute penalty. Greening slipped the ball under Lewis in the last minute to make it 6-2 and Gera might have made it seven from Pantsil's cross but couldn't quite get his shot on target.

It mattered not as Fulham are in the hat for the Fourth Round.

Fulham
12 David Stockdale, 4 John Pantsil, 5 Brede Hangeland (32 Rafik Halliche, 78), 6 Chris Baird, 13 Danny Murphy (C), 15 Diomansy Kamara, 16 Damien Duff, 18 Aaron Hughes, 20 Dickson Etuhu, 23 Clint Dempsey (27 Jonathan Greening, 62), 29 Simon Davies (11 Zoltan Gera, 46)
Substitutes not used 38 Neil Etheridge, 3 Carlos Salcido, 17 Bjorn Helge Riise, 21 Eddie Johnson

Manager Mark Hughes

Peterborough United
1 Joe Lewis, 2 Mark Little, 4 Kelvin Langmead, 5 Gabriel Zakuani, 11 Grant McCann (C), 12 Craig Mackail-Smith, 14 Tommy Rowe, 18 Chris Whelpdale (19 Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, 46), 21 Arron Davies (25 Jonathan Obika, 55), 24 Lee Tomlin, 26 Adam Clayton (9 Kieran Agard, 70)
Substitutes not used 23 Steve Collis, 7 James Wesolowski, 16 Ryan Bennett, 22 Seth Nana Ofori-Twumasi

Manager Gary Johnson

Attendance 15, 936

Referee Lee Mason
Assistant Referees D Richards & D Plowright
Fourth Official D Phillips

[White Noise]

http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/01/08/fulham-6-peterborough-2-diomansy-kamara-scores-hat-trick/

Fulham 6 Peterborough 2: Diomansy Kamara Scores Hat Trick in Easy Win

08/1/2011 12:20 PM GMT


By Matt Butler


Diomansy Kamara scored a hat trick as Fulham overcame some early jitters to ease past a spirited Peterborough.

Kamara, who began the tie with just two goals to his name all season, scored once in the first half then added two more after the break and was joined on the scoresheet by Dickson Etuhu and Zoltan Gera.

But the visitors, up against a strong Fulham side, arrived with no intention of showing any deference to their Premier League hosts and could have gone in front as early as the second minute, when Arron Davies' shot was kept out by David Stockdale.

Then after Simon Davies and Damien Duff had missed chances for Fulham, Lee Tomlin pounced on a loose ball in his own area in the 29th minute and ran the length of the pitch before shooting just wide of the far post.

It may have sparked the home side into life, as they were ahead two minutes later, as Chris Baird's cross was met by an unmarked Kamara, who headed in his third goal of the season.

Etuhu made it two on the stroke of half time as he pounced on a loose ball following a failed clearance from a Duff cross to fire home from 15 yards.

And when substitute Zoltan Gera forced Joe Lewis into a one-handed save on 52 minutes, the home fans started – a little prematurely – a chant of "we're going to Wembley".

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With the tie more or less secure, Kamara started to show more of his talents than many Fulham fans had seen, as his 54th-minute backheel almost found a way into the net, before he added the home side's third five minutes later with a simple side-foot past Lewis.

The home side were not satisfied with three, however, and Gera added one more on 66 minutes with a header. Tomlin made good on his early dominance by scoring a consolation on 71 minutes, to give the large contingent of visiting fans something to cheer about.

Then on 76 minutes Kamara completed his hat-trick with another simple shot from the edge of the area. A little of the gloss was taken off Fulham's win when Adam Mackail-Smith was brought down by Rafik Halliche in the box and Grant McCann converted the penalty. Jonathan Greening then added one more in the final minute to restore Fulham's four-goal lead

WHAT IT MEANS:
Fulham manager Mark Hughes showed his intentions by putting the strongest side available to him and it paid off in spades as they showed their dominance, particularly after the break. For Peterborough manager Gary Johnson, he can take solace that as a boyhood Fulham fan, "his" team are in the hat for the fourth round - and he can now concentrate fully on winning promotion for his employers.

REACTION:
Fulham manager Mark Hughes was pleased he had opted to pick a strong side:
"It is always important to go in with the right mindset against lower league opposition. Historically, many teams have underestimated lower league opposition and we weren't going to let that happen to us."

On his hopes of progressing:
"We want to have a good run in this competition, it is important for the team. We are playing well and it is important for continuity in performances and in our selection. We have plenty of time to recover for the next game."

