Sunday Fulham Stuff (16.01.11)

[White Noise]

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2011/01/16/danny-murphy-starts-talks-on-new-fulham-contract-102039-22851994/


Danny Murphy starts talks on new Fulham contract


by Dean Jones, The People


Jan 16 2011




DANNY MURPHY is closing in on a new 12-month deal at FULHAM.

His current contract ends this summer and the midfielder has been frustrated as the club took time to open talks.

Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has finally approached the 33-year-old Fulham captain about an extension. But he will also push on with his coaching badges in view of taking up a backroom job once his playing days are over.

Elsewhere at Fulham, midfielder Zoltan Gera is wanted by Greek side PANATHINAIKOS.

As Hotline revealed on December 19, German club WOLFSBURG are also keen on Gera, 31, who is out of contract in June.

[White Noise]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3111271


Wigan Athletic v Fulham


Match facts

Saturday 15 January 2011 15.00

 
Final score  Wigan Athletic  1 – 1


Wigan Athletic's Percentage Fulham's Percentage
Corners 3 21%  11 79% 
Goal attempts 9 40%  13 60% 
On target 4 44%  5 56% 
Fouls 23 71%  9 29% 
Offside 2 33%  4 67%
 
Wigan Athletic Ali Al Habsi, Steve Gohouri, Antolin Viveros Alcaraz, Gary Caldwell, G, Ronnie Stam (James McArthur, 72), Maynor Figueroa, Hendry Thomas, Ben Watson (Franco di Santo, 87), Charles N'Zogbia, Mohamed Diame, Hugo Rodallega

Fulham David Stockdale, John Paintsil, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Danny Murphy, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Clint Dempsey, Simon Davies (Andrew Johnson, A, 76), Diomansy Kamara (Moussa Dembele, 57)

Referee Taylor, A

Venue DW Stadium

Attendance 18,820

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284081,00.html


Johnson strike earns point

Rodallega lob puts home side ahead in style


Last updated: 15th January 2011   


N'Zogbia: Returned from ban

A late deflected strike from Andrew Johnson was enough to give Fulham a point as they drew 1-1 at Wigan.

Hugo Rodallega got on the end of a lofted long ball to put Wigan ahead, lobbing a stranded David Stockdale to make it 1-0.

Clint Dempsey had a goal disallowed for handball before Johnson, on his return from injury, fired home a deflected strike that looped over Ali Al Habsi.

A scrappy first half broke into life as Ronnie Stam broke down the right, sending in a perfect cross which a full-stretch Rodallega could only crash against the post.

The pick of the first-half chances fell to Fulham. An inch-perfect pass from Dempsey found Damien Duff clean through in acres of space but the Irishman could only fire a tame shot at Al Habsi.

Poor first half
In a scrappy opening to the game, Chris Baird made the first attempt on goal after eight minutes, striking a low shot from outside the area which Al Habsi got down to his left to save comfortably.

Two minutes later, Wigan launched an attack which saw Mohamed Diame cross for Rodallega, but the Colombian sent his effort wide.

Baird tried his luck from even further out on the quarter-hour mark after receiving the ball from his skipper Danny Murphy, but the strike went high and wide.

Duff then drove off-target before Dempsey broke into the Latics box, only to find himself crowded out.

In the 27th minute Rodallega went the closest yet to breaking the deadlock when he headed Stam's cross against the post. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt.

Soon after Stockdale flapped at a high delivery into the box with Rodallega lurking, but the ball was cleared away.

Duff then found himself through one-on-one with Al Habsi, but he could only place his attempt against the legs of the Oman keeper and Simon Davies' follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.

Duff was next to shoot too high and Diame scuffed the ball into Stockdale's arms.

Dempsey unleashed an effort shortly after the restart which went the wrong side of the post, but it was Wigan who started to show more urgency in their play.


Link-up play
Stam lofted one ball over the top which Stockdale claimed before Rodallega could get there.

He then repeated the trick, with Rodallega this time able to make contact and hook the ball towards goal.

Stockdale caught that, but it was only moments later that Rodallega opened the scoring from a similar position, latching on to Al Habsi's long ball and calmly lifting it over the goalkeeper to put Wigan in front.

At the other end, Dempsey had the opportunity to equalise twice in quick succession but was denied firstly by a Diame challenge and then by Al Habsi's save.

Back came the hosts and Rodallega looked set to net a second, getting on the end of N'Zogbia's cross but stretching too much to control his effort.

N'Zogbia and Rodallega were soon combining again, the latter unable to finish at the near post due to the efforts of Stockdale.


Disallowed strike
Fulham boss Mark Hughes brought on Johnson, who soon had a shot blocked by Al Habsi, and the Cottagers then thought they had drawn level as Dempsey rifled in from close range.

Replays showed the American had handled as he controlled the ball and the effort was disallowed.

Dempsey was looking threatening and saw a scissors-kick diverted wide before providing the pass that led to Fulham's leveller.

His pass found Johnson, whose strike took a deflection off Gary Caldwell and Al Habsi's hand was not enough to stop the ball bouncing in.


Wigan Athletic
Team Statistics
Fulham

1 Goals
1

0 1st Half Goals
0

4 Shots on Target
5

4 Shots off Target
8

0 Blocked Shots
1

3 Corners
11

23 Fouls
9

2 Offsides
4

4 Yellow Cards
1

0 Red Cards
0

68.4 Passing Success
76.2

23 Tackles
19

73.9 Tackles Success
78.9

46.9 Possession
53.1

41.2 Territorial Advantage
58.8

[White Noise]

Wigan Photo Special

Saturday 15th January 2011


http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/WiganPhotoSpecial.aspx

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Wigan 1 - 1 Fulham

Fulham got the game underway at the DW Stadium, with Mark Hughes keeping faith with the same starting eleven that put six past Peterborough in the FA Cup last weekend.

