Sunday Fulham Stuff - 28/04/24...

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Results

Saturday 27/04
West Ham	2-2	Liverpool
Fulham	1-1	Palace
Muniz
Man Utd	1-1	Burnley
Newcastle	5-1	Sheff Utd
Wolves	2-1	Luton
Everton	1-0	Brentford
Villa	2-2	Chelsea

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace

Jeffrey Schlupp's late stunner left goalkeeper Bernd Leno with no chance

Jeffrey Schlupp hit a 25-yard stunner as Crystal Palace salvaged a Premier League point at Fulham.

Adam Wharton's pass found Schlupp outside the box in the closing stages, with the substitute's powerful effort arrowing into the top corner to leave goalkeeper Bernd Leno helpless.

Rodrigo Muniz's thumping header had put Fulham in front shortly after the break.

The Brazilian got on the end of Timothy Castagne's pinpoint cross as he continued his fine form since the end of January.

But Palace, now four matches unbeaten in the league, showed fighting spirit to come back with minutes left to play, after being the better team in the first half.

Michael Olise, starting in place of the injured Eberechi Eze, had a promising chance for Palace early on but shot wide.

It looked like the visitors could end up punished for their profligacy in front of goal when Chris Richards headed an Olise free-kick over the bar, while in-form Jean-Phillipe Mateta volleyed high over the bar from close range.

Fulham's best chances before the break came when Muniz almost caught Dean Henderson out at his near post and Issa Diop headed over from the resulting corner.

Fulham punished late on
Marco Silva's side had a record of eight home wins from eight in the Premier League when scoring the opening goal this season before Schlupp stunned Craven Cottage late on.

The hosts took the lead against the run of play and a draw was a fair result for two sides who are safe in the league for another season.

Andreas Pereira played a ball across the box into the path of Bobby De Cordova-Reid but the forward shot high over the bar as the home side tried to build on Muniz's opener.

Alex Iwobi, who became the fourth Nigerian player to make 250 top-flight appearances, provided a cutback for Harrison Reed who fired over the bar as Fulham missed a chance to double their advantage before Palace's leveller.

Free-scoring Palace continue unbeaten run
Schlupp came on for Jordan Ayew with 14 minutes remaining and scored his second league goal of the season, 175 days after his first, to ensure Palace were rewarded for their performance.

Oliver Glasner's side have been playing great attacking football of late, this their 11th goal in five league games.

Olise and substitute Odsonne Edouard also had low shots saved by Leno as the Eagles continued to apply pressure after the break.

Glasner's side will be in confident mood when they host Manchester United on 6 May (20:00 BST).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68862603

[WhiteJC]

Post-Crystal Palace Press Conference
While disappointed not to take all three points, Marco Silva conceded that a draw was probably a fair result against Crystal Palace.

The visitors dominated the majority of the first half, but Fulham took advantage of going in level when Rodrigo Muniz headed in a lovely early cross from Timothy Castagne after the restart.

We had chances to double that lead, notably when Andreas Pereira picked out Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but in the end an 87th minute thunderbolt from Jeffrey Schlupp earned the Eagles a deserved share of the spoils.

"Of course, we are not happy with the result but at the same time we have to say that it's a fair result, in my opinion," Silva stated.

"Our first half was not at the level that we normally play at home. I know that it's a cliché, but we saw two completely different halves.

"First half, Palace were better, the way they started, they were more aggressive on and off the ball than us. We were not calm enough to build our attacks like we would normally do.

"The moment that Bernd got a small injury was important for us to give some feedback for the players in that moment, and we started to react. I think last 10 minutes of the first half were much better, and the second half was completely different.

"It was a tough game against a side that is in a good moment, but second half we scored a nice goal. The way we won that ball high on the pitch, good combination out wide on the right hand side, and great assist from Timo to Rodri.

"Even so, we tried to keep the same intensity in the game to try to find a way to score the second goal. We had a very good chance with Bobby, scoring that chance should have killed the game.

"Unfortunately we didn't, and a great strike from Schlupp [equalised], but we should have prevented much better that moment to not allow the ball in that area of the pitch.

"Unfortunately, we didn't block that moment and they scored an amazing goal."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/april/27/post-crystal-palace-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Iwobi becomes fourth Nigerian player to make 250 PL appearances after Arsenal, Newcastle, Everton legends
Versatile Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi today became the fourth Nigerian player to make at least 250 appearances in the Premier League.

Iwobi achieved the milestone of 250 games with his inclusion in Fulham's starting lineup for the ongoing game against Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.

He follows in the footsteps of Newcastle United icon Shola Ameobi (298), Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu (273) and former Everton hero Yakubu Aiyegbeni (252) who all played in at least 250 games in the English Premier League.

Iwobi joined Fulham on the final day of the transfer window last summer, having previously worn the colours of Arsenal for fifteen years before departing for Everton in 2019.