"We proceeded in the right way and picked a strong side because we are on a decent run and it was important for our continuity."

On individual performances:
"I was pleased with a lot of individual performances. Dio scoring was good, I was very pleased with his performance. Greening was also good, he came on, had an impact and scored as well. We also managed to put Halliche on the pitch as well. I thought he did OK, he was a bit unlucky with the penalty but that can happen when you come in cold."

On Steve Sidwell, who signed on Friday, and his chances of breaking into a winning side:
"He will give us something that on occasion will be a little different to what we have now. He's not come here with any guarantees from the beginning.

"He knows he will have to fight for the shirt like everybody else at the club, he understands that – it's the way of the world."

Peterborough manager Gary Johnson found the tag "plucky losers" difficult to take:
"We are all professionals and we are all disappointed we lost the game. But we did keep going and in their half I thought we did some good stuff and caused a Premier League side some problems.

"We scored two goals in front of our fans – who were magnificent – and it gave them something to cheer about. It was their clinical finishing and their power and pace which was the difference."

He took no comfort in the fact his boyhood team beat his current side:
"I still am a fan, or I was up until today. And now the game is over, I am again. But Peterborough is my team and next week I will follow Fulham's result. But I can't take solace from the result – I wish I could say that I could, but I can't.

"All my family were here, they are local. I was born and bred in Fulham but you can't be happy with them when we have been beaten. But I hope they win the cup, that's for sure."

FULHAM 6 (Kamara 32, 59, 76, Etuhu 45+1, Gera 66, Kamara 76, Greening 89) PETERBOROUGH 2 (Tomlin 71, McCann pen 86)

PLAYER MARKING:
Fulham (4-4-2): Stockdale 7 - Pantsil 5, Hangeland 7 (Halliche 78), Hughes 7, Baird 8 - Duff 7, Murphy 7, Etuhu 7, Davies 6 (Gera 46, 6)- Dempsey 7 (Greening 61, 7), Kamara 9*
Subs (not used): Etheridge, Salcido, Riise, E Johnson

Peterborough (4-4-2): Lewis 7 - Little 6, Langmead 6, Zakuani 6, Rowe 6 - Whelpdale 7 (Mendez-Laing 46, 7), Clayton 5 (Agard 70), McCann 5, Davies 7 (Obika 55, 6) - Tomlin 7*, Mackail-Smith 5
Subs (not used): Collis, Wesolowski, Bennett, Ofori-Twumasi

REFEREE: L Mason

ATTENDANCE: 15936

NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Wigan (away) Premier League, Saturday 15 January 2011
- Peterborough v Brentford (home), League One, Tuesday 11 January 2011

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Diomansy Kamara (Fulham): Sure, the opposition was not exactly Premier League class, but scoring more in a single game than he had done all season will do the striker's confidence a power of good - especially as Hughes's side have been starved of prolific forwards.

[White Noise]

http://www.theposh.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10427~2261691,00.html

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9341827.stm


Fulham   6 - 2   Peterborough



Kamara (left) scored three goals as Fulham eased into the FA Cup fourth round

Diomansy Kamara scored a hat-trick as Fulham eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable victory over League One side Peterborough.

Fulham opened up a 4-0 lead with a header and shot from Kamara either side of a deflected shot from Dickson Etuhu followed by a header from Zoltan Gera.

Lee Tomlin pulled one back with a superb low shot before Kamara tapped in to complete his hat-trick.

Posh's Grant McCann scored a penalty but Jonathan Greening slid in a sixth.

Fulham had moved out of the Premier League's relegation zone on Tuesday after a convincing 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion and, eager to gain some momentum, Cottagers boss Mark Hughes stuck with the same XI for this FA Cup tie.

606: DEBATE
Today's game gave our lads some confidence which I hope they will carry on into the remaining league matches

r f steele
However, the visitors had the best chance of the opening exchanges when David Stockdale was forced into a smart stop from Arron Davies as Fulham dithered at a corner, and the goalkeeper also tipped over Craig Mackail-Smith's rising drive after a sweeping Peterborough move.

But after Chris Baird's far-post cross was nodded home with ease from point-blank range by Kamara, Fulham never looked back.

Damien Duff's cross was cleared to Etuhu, who blasted home via a deflection to double the lead and although Peterborough continued to attack gamely, Danny Murphy's through-ball beat their offside trap and Kamara raced clear before slotting the ball into the far corner.