Hughes' hand was strengthened with the return of Mousa Dembele and Andrew Johnson from injury. Both players featured on Fulham's bench alongside the Club's most recent signing, Steve Sidwell.

The pace of the game early on was impressive, with both teams showing their attacking intent. Chris Baird fired in the first serious effort on goal, a 30 yard strike from the left flank. Seconds later Rodallega went even closer for the home side, volleying just wide of Stockdale's post from 15 yards.

During the opening exchanges Fulham looked by far the most threatening outfit, with their ability to counter attack at pace married with a competitive spirit that saw Hughes' players win the majority of their fifty-fifty challenges.

Wigan's most potent force was N'Zogbia down the left flank. Returning from suspension the winger's skill and creativity resulted in a number of threatening crosses during the first 15 minutes.

Fulham almost created two opportunities in the space of a minute as the 20 minute mark approached. First Damien Duff found space down the right flank to cut inside Figueroa before delivering a low rasping shot to Al Habsi's near post after 18 minutes. Moments later Dempsey highlighted his skill and inventiveness with a fine turn and dribble that almost set Simon Davies up in the area.

Hughes' defence were taking no prisoners, with Brede Hangeland leading the way with several full-blooded challenges in the first-half. John Pantsil found his name in the book after 25 minutes following an over exuberant tackle.

Before the half hour mark Wigan went within an inch of scoring the opening goal of the game. Again, the chance was created from out wide, this time on the right flank, and a fine delivery was headed against the base of the post by Rodallega. It was a lucky escape for Fulham who weathered a spell of pressure as the game heated up

After 31 minutes Damien Duff beat Wigan's offside trap, latching onto a through ball from Dempsey for a one-on-one with Al Habsi. The keeper reduced the angle and Duff's effort rebounded off the keeper. Fulham had torn through Wigan's defence but failed to capitalise on a fine opportunity.

Fulham were really gaining ground down Wiga 's left flank and two dangerous crosses just lacked a finishing touch in front of goal during the final stages of the first-half. It was end-to-end action at the DW Stadium and Damien Duff looked to test Al Habsi with a 30-yard strike that blazed over the bar five minutes before the break.

During the two minutes of added time Alcaraz joined Pantsil in the book for a late challenge on Dempsey. The match remained level at the break and finely balanced and the score-line did not reflect what was a highly entertaining first 45 minutes.

Mark Hughes and Roberto Martinez retained the same line-ups for the second-half, which failed to ignite in the same vein as the match had commenced. Both sides struggled to find their rhythm or retain possession for sustained periods at the start of the second period.

After an uneventful start to the second-half, Rodallega handed Wigan the lead after 57 minutes. The striker chased a long ball up field and lobbed the ball over Stockdale and into the back of the net. After posing no serious threat to Fulham the home side had taken the advantage.

Mark Hughes made an immediate change, replacing Diomansy Kamara with Mousa Dembele in attack. Fulham attacked straight from the re-start, applying pressure from the flanks and Dembele certainly offered some added guile on the final third.

Just past the hour mark a penalty appeal by Fulham was dismissed by Referee Anthony Taylor after Dempsey appeared to be pushed in the area. The US striker forced Al Habsi into a fine save after 65 minutes when he fired Davies' cross towards goal.

Fulham earned a slice of luck after 68 minutes when Rodallega failed to put the ball in the back of an empty net from close range. It was against the run of play as Fulham were virtually camped in Wigan's half after the home side had taken the lead

As the final ten minutes approached Fulham had a further two penalty appeals turned down. To add salt to the wound, Clint Dempsey fired the ball into the back of the net from close range before his strike was overruled for an alleged handball.

Dempsey attempted the spectacular on 84 minutes, meeting Duff's corner with an overhead kick at the far post. Fulham pressed and pressed and eventually got the goal they deserved through Andrew Johnson. The striker raced clear down the right flank before firing a fierce drive towards goal, Al Habsi managed to get a hand to the ball but the power of the strike sent it into the back of the net.

Johnson celebrated with the Fulham faithful behind the goal before Hughes' men went in search of a winner. A point was the least Fulham deserved on Saturday. After four minutes injury time the game finished 1-1. Fulham arguably deserved all three points after another impressive away performance against Wigan at the DW Stadium and should be brimming with confidence when the team take on Stoke at the Cottage next weekend|.



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/1011/Premiership/WiganAway.aspx#ixzz1B8TDBJZ6

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Hughes Looking Ahead

Saturday 15th January 2011




Speaking after Fulham's one all draw against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Fulham manager Mark Hughes gave his post match reaction.

The encounter saw Andrew Johnson open his goal account for the 2010/11 season, netting a second-half equaliser and also saw the return to action of Mousa Dembele.

"We found ourselves in a situation where we were one down in a game that we controlled," Hughes said.  "We were looking to make a change just prior to them scoring, we obviously had to up our game and ask more questions of Wigan.

"They were one nil to the good, they made it difficult for us and had a lot of people behind the ball. They always had a lot of threats on the break with the likes of N'Zogbia and Rodallega.

"I thought the players showed real courage, a couple of key decisions went against us but they kept going and got their reward.

"I'm really pleased for Andy Johnson, he's come back from a really significant injury, he gets his goal now and that's him off and running.

"We're pleased for him and we welcome back Mousa Dembele, who we've missed this season, he's played less than half of the games we've been involved in. He had a real impact when he was introduced, so things are starting to look better.

"I think a few weeks back we would have struggled to get something out of that game, I think it illustrates the qualities that the Team is showing at the moment.

"You see in general play that we are a good side, we lacked a cutting edge but there are reasons for that. But we look in better shape now and we're really looking forward to the second part of the season, we're looking to take something from every game were involved in."
.

Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/HughesWiganReaction.aspx#ixzz1B8TS3T5h

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Battle Hard

Saturday 15th January 2011




Clint Dempsey was at the heart of Fulham's comeback at the DW Stadium on Saturday and the US international star was pleased to have continued Fulham's positive start to the New Year.

"It was a battle today but that's the way it is!" Dempsey told fulhamfc.com." All you can do is go out there and fight and every game I try and show the Manager that I want to play and I can help the Team.

"I'm glad I was able to contribute in some way today and that was with an assist. There's no black eye [for me] today but I've got a busted lip!

"It was definitely frustrating out there – there was the one that was offside in the first-half that was close and then the one that hit my chest and arm at the same time.

"The Referee didn't blow the whistle so I thought it was a goal but the linesman's flag came up. But I was pleased to get the assist by finding AJ who delivered a great finish. It's frustrating because it seemed like nothing was going our way. To get over that was great and also for AJ to get his first Premier League goal of the season."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DempseyWiganReaction.aspx#ixzz1B8U8a72O

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Welcome Return

Saturday 15th January 2011




Mousa Dembele made a welcome return to Fulham's First Team on Saturday against Wigan and played a telling role in Fulham's comeback at the DW Stadium.

The striker's quality in the final third was evident from the moment he was introduced and the Belgium international clearly enjoyed being back in the thick of the action.

"It was good to be back on the pitch again. It's been two months and it feels good.

"When I play I always try and create some danger – that's what I think about before I go on the field.

"It was nice [to celebrate] with everyone and be happy with the supporters - it's the first time I've done that!

"I'm okay and I just need match fitness now. In a few weeks I'll be 100%."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/January/DembeleWelcomeReturn.aspx#ixzz1B8UOICTS

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http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/293163?cc=5739


Johnson ends drought


Andy Johnson celebrates his goal for Fulham

Andrew Johnson's late deflected strike earned Fulham a point at fellow strugglers Wigan.

The hosts went ahead in the 57th minute through Hugo Rodallega, who neatly guided the ball over David Stockdale.

Substitute Johnson drew things level with four minutes of normal time remaining with a shot that hit Gary Caldwell on its way towards goal, leaving Ali Al Habsi unable to stop it going in.

The result saw Wigan move out of the Barclays Premier League drop zone to 17th but they are only a point clear of the bottom three, while Fulham are one point better off in 15th.

In a scrappy opening to the game, Chris Baird made the first attempt on goal after eight minutes, striking a low shot from outside the area which Al Habsi got down to his left to save comfortably.

Two minutes later, Wigan launched an attack which saw Mohamed Diame cross for Rodallega, but the Colombian sent his effort wide.

Baird tried his luck from even further out on the quarter-hour mark after receiving the ball from his skipper Danny Murphy, but the strike went high and wide.

Damien Duff then drove off-target before Clint Dempsey broke into the Latics box, only to find himself crowded out.

In the 27th minute Rodallega went the closest yet to breaking the deadlock when he headed Ronnie Stam's cross against the post. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt.

Soon after Stockdale flapped at a high delivery into the box with Rodallega lurking, but the ball was cleared away.

Duff then found himself through one-on-one with Al Habsi, but he could only place his attempt against the legs of the Oman stopper and Simon Davies' follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.

Duff was next to shoot too high and Diame scuffed the ball into Stockdale's arms.

Dempsey unleashed an effort shortly after the restart which went the wrong side of the post, but it was Wigan who started to show more urgency in their play.

Stam lofted one ball over the top which Stockdale claimed before Rodallega could get there.

He then repeated the trick, with Rodallega this time able to make contact and hook the ball towards goal.

Stockdale caught that, but it was only moments later that Rodallega opened the scoring from a similar position, latching on to Al Habsi's long ball and calmly lifting it over the goalkeeper to put Wigan in front.

At the other end, Dempsey had the opportunity to equalise twice in quick succession but was denied firstly by a Diame challenge and then by Al Habsi's save.

Back came the hosts and Rodallega looked set to net a second, getting on the end of N'Zogbia's cross but stretching too much to control his effort.

N'Zogbia and Rodallega were soon combining again, the latter unable to finish at the near post due to the efforts of Stockdale.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes brought on Johnson, who soon had a shot blocked by Al Habsi, and the Cottagers then thought they had drawn level as Dempsey rifled in from close-range.

Replays showed the American had handled as he controlled the ball and the effort was disallowed.

Dempsey was looking threatening and saw a scissors-kick diverted wide before providing the pass that led to Fulham's leveller.

His pass found Johnson, whose strike took a deflection off Caldwell and Al Habsi's hand was not enough to stop the ball bouncing in.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes backed Andrew Johnson to keep scoring after the striker's first Premier League goal in almost two years rescued a point for the Cottagers at Wigan.

''That will do him the world of good,'' Hughes said. ''All he has been missing in recent weeks in terms of performances is goals. Now he is off and running, I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season.

''Strikers need goals, that is what settles them down. That is all that has been missing - you see the energy that he gives the team and his willingness to work hard, chasing lost causes. That is going to be important for us.''

Prior to Johnson's leveller, Fulham thought they had equalised when Dempsey finished from close range, but the effort was disallowed for handball. Hughes admitted it was the right call and was pleased his players did not let it get them down.

''It was the correct decision in fairness, but you've seen referees give them in the past, overruling their linesman,'' Hughes said. ''Not on this occasion, and sometimes teams can be disappointed when those decisions seem to go against them, but not my team.

''They stuck at it and I'm delighted that we were able to get something out of it.''

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was frustrated his side could not hold out for the victory.