A breakdown of his appearances showed that he appeared in 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, 123 for the Toffees and 27 for the Cottagers, amassing a total of twenty-two goals.

In his final season at Goodison Park, he started every single game played by Everton in the Premier League, something previously achieved by his fellow countryman Joseph Yobo during the 2006-2007 season.

Iwobi made his Premier League debut in October 2015, coming off the bench to replace Mesut Özil in stoppage time as Arsenal registered a 3-0 win against Swansea City.

Of the top ten all-time appearance makers in the Premier League, only four have not retired, namely Iwobi, Victor Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.

Igho Kingsley



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=51308

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace: Jeffrey Schlupp scores late stunner to rescue point for Oliver Glasner and cancel out Rodrigo Muniz's opener

    Jeffrey Schlupp's late scorcher cancelled out Rodrigo Muniz's opener
    Crystal Palace were slick in possession and intense out of it but couldn't finish

For a team that can often be found on the beach at this time of year, Crystal Palace aren't half riding the crest of a wave.

Oliver Glasner's arrival has turned what looked doomed to be a season of stasis into something altogether more exciting, and here in a mid-table meeting with little up for grabs Palace looked anything but unmotivated.

Though they had to settle for a draw at Craven Cottage, Jeffrey Schlupp's spectacular equaliser cancelling out Rodrigo Muniz's opener for Fulham, Palace impressed in securing their 10th point from their last four games.

They were slick in possession, intense out of it, and with a little more composure in front of goal might have ran out comfortable winners.

'It was a fully deserved point,' said Glasner. 'We had an excellent start with a lot of pressure and Fulham couldn't get out of their half.


Jeffrey Schlupp scored a 20-yard screamer in the 87th minute to pinch a draw at Fulham


Rodrigo Muniz had resumed his scoring form with a header early in the second half

'At 1-0, the players never gave up and it was an amazing goal from Jeffrey. I'm really pleased with the performance and the willingness and effort not to lose.'

Palace should have taken the lead inside six minutes. The impressive Adam Wharton played in Michael Olise, who had time and space inside the Fulham box but fired wide.

The visitors continued to probe and wanted a penalty when Daniel Munoz tumbled in the area, but in reality the Colombian had forced the contact.

Referee Stuart Attwell — rest assured Luton had no skin in the game here, Mr Marinakis — waved play on.

Jean-Philippe Mateta skewed a half-chance way over and Chris Richards went close at a free-kick as a Palace opener looked ever more inevitable.

It didn't come, though, and Fulham sparked into life in the 52nd minute. Timothy Castagne's pinpoint cross meant Muniz had the simplest of tasks in heading home his ninth goal in 13 games.

MATCH FACTS AND RATINGS
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno 6.5; Castagne 7, Diop 6.5, Bassey 6.5, Robinson 7; Palhinha 7 (Lukic 68, 6), Reed 6.5 (Cairney 85); Decordova-Reid 6 (Willian 68, 6), Pereira 6.5 (Wilson 85), Iwobi 6.5; Muniz 7.5 (Broja 85).

Subs not used: Rodak, Tete, Ream, Traore.

Scorer: Muniz 52.

Booked: None.

Manager: Marco Silva 6.5.

CRYSTAL PALACE (5-2-3): Henderson 6.5; Munoz 6.5, Clyne 6, Andersen 7, Richards 6.5, Mitchell 6.5 (Ahamada 86); WHARTON 8, Hughes 7; Olise 6.5, Mateta 5.5 (Edouard 69, 6), Ayew 6 (Schlupp 76).

Subs not used: Matthews, Ward, Tomkins, Riedewald, Ozoh, Rak-Sakyi.

Scorer: Schlupp 87.

Booked: Andersen, Hughes.

Manager: Oliver Glasner 7.

Referee: Stuart Attwell 6.

Attendance: Not provided. 
That looked to have secured Fulham three points, but Schlupp had other ideas — rifling in an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out into the top-left corner of the net.

'It was a fair result,' insisted Fulham boss Marco Silva. 'Our first half was not at our normal level, but we were a different team in the second.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13357311/Fulham-1-1-Crystal-Palace-Jeffrey-Schlupp-Oliver-Glaser-Rodrigo-Muniz.html

[WhiteJC]

Palace strike late to deny Fulham victory
Jeffrey Schlupp's magnificent late strike earned Crystal Palace a deserved draw at Craven Cottage.

In-form Rodrigo Muniz's second-half header looked to have secured victory for Fulham against a wasteful Palace side before substitute Schlupp picked out the top-left corner of Bernd Leno's net from long range in the 87th minute.

Muniz headed in Thomas Castagne's cross seven minutes into the second half for his ninth goal in 12 games, after Palace had squandered a host of first-half chances.