Duff was again the creator for Fulham's fourth when his inch-perfect cross was met by Gera.

Two minutes later, Tomlin netted a fine consolation, the winger racing in from the right-hand side and arrowing a low finish into the far corner.

But Kamara struck again when he sidefooted in Greening's cutback to complete his hat-trick and heap more misery on the visitors.

Substitute Rafik Halliche conceded a penalty for tripping Mackail-Smith and Posh captain McCann sent Stockdale the wrong way in the 86th minute for Peterborough's second but Greening made it 6-2 when he tapped in easily.


Live text and stats


Saturday, 8 January 2011

The FA Cup

Home Team Score Away Team Time
Fulham 6-2 Peterborough FT
(HT 2-0)
Kamara 32
Etuhu 45+1
Kamara 59
Gera 66
Kamara 76
Greening 89
  Tomlin 71
McCann (pen) 86
 
Hide team line-ups and match stats
Fulham
12 Stockdale
04 Pantsil
05 Hangeland yellow card (Halliche 78)
06 Baird
18 Hughes
13 Murphy
16 Duff
20 Etuhu
23 Dempsey (Greening 61)
29 Davies (Gera 46)
15 Kamara
Substitutes
38 Etheridge, 03 Salcido, 32 Halliche, 11 Gera, 17 Riise, 27 Greening, 21 JohnsonPeterborough
01 Lewis
02 Little
04 Langmead
05 Zakuani yellow card11 McCann
14 Rowe
18 Whelpdale (Mendez-Laing 46)
21 Davies (Obika 55)
26 Clayton (Agard 70)
12 Mackail-Smith
24 Tomlin
Substitutes
23 Collis, 16 Bennett, 22 Ofori-Twumasi, 07 Wesolowski, 19 Mendez-Laing, 09 Agard, 25 ObikaRef: Lee Mason
Att: 15,936
FULHAMPETERBOROUGHPossession
Fulham 57%Peterborough 43%Attempts on target
Fulham 11Peterborough 4Attempts off target
Fulham 11Peterborough 4Corners
Fulham 5Peterborough 8Fouls
Fulham 10Peterborough 10

[White Noise]

http://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/6641441/Lallana-pens-new-Saints-deal


Lallana pens new Saints deal

Saturday 8th January 2011 12:29



Lallana: New deal

Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana has signed a new four-and-a-half year contract with the League One high-fliers.

The 22-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in the summer and he has been linked with moves to Newcastle, Fulham and Wolves.

But Lallana, who has scored eight goals this season, has now committed his future to the League One promotion chasers.

"We've got a long-term vision at this football club and we want Adam to play a part in it," manager Nigel Adkins told the club's official website.

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[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3344930,00.html


Fulham hit Posh for six


Last updated: 8th January 2011
   


Kamara fires home

Diomansy Kamara netted a hat-trick to inspire Fulham to a 6-2 win over Peterborough in their FA Cup third round clash.

Mark Hughes' side proved too strong for their League One opponents with Dickson Etuhu and substitutes Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening also finding the net for the home side with Lee Tomlin and a Grant McCann penalty giving the visitors some consolation.

Missing playmaker George Boyd through injury, they nevertheless had their moments and even made much the better start.

David Stockdale was forced into a smart stop from Arron Davies as Fulham dithered at a corner and the goalkeeper also tipped over Craig Mackail-Smith's rising drive after a sweeping Peterborough move.

Fulham soon woke up and Simon Davies should have put them ahead against the club where he started his career when he slashed horribly at Damien Duff's low cross.

The midfielder almost made amends moments later with a sweet 20-yard volley that whistled past the post before Kamara went close from similar range and flicked a difficult header wide.

Both sides' top scorers - Mackail-Smith and Clint Dempsey - were off target before Davies curled narrowly over after some clever sleight of foot.

Tomlin blasted narrowly over from 20 yards after a lightning break from the increasingly under pressure visitors.

Breakthrough
And they finally buckled in the 32nd minute when Chris Baird's far-post cross was nodded home with ease from point-blank range by Kamara.

Unbowed, the lively Mackail-Smith sent a dangerous ball across the Fulham box before Tomlin drew a foul from Brede Hangeland that saw the latter booked.

Duff saw a low drive deflected wide before missing a great chance to make it 2-0 after racing clear and clipping just past the post.