''The feeling when you concede that late, it leaves you with a bad taste,'' Martinez said. ''In the first half we couldn't be ourselves or as fluent as we want to be for different reasons - the pitch and the referee.

''We had probably the best move in the game with a header from Hugo which hit the post, and we didn't do that enough. But then I was proud with the reaction in the second half. We started to grow into the game, were a little bit braver to get on the ball and take risks and we achieved the hardest thing in football, which is scoring that first goal.

''After that we had a good chance to kill the game off. When we couldn't get on the ball and allowed Fulham to push forward I felt that we defended really well with good intensity, and Ali was magnificent commanding his defence.

''It had to be a deflected shot that beat us really late. Those details probably sum up our afternoon - we didn't get that little bit of luck that you need in games.''

[White Noise]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8257456/Wigan-Athletic-1-Fulham-1-match-report.html


Wigan Athletic 1 Fulham 1: match report

Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Wigan Athletic and Fulham at DW Stadium on Saturday Jan 15 2011.
      

WIGAN 1 - 1 FULHAM Saturday, January 15 15:00
Premier League
DW StadiumRodallega (57) (HT 0-0)
ATT: 18,820 Andrew Johnson (85)


Leveller: Andy Johnson celebrates equalising for Fulham Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Will Swanson at the DW Stadium 4:45PM GMT 15 Jan 2011

Second-half substitute Andy Johnson grabbed a crucial equaliser for Fulham with four minutes remaining after Hugo Rodallega had opened the scoring for Wigan earlier in the half.

Wigan Athletic offered their fans a two-for-£20 deal to drum up interest in the visit of fellow strugglers Fulham. Fearing the prospect of 90 minutes of relegation-fuelled desperation, those canny locals failed to take the bait.

Their judgement was fully vindicated on a murky mid-winter afternoon that set the mood of the match. Those who were there witnessed a Premier League basement encounter which ended with neither side managing to deal a decisive blow.

In truth, decisive blows have not been either side's stock-in-trade this season. Fulham's generally dreadful away record allied to Wigan's recent poor form at home meant a stalemate was always the safest bet.

Although the Cottages sat five places above the Latics come 3 o'clock, only one point separated the two sides. With two points covering the bottom seven places a win, however fashioned, would have helped ease the pressure even if for a short period.

But neither side could muster enough gumption to fashion the crucial breakthrough and both Wigan boss Roberto Martinez and his opposite number Mark Hughes were left to take the solitary point and look ahead to the next game.

Fulham took the field in sepia and brown tones and they neatly summed up this encounter. Aside from two moments of excitement, the half could best be described as dismal.

It took around half an hour for either side to trouble the goal, Rodallega leaping high and sending a header crashing off Stockdale's right-hand post after a storming run and cross from Ronnie Stam.

In the 32nd minute Fulham missed a glorious chance. Damien Duff found himself bearing down on goal with only Al-Habsi to beat. But the Oman international stood tall and diverted the Irishman's shot to safety. Duff should have given his side the lead.

Ten minutes into the second half and Hugo Rodallega scored the crucial opener for Wigan. Al-Habsi sent a high kick that bypassed the Cottagers' defence and the Colombian gave chase. The ball seemed to take an age to drop from the heavens, but when it finally arrived the Latics' top scorer coolly lobbed Stockdale for his 6th of the season.

In the 66th minute Fulham finally responded, Clint Dempsey bringing out an instinctive close-range save from Al-Habsi.

A minute later and Wigan should have doubled their lead. The impressive Charles N'Zogbia burst down the left and sent a perfect cross over to Rodallega who somehow managed to direct his volley towards the far corner flag.

Another powerful N'Zogbia run in the 70th minute allowed Rodallega send a flick onto the post via Stockdale's glove.

With twenty minutes remaining only one team was likely to win this match as Fulham struggled to build up any momentum. But at 1-0 the home crowd became more and more apprehensive as the minutes ticked by to the final whistle.

And in the 78th minute it seemed their worst fears had been realised when Clint Dempsey fired home from close range. However, referee Anthony Taylor ruled it out for offside.

Dempsey again threatened in the 85th minute with a scissors-kick that the broad chest of Caldwell blocked.

With four minutes remaining Fulham were legitimately level. Returning from injury and looking lively, substitute Andy Johnson scored his first goal in seventeen months. His low drive was palmed upwards by Al-Habsi, but he could only watch helplessly as it drifted over his head and into the net.

[White Noise]

Wigan's Roberto Martinez disappointed with Fulham draw

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/wigan_athletic/9363013.stm

[White Noise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9358449.stm


Wigan   1 - 1   Fulham

Injury-plagued Fulham striker Johnson scored his first goal in nearly two years

By Nabil Hassan 



Andrew Johnson came off the bench to rescue a point for Fulham but Wigan still climb out of the bottom three.

Wigan took the lead when Hugo Rodallega lobbed David Stockdale from close range having earlier headed against the post.

Damien Duff went close for Fulham but fired against the legs of Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi when one on one.

Rodallega's hooked shot was later tipped onto the post by Stockdale before Johnson's late deflected shot from 12 yards beat Al Habsi.

The result lifted Wigan out of the bottom three by a single point, but it could have been so much better for Roberto Martinez's side, who came agonisingly close to taking maximum points.

For Fulham the result also lifts a little of the pressure with the Cottagers moving two clear of the drop zone.

While the second half provided excellent entertainment, the first 45 minutes was poor in comparison with inaccurate passing and wayward shooting ruining the game.

Chris Baird had the first effort but his low strike from outside the area was comfortably saved by Al Habsi - who started in place of injured Chris Kirkland.

Rodallega went closer to breaking the deadlock when he headed Ronnie Stam's right-wing cross against the post from six yards. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt and behind for a corner.

Clint Dempsey's intelligent pass then found Duff one on one with Al Habsi, but he could only fire his attempt against the legs of the Oman stopper and Simon Davies's follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.

It was a half of very little quality, but Wigan began the second period with more urgency and they soon started to create chances as a result.

Stam's intelligent lofted pass found Rodallega, who half-volleyed straight at Stockdale, but the Colombian did better a few minutes later as the hosts took the lead.

It was route one football from Wigan with Rodallega latching onto Al Habsi's long clearance after it was misjudged by Aaron Hughes.

The Colombian found himself clean through on Stockdale and calmly lobbed the Fulham keeper from close range to make it 1-0.

Fulham pushed for an equaliser and went close through Dempsey, the American forcing a smart low save from Al Habsi after prodding Davies's shot goalwards.

Moments later Rodallega volleyed wide at full stretch following a fine Wigan break and a decent N'Zogbia cross.

Rodallega continued to cause Fulham problems and saw his hooked shot tipped onto the post by Stockdale as the hosts went close to doubling their lead.

Fulham introduced Johnson and his pace had an immediate impact with the striker beating the Wigan defence to a through ball, only to shoot against the chest of Al Habsi.

Dempsey then put the ball in the net but his effort was rightly disallowed for an earlier handball, and a later claim for a penalty was again correctly turned do
Dempsey's spectacular overhead kick cannoned into the chest of Gary Caldwell as Fulham pressed for the equaliser and moments later they did level matters.

Johnson found space in the Wigan box and his shot deflected off Caldwell and was parried into the net by Al Habsi as the injury-plagued Fulham striker claimed his first goal in nearly two years.

Late on Brede Hangeland headed a corner wide as Fulham went in search of all three points but despite late pressure from the visitors the game ended level.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez:

"The feeling is one of disappointment.

"We couldn't get going in the first half and we were frustrated, but we grew into the game and did the hardest thing in football - and got that first goal.

"The goal for them is a deflection and you need the luck to go with you sometimes. Overall I'm extremely proud of the second-half effort.

"We wanted to take risks, get on the ball but it wasn't easy with the pitch. Fulham's substitutes had a big impact."

Fulham boss Mark Hughes:

"We found ourselves 1-0 down in a game that we controlled.

"They made it difficult for us, packed men behind the ball and were always a threat up front on the break with Rodallega and N'Zogbia. I thought the players showed real courage, kept going and got their reward.

"I'm pleased for Andy Johnson, he's come back from a significant injury and that's him up and running now.

"I never felt that we gave up, we kept going and got our reward and we were well worth a point.

"We are a good side but have lacked a cutting edge but we look in better shape now and we are looking forward to the second half of the season. I feel we have good players coming back and have enough ability in the squad to get into the top 10."

[White Noise]

Fulham's Mark Hughes targets top ten finish after draw

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9363008.stm

[White Noise]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6665065,00.html

Hughes happy with returnees

Boss happy to see returning players shine off bench


Last updated: 15th January 2011
   

Mark Hughes was pleased to see his Fulham side come from behind to grind out a battling 1-1 draw at Wigan.

Fulham fell behind at the DW Stadium just before the hour mark courtesy of some poor defending, but it was the returning Andy Johnson who salvaged a vital point.

The striker came off the bench to score his first goal in 25 league games, ending a barren run in front of goal and earning a draw for his team.

Hughes felt his side showed great spirit to battle back to grab a result, yet it could have been so much more had the linesman not spotted a handball in the build-up to a Clint Dempsey disallowed goal.

"We're a little bit frustrated because I think we did enough to win the game," Hughes told Sky Sports.

"Obviously we gave them a lifeline by giving them a goal through poor defending, just from a long ball, we should have dealt with that but obviously that allowed them to get people behind the ball and play on the counter attack.

"But I thought our guys showed real courage and determination to get something out of the game and kept on asking questions, kept on knocking on the door and got our reward at the end.

"The order of the day is to get something out of every game we play from now until the end of the season and we're doing that at the moment. We're taking points and obviously we've got a big game at home next week.

"We didn't play badly today we just needed a break, possibly if the referee had overruled his assistant on the one incident. I think it was handball but sometimes those go for you."

Johnson on target
One real positive for Hughes was the scoring return of Johnson, the striker finding the target within 10 minutes of being introduced.

The player's return could be key as Fulham look to lift themselves out of a relegation dogfight.

"I'm really pleased that Andy's obviously got off the mark," added Hughes.

"He's been close in the games he's been involved in, he's tried really hard for the side so that will do him a power of good. He'll go on a run now.

"There were a lot of positives in terms of getting people back, with Moussa Dembele obviously, I introduced him and he had a real positive impact on the game when he came on so that's going to give us more options and we're going to be stronger as a consequence."

[White Noise]

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/wigan-1-1-fulham-2/

Wigan 1-1 Fulham

Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 5:40 pm

There's nothing to get the pulse slumping like Wigan away, and the first half was suitably dire.    Chris Baird, revelling in his 'long range specialist' role, had our first two shots, the first a daisy cutter that Ali Al Habsi saved easily, the second flying into the crowd.    Wigan bounced back with a relatively exhilerating break down the right flank, Stam's crossed at full-speed, Rodellega got on the end of it but hit the post with a good header.    Then Fulham should have gone ahead, Dempsey sent Duff clear but Duff hesitated and shot against the 'keeper.     Bah.   He should have scored.

The caginess of the first half continued into the second.  Wigan are prone to implosion but were resolute today, and we were really struggling to find a way through.    Every Fulham player was having a 6.5/10 game, which will do the job at home but which probably isn't enough away.

Then we fell behind, something of a shock.   Al Habsi boomed a goal kick into space and when it came down there was Rodellega racing Hughes towards the area.    Rodellega won, Stockdale came out, went back, then realised he too was out of contention, and Rodellega gently lobbed the ball into the net.