But the winger was the creator of the second on the stroke of half-time, his cross cleared to Etuhu, who blasted home via a deflection.

Both sides made a change during the break, Fulham withdrawing Davies for Gera and Peterborough Chris Welpdale for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Posh repeated their flying start to the first half, with Mackail-Smith sending an angled drive wide and John Pantsil forced to clear acrobatically after Stockdale made a hash of a corner.

Again, Fulham got going and Gera stung the palms of England Under-21 goalkeeper Joe Lewis, Duff saw his close-range finish hit the post and screw across goal, and Kamara's attempted backheel was smothered.

Posh responded to the onslaught by handing a debut to on-loan Tottenham youngster Jonathan Obika in place of Davies in the 55th minute but they were dead and buried four minutes later.

Danny Murphy's sliderule pass broke a non-existent offside trap and Kamara raced clear before slotting the ball into the far corner.

That was the cue for Greening to replace Dempsey, but there was no respite for the visitors.

Murphy almost but Duff clean through before the latter produced an inch-perfect cross for Gera to head across Lewis and into the net for Fulham's fourth.

Everton's Kieran Agard came on for Adam Clayton in Posh's final change 20 minutes from time.

Two minutes later, Tomlin netted a consolation with arguably the goal of the game, the winger racing in from the right-hand side and arrowing a low finish into the far corner.


Hat-trick
But there was more misery to come for Posh and more joy for Kamara when the striker sidefooted home Greening's cutback from the left to complete his hat-trick.

Hangeland was withdrawn for Rafik Halliche, who conceded a penalty for tripping Mackail-Smith moments after Stockdale had saved from Obika.

Posh captain McCann sent Stockdale the wrong way in the 86th minute but Greening made it 6-2 when he sidefooted home a minute from time and Gera also volleyed wide in stoppage-time.



Fulham
Team Statistics
Peterborough United

6 Goals
2

2 1st Half Goals
0

8 Shots on Target
4

11 Shots off Target
4

9 Blocked Shots
2

5 Corners
8

11 Fouls
10

6 Offsides
4

1 Yellow Cards
0

0 Red Cards
0

58.2 Possession
41.8

[White Noise]

Fulham 6-2 Peterborough: Sunday Mirror match report


Published 22:00 08/01/11


By Colin Malam


Diomansy Kamara sent a timely reminder to Fulham boss Mark Hughes by hitting a classy hat-trick as the Cottagers routed Peterborough.

Senegal striker Kamara, playing only because Andy Johnson and Moussa Dembele were injured, threw down the gauntlet to manager Hughes, a four-time FA Cup winner as a player, to dare ignore him now after a sparkling display.

Hughes praised Kamara and dismissed rumours he would be released.

"I'm not likely to let any of my strikers go when I'm short of them," said a manager confident a third win in four games means Fulham are on the up.

"It's important to have the right mind-set when you go in against lower league opposition," added Hughes. "We approached it the right way."

Peterborough deserve credit for making a real match of it despite the scoreline.

"We're all disappointed but we kept going," said manager Gary Johnson.

"We gave a Premier League side a problem but their clinical finishing, power and pace made the difference."

Posh looked in the mood for an upset and only an acrobatic tip-over by David Stockdale stopped the prolific Craig ­Mackail-Smith giving them an early lead.

But Kamara broke the deadlock after 32 minutes when he headed home a cross by Chris Baird.

It was 2-0 just before half-time when Peterborough could only half-clear Damien Duff's effort and Dickson Etuhu hammered home the loose ball.

Kamara claimed his second after 59 minutes when Danny Murphy sent him clear to beat Joe Lewis. Substitutes Zoltan Gera and Jonathan Greening combined for Fulham's fourth, Hungarian Gera tucking away his team-mate's cross.

Peterborough did not let their heads drop and Lee Tomlin rewarded the 5,000 travelling fans by bamboozling Baird and putting his side on the scoresheet.

Five minutes later Kamara side-footed home Greening's cut-back to complete his hat-trick.

Posh skipper Grant McCann struck a penalty after Rafik Halliche brought down Mackail-Smith, but there was still time for Greening to break through and slide home Fulham's sixth.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Fulham-6-2-Peterborough-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Diomansy-Kamara-sends-a-timely-reminder-to-boss-Mark-Hughes-by-hitting-a-classy-hat-trick-article667983.html#ixzz1AUP7TJ10

[White Noise]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3338176/Fulham-6-Peterborough-2.html


Fulham 6 Peterborough 2


Published: Today


DIOMANSY KAMARA'S hat-trick left Mark Hughes claiming Fulham can take the joy of six into the Premier League.