What now?  Moussa Dembele, on for Kamara, started to dart hither and thither, a thorn in Wigan's side from the off.   How we've missed him.   He was joined by Andrew Johnson, who hadn't scored in the league since 2009, and Johnson it was who had the next big chance: the ball in, Johnson six yards out, air shot!   Dempsey was behind him though, and he managed to control the ball and bundle it home.    Unfortunately he'd used his arm in so doing, so the goal was rightly disallowed.   Shame.

On we went.  All Fulham now, Murphy and Etuhu continuing to control the game.  Still few chances though, until Dempsey cut infield and reversed the ball to Johnson, who, despite the angle, drilled the shot goalwards.  It deflected wickedly and Al Habsi could only paw it into the air and over the line.   Johnson threw himself over the hoardings and into the crowd, a sign of how much the whole thing meant to him.   He got a yellow card, of course, but won't mind that.

1-1, which is how it stayed.   We deserved three points really, and when we do start winning these games we'll know that the team really is progressing.   As it is, another point and another decent performance, so yeah, great.

[White Noise]

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/15/2307227/mark-hughes-delighted-with-andy-johnson-as-striker-salvages


Mark Hughes delighted with Andy Johnson as striker salvages a point for Fulham at Wigan

Welshman left frustrated that his side didn't get all three points


By Alex Fisher at the DW Stadium


15 Jan 2011 18:45:00


Fulham manager Mark Hughes was delighted with striker Andy Johnson as the front man netted his first goal in nearly two years to grab a point for the Cottagers against Wigan Athletic.

A neat lob from Hugo Rodallega looked like handing Wigan a priceless three points, but Johnson popped up four minutes from time to ensure his side went back to London with a deserved point.

"The goal will do him [Johnson] the world of good," the Fulham boss told reporters after the game.

"All he's been missing in recent weeks in terms of performance is goals, now he's off and running I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season."

Hughes believed his side deserved more than a point, but was quick to praise his players for their positive menality which got them back into the game.

"We showed real courage and determination to get something out of the game," he added.

"It was difficult because Wigan were one nil to the good and able to get people behind the ball and play on the break. They have players like [Charles] N'Zogbia and [Hugo] Rodallega who can take the fight to the other end of the field for them. So we had to be patient, we played our football and tried to create and thankfully we got the reward."

The former Manchester City boss was also frustrated at the match officials after some decsions went against his side, but once again reiterated how his players ignored that, and battled through to earn a point.

"A couple of decisions went against us, the handball and the goal that was chalked off, it was a correct decision in fairness but you've seen in the past referees overrule their linesman," said Hughes.

"Sometimes teams can be disappointed when those decisions go against them, but not my team they stuck at it, and I'm delighted we were able to get something out it."

[White Noise]

http://wigan.illarterate.co.uk/2011/01/15/wigan-1-1-fulham-again/

Wigan 1-1 Fulham, again

Posted by Dan in Match reports


It may have been a draw, but it certainly wasn't a bore. Much like last season's equivalent clash, neither team could claim to be at their best, but this bottom-of-the-table clash produced a relatively open game, at least in the second half.

Though tentative early on, things began to pick up around 20 minutes in as both Latics and Fulham ground out one decent chance each. For a long time, play plodded along at a low-key pace as both sides took their time feeling their way into the game. Things would spark into life, though, as Hugo Rodallega headed against the post and Damien Duff, one-on-one with Al Habsi, only succeeded in firing the ball against the Omani's legs. I do Ali a disservice, actually, as he closed his man down well – in fact he did pretty much everything asked of him all afternoon and was something of an unsung hero, taking crosses with ease and very rarely spilling the ball.

It was in the second stanza, when Latics went 4-4-2(!), that the quality began to seep through. I'd go so far to say it was entertaining, certainly more so than the first, an open affair which could have seen either side steal the spoils.

For a long time, it looked as though Latics would win out. Another Wigan long ball from the back(!!) bounced quite nicely for Rodallega, who expertly chipped Stockdale from ten yards. It was true route one football, and for once it had actually worked for Martinez' side. I'm not sure if he stuck to this tactic for the remainder of the game as at times Charles N'Zogbia seemed to be returning to the left wing role he struggled with in first 45.

For the most part, however, Charlie Boy prospered at the head of Latics' attack line, effecting some fantastic breakaway chances that oh so nearly led to goals. Hugo could easily have had four, though a bumper home contingent would have to make do with just the one big cheer. That's a lie, actually, as things got quite vociferous as Fulham had a goal disallowed, much to the chagrin of their travelling contingent. To be fair, it looked a handball from where I was sitting, and that was right at the back of the East Stand some ten miles away.

Andrew Johnson grabbed Fulham's late equaliser
Clint Dempsey's ruled-out strike was indicative of a Fulham wave of pressure which saw the visitors lay siege to the Wigan goal in the final ten. As Rodallega and co. scrambled to cover in defence, N'Zogbia was left on his own up front, neutralised by Pantsil and Hangeland. Heh, sounds like a northern music hall act.

Anyway, we were now camped squarely in our own half and eventually the pressure was bound to tell. Fulham supersub Andrew Johnson, who caused Latics problems from the moment he set foot on the field only ten minutes previous, managed to squeeze his strike over the keeper via the leg of a defender with just four minutes of regular time to play.

There was still time for either side to snatch the victory, but it was the visitors who looked more likely. Wigan were not helped by referee Taylor, who visibly began to infuriate them by producing some non-existent fouls against Di Santo and N'Zogbia from the deepest depths of his backside. In truth, he'd been doing this all game, but Latics' situation made his actions all the more prominent. The upshot of it all was that Rodallega and Di Santo talked their way into the referee's book alongside Figueroa, Alcaraz, Panstil and Hangeland. "Join the club," they might have quipped.