The Cottagers chief insists fielding a full side for this FA Cup third-round romp was the best way to boost confidence for their relegation battle.

Hughes said: "We want to have a good run. I think that's important. We're playing well at the moment and it's important that we have continuity to our performances and selection.

"That was the thinking behind it. We've got plenty of time to recover before the next game as well, so I was pleased."

Cottagers keeper David Stockdale had to thwart Arron Davies Craig Mackail-Smith amid a flying start from Posh.

But Peterborough faced rising pressure from unchanged Fulham - who left new boy Steve Sidwell out of the squad - that became irresistible once Kamara nodded a 32nd minute opener.

Dickson Etuhu's deflected shot on the stroke of half-time, Kamara's drilled effort and Zoltan Gera's header on 66 minutes made it 4-0.

Lee Tomlin replied with a superb low drive but Kamara responded with a tap-in for his treble.

Posh's Grant McCann netted a penalty, only for Fulham substitute Jonathan Greening to slide their sixth in the 89th minute.

Hughes said: "Obviously I'm pleased for individuals as well - Kamara scoring and his performance.

"Jonathan Greening I was pleased for as well. He hadn't had a lot of football but came on and made an impact. So a lot of positives."

Posh chief Gary Johnson said: "We're all a bit disappointed. But we did keep going and I felt in the opposition defending half - in our attacking half - we played some good stuff.

"I thought we gave a Premier League side a problem, scored two goals in front of our fans.

"They were magnificent, so I was pleased that we gave them something to cheer about.

"Four penalty decisions turned down. None of them were penalties but they were all worth a shout!

"It was their clinical finishing and their power and pace when they get into your defending half.

"To be fair to them, the two wide men and the two strikers were fantastic on the day. We're just not at that level yet."

Fulham: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland (Halliche 78), Baird, Davies (Gera 46), Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey (Greening 61), Kamara. Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Salcido, Riise, Eddie Johnson. Booked: Hangeland. Goals: Kamara 32, Etuhu 45, Kamara 59, Gera 66, Kamara 76, Greening 89.

Peterborough: Lewis, Little, Langmead, Zakuani, Rowe, Whelpdale (Mendez-Laing 46), Clayton (Agard 70), McCann, Arron Davies (Obika 55), Tomlin, Mackail-Smith. Subs Not Used: Collis, Wesolowski, Bennett, Nana Ofori-Twumasi. Goals: Tomlin 71, McCann 86 pen.

Att: 15,936

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

[White Noise]

Noring sample training with Fulham


Fulham's interest in Viktor Noring getting stronger and stronger. Trelleborg has now given the green light for goalie talent to the test train with Premier League club.

Published: January 8, 2011 12:47

- We have given him permission to go there and try it out, revealing the TFF's Chairman, Per-Anders Abrahamsson on FotbollDirekt.se.

Viktor Noring has been a hot game for the big clubs a long time and has previously trained samples with Serie A club Palermo.
According to Per-Anders Abrahamsson is now Fulham in front in a long queue of interested foreign clubs.

- They wanted him to test training and we can obviously not refuse. There've been lots of clubs here and looked, but Fulham are the only ones who had direct contact with us about Victor. 

- Then we'll see, nothing happens in the January window, we will sit down and try to get an extension with Viktor.

Viktor Noring contract expires this year, but goalkeeper talent has previously said he wants to extend the TFF if there will be no move abroad in January.
All of the parent club will get good pay at a later stage. Abraham celebrates Noring for his approach.

- I think that Victor is unique, an anomaly in today's football. He has said it will cost if he goes, he leaves us not in the lurch. I do not think I met a guy who is so mature for his age and then I have been around a while.

TFF President has a good chance of staying Noring, unless Fulham put up a larger sum.
The opportunities for playing time is something that is important for the 19-year-old goalie.

- In January, the window to the big clubs fill a hole for damage and the like. And then take it of course happy to established names.
Since I do not know how the Viktor reason, but I know it's important for him with playing time, he wants it to be a big enough step.

In Fulham would Noring have to put up with veteran Mark Schwarzer on a starting place. It was rumored last summer that Schwarzer was leaving for Arsenal. But recently extended the 38-year-old Australian with Fulham in 2012.
 
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