Full time came at just the right point for Wigan, who were now under some serious pressure. Thankfully, no more chances were to follow, so the game finished with the visitors on top and Latics relieved to have survived for a point. It was a fair result, with neither side outclassing the other and each having their own equally decent spells of attacking pressure that could well have led to goals.

Stuck in the bottom three before kickoff, Wigan would have benefited more from the three points, and it was a bit of a pity we couldn't hold on for them. But a single point at least lifts us out of the bottom three with favourable results elsewhere, and in this relegation catfight (a bit like a dogfight, only slightly more girly and whiny), who knows what might happen between now and May 2011. With the return of McCarthy and Moses imminent, things may start to look up sooner rather than later.

[White Noise]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3353743/Wigan-1-Fulham-1.html


Wigan 1 Fulham 1

Published: Today

ANDY JOHNSON'S first goal for 17 months helped Fulham grab a vital point at the DW Stadium.

The Cottagers trailed to Hugo Rodallega's route-one effort on 57 minutes.

But former England striker Johnson popped up with five minutes remaining to deny Wigan a morale-boosting victory.

And Fulham boss Mark Hughes backed Johnson to get back on the goal trail after finally overcoming a series of niggling injuries.

Sparky said: "That will do him the world of good. All he has been missing in recent weeks in terms of performances is goals.

"Now he is off and running, I'm confident that he will kick on and score goals for us from now until the end of the season.

"Strikers need goals, that is what settles them down. That is all that has been missing.

"You see the energy that he gives the team and his willingness to work hard, chasing lost causes. That is going to be important for us."

Fulham's Chris Baird had a couple of early sighters which failed to trouble Ali Al Habsi in the Wigan goal.

Rodallega sent an effort wide, while Damien Duff produced a similar result at the other end.

Home striker Rodallega went close to breaking the deadlock on 27 minutes when he headed Ronnie Stam's cross against the post. The rebound fell to Charles N'Zogbia, whose shot cannoned off a Fulham shirt.

Duff found himself through one-on-one with Al Habsi but the keeper saved with his legs and Simon Davies' follow-up cleared the crossbar by some distance.

Fulham winger Duff had another shot that went too high, while Wigan hitman Mohamed Diame scuffed a shot straight into Robbie Stockdale's arms.

Clint Dempsey unleashed an effort shortly after the restart which went the wrong side of the post but it was Wigan who started to show more urgency in their play.

Stam crossed for Rodallega but his hooked effort was saved by Stockdale. But on 57 minutes Rodallega opened the scoring from a similar position, latching on to Al Habsi's long ball and calmly lifting it over the keeper to put Wigan in front.

At the other end, Dempsey had the opportunity to equalise twice in quick succession but was denied firstly by a Diame challenge and then by Al Habsi's save.

Back came the hosts and Rodallega looked set to net a second, getting on the end of N'Zogbia's cross but stretching too much to control his effort.

N'Zogbia and Rodallega were soon combining again, the latter unable to finish at the near post due to the efforts of Stockdale.

Fulham chief Mark Hughes brought on Johnson, who soon had a shot blocked by Al Habsi, and Fulham then thought they had drawn level as Dempsey rifled in from close range.

Replays showed the American had handled as he controlled the ball and the effort was disallowed.

Dempsey was looking threatening and saw a scissor-kick diverted wide before providing the pass that led to Fulham's leveller.

His ball found Johnson, whose strike took a deflection off Gary Caldwell and Al Habsi could not prevent the ball from bouncing in.

Roberto Martinez bemoaned his side's luck that a deflection robbed them of victory.

He said: "The feeling when you concede that late, it leaves you with a bad taste.

"It had to be a deflected shot that beat us really late!"

Wigan: Al Habsi, Stam (McArthur 72), Gary Caldwell, Alcaraz, Gohouri, Watson (Di Santo 87), N'Zogbia, Thomas, Diame, Figueroa, Rodallega. Subs not used: Pollitt, Steven Caldwell, Gomez, Boyce, McManaman. Booked: Alcaraz, Figueroa, Rodallega, Di Santo. Goals: Rodallega 57.

Fulham: Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Baird, Hughes, Davies (Andrew Johnson 76), Etuhu, Murphy, Duff, Dempsey, Kamara (Dembele 59). Subs not used: Etheridge, Salcido, Sidwell, Gera, Greening. Booked: Pantsil, Hangeland. Goals: Andrew Johnson 86.

Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).

[White Noise]

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/football-hotline/2011/01/16/owen-coyle-wants-shaun-wright-phillips-at-bolton-102039-22851996/

Owen Coyle wants Shaun Wright-Phillips at Bolton

by Alan Nixon, The People


Jan 16 2011



Bolton boss Owen Coyle wants to rescue forgotten star Shaun Wright-Phillips from his Manchester City nightmare.

The England international is one of a number of fringe players being moved on in an Eastlands clear-out.

Coyle has made his interest known and hopes to agree a loan deal before the transfer window shuts.

Wright-Phillips, 29, has told pals he likes Bolton's style of football and Coyle reacted to the tip by contacting City.

The mega-rich outfit want his wages paid in full but could ­compromise because the player seems more ­interested in Bolton than main ­rival ­bidders Fulham.

Cottagers boss Mark Hughes wants to land Wright-Phillips, a player he took back to ­Eastlands, but he is struggling to raise the cash to cover his ­massive wages.

Coyle will step in if the deal is right and would also find a way of getting Wright-Phillips into his side that has been so successful this season.

The ambitious Bolton boss is keen to build on their current position.

Meanwhile, Coyle is hoping to agree a fee with Benfica for Spanish ­youngster Rodrigo Moreno, and his money men have put a proposal to the Portuguese giants.

Bolton want to settle a fee for the 19-year-old before the transfer window shuts, but they face the extra difficulty that his old club Real Madrid have a buy-back clause in the deal with Benfica.It means they could reclaim him for £10million any time in the next 18 months.

The Eastlands reshuffle means Wigan boss Roberto Martinez may get his wish to sign classy Belgian Dedryck Boyata on loan.

Martinez wants him to steady a shaky Latics defence, but the move will depend on him 'losing' one of his ­temporary signings – Bolton keeper Ali Al Habsi or Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.

Boyata will be allowed to leave by City boss Roberto Mancini, who is keen to give him first-team experience for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old has made a handful of appearances for City but his confidence was rocked after his red card in the 3-0 home humbling by Arsenal, and Mancini wants to see him progress away from Eastlands.

Belgian side Standard Liege have also asked about Boyata, but City would prefer him to stay in England.

Martinez is ­trying to buy Al Habsi, 29, from Bolton, but the move is ­being complicated ­because the teams clash in the FA Cup at the end of the month.

The Wigan chief is also worried that Manchester United will recall Cleverley, 21, which would be a blow to him but cushioned by the fact that it would free up a loan berth for Boyata.

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/15/wigan-athletic-fulham-premier-league?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29


Andy Johnson rediscovers his scoring touch to deny Wigan victory



Comments (4) Observer report

Richard Jolly at the DW Stadium guardian.co.uk, Saturday 15 January 2011 17.44 GMT Article history
The Wigan goalscorer, Hugo Rodallega, right, launches himself at the Fulham defence. Photograph: Craig Brough/Action Images

The wait has encompassed 26 league games in 22 months pockmarked by a litany of injuries, but finally it is over: Andy Johnson has scored. The Fulham forward's first top-flight goal since March 2009 was a scruffy strike, but, under the circumstances, one that only those with an allegiance to Wigan could begrudge him. It was some consolation for the frustration of the past two years.

The decisive deflection off Antolín Alcaraz and the despairing flail of an outstretched arm by Ali al-Habsi meant it was an unlucky goal for Wigan to concede. For Johnson, it meant he has not got a monopoly on misfortune. A knee injury was followed by collarbone, groin and hamstring problems. Sidelined more often than he started, the ex-England forward had become an afterthought.

His introduction today proved a fine piece of thinking by Mark Hughes. Brought on with a quarter of an hour remaining, he had an immediate impact: Al-Habsi blocked an attempted lob straight away. Within 10 minutes, after Clint Dempsey's pass and aided by two telling touches from the Wigan rearguard, he had equalised. "That will do him the world of good," said Hughes. "All he's been missing was goals and now he can kick on. Strikers thrive on goals; it's a cliché, but it's true. You see the energy he gives the team."

Indeed, with his constant movement, Johnson provided a spark. While Fulham had only posed an intermittent threat before Hugo Rodallega opened the scoring, they rallied impressively. Dempsey, an increasing influence, had a goal disallowed for a handball before Johnson ensured the Premier League's draw specialists had a share of the spoils for the 11th time this season. "It feels like a loss," said Wigan manager Roberto Martínez. "Conceding so late leaves a bad taste in the mouth."

Yet the sight of first Moussa Dembélé and then Johnson entering proceedings illustrated Fulham have striking reserves that Martínez does not possess. Now Mauro Boselli, the underachieving club-record buy, has been loaned to Genoa, his attacking options are still more limited. It was no coincidence that Wigan's attempts on goal were a one-man effort: Rodallega's six chances proof of the Colombian's persistence. He twice struck the post, with a header from Ronnie Stam's inviting cross and a poked shot after an incisive burst from Charles N'Zogbia, either side of a wonderfully taken goal.

It was counter-attacking football merged with the long-ball game. Al-Habsi's punt forwards caught Fulham unawares. Rodallega accelerated on to it, gaining the advantage in his private duel with David Stockdale by executing a deft lob that left the Fulham keeper stranded. "I'm disappointed in the manner of the goal we conceded," added Hughes. "That's unlike us." It is equally unusual to see Johnson celebrating, but it was a far more welcome sight for Fulham.

THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT

DAVE WHALLEY, Observer reader

On the balance of play, we were fortunate to get a draw. Both teams were slightly above woeful in the first half, but the tempo picked up in the second. But we didn't kick on after we scored and allowed Fulham back in the game. With five minutes to go, we should have killed time, but we lost the ball and they went up the other end and scored. Al-Habsi pulled off a great save in the first half and was unlucky with the goal, but otherwise I'd struggle to say any of our players was outstanding. It could be the point that keeps us up, in which case it'll be a great point, but we have to beat the teams around us, especially at home.

The fan's player ratings Al Habsi 8; Gohouri 6, G Caldwell 6, Alcaraz 7, Figueroa 6; Watson 6 (Di Santo 86 6), Thomas 7, Diamé 5; Stam 5 (McArthur 73 6), Rodallega 7, N'Zogbia 7


VICTORIA CONNOLLY, Observer reader

We deserved more than a point from this game. The second half was almost all in their half and most of their chances were on the counter. It was fantastic Andy Johnson scored, but we had a couple of penalty shouts turned down and a goal disallowed for handball, which takes the shine off the point a bit. It was a good match and Etuhu had another stonking game: the play always seemed to go through him and he made some great tackles. He even had a chance to score. But the whole team's performance was really good - we haven't been great on the road this season, so a draw's not too bad.

The fan's player ratings Stockdale 5; Pantsil 7, Hughes 8, Hangeland 8, Baird 8; Duff 7, Murphy 7, Etuhu 9, Davies 6 (A Johnson 76 8); Dempsey 9; Kamara 7 (Dembélé 58 7)