The visitors dominated the opening period but Michael Olise, Chris Richards and Jean-Phillipe Mateta all missed good opportunities to score.

Fulham were fortunate not to concede a penalty in the opening 10 minutes when Antonee Robinson appeared to shove Daniel Munoz over in the box, but VAR official Michael Sailsbury backed referee Stuart Atwell's on-field decision.

Marco Silva's side were much-improved in the second half and opened the scoring through Muniz's powerful header.

But Palace continued to press for an equaliser with Leno saving well from Odsonne Eduoard before Schlupp latched on to Adam Wharton's pass to finish emphatically.
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Bassey, Diop, Robinson; Reed (Cairney 83), Palhinha (Lucic 68); Pereira (Wilson 83), Decordova-Reid (Willian 68), Iwobi, Muniz (Broja 83).
Subs not used: Rodak, Tete, Traore, Ream.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/palace-strike-late-to-deny-fulham-victory

[WhiteJC]

Fulham player ratings - 'Soldier' 8/10 but 'clumsy' 4 in bitty Crystal Palace draw
Fulham bounced back from recent defeats with a point against an in-form Crystal Palace side on Saturday.

Fulham had to settle for a point in a bitty mid-table meeting with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.

Crystal Palace arrived at the banks of the Thames as the form side and that was plain to see in the opening minutes as a sloppy Fulham back line allowed Michael Olise to burst through and waste a good opportunity by firing wide.

Frustrations grew early around the Cottage as the hosts struggled to put together anything of promise with a start devoid of ambition. Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Wharton both fired long-distance shots over the top of Bernd Leno's goal as Chris Richards probably should have done better when he got his head to an Olise free-kick.

The Fulham goalkeeper needed treatment with 30 minutes on the clock, affording both sides the chance to huddle around their respective bosses - a frustrated Marco Silva raised his eyebrows in frustration as his men came for advice.

The Eagles perhaps began to regret not making the most of Fulham's careless start as Alexi Iwobi dropped deeper and began to drive his side forward in the run-up to half-time - Rodrigo Muniz almost managed to stab home a ball over the top of the Crystal Palace back three.

It was the Brazilian who then broke the deadlock shortly into the second half as Timothy Castagne burst forward and whipped a cross onto the striker's diving head and past the clutches of Dean Henderson.

A much-improved Fulham side still weren't absent of errors as Mateta's physicality and Olise's pace caused problems before Silva turned to the fresh legs of Willian and Sasa Lukic for some added impetus.

It would have been harsh on Crystal Palace to leave west London without a point for their work and substitute Jeffrey Schlupp ensured that wasn't the case by rocketing a shot into the top corner from outside the box with just minutes left to play. Here's how the Fulham players rated.

1. Bernd Leno - 7
Some of his distribution in the first half was poor but a strong showing after the break with some dominant takes from set plays and decent saves.

2. Antonee Robinson - 8
Really had his work cut out today with Olise and Munoz matching him for pace - and not many can. He energised the Fulham rejuvenation with his determination before the break, as he so often does.

3. Calvin Bassey - 4
Made to look clumsy by Olise today, but he's not the first defender in the league to struggle against the forward.

4. Issa Diop - 4
Not comfortable with the ball at his feet with Fulham hearts in mouths often as he clumsily tried to play out from the back. Probably should have closed down quicker for Schlupp's goal.

5. Timothy Castagne - 7
The culprit of many a misplaced pass today. His performance was salvaged by finally getting the ball right in the final 1/3 when placing a peach of a cross on Muniz's diving head.

6. Harrison Reed - 8
Fairly quiet in the first half but a different soldier in the second with his experience showing at the heart of the Fulham midfield.

7. Joao Palhinha - 6
Not at his dominating best today as Fulham struggled for control for much of the first half. Showed his frustration with a couple of lunges.

8. Alex Iwobi - 8
Couldn't get involved early and found himself dropping back to try and inject some drive into the Fulham side, which he did do well.

9. Andreas Pereira - 5
A passenger today - he is capable of so much more.

10. Bobby De Cordova-Reid - 4
A very quiet 70 minutes from the winger, although not all his fault with a lack of supply. Had a golden chance in the second half as Pereira's through ball found its way to him but couldn't even hit the target.

11. Rodrigo Muniz - 7
There when he needed to be to take his goal. Had a half chance to poke home just before half time but those were his sole moments of real threat today.

12. SUB - Harry Wilson - 7
Didn't have long to make an impact but charged forward when he had the chance.

13. SUB - Armando Broja - 6
A quiet cameo from the Chelsea loanee.

14. SUB - Sasa Lukic - 6
Brought on to sure up midfield. Didn't necessarily do a bad job but Palace did find their equaliser.

15. SUB - Tom Cairney - 6
A short showing from the captain.

16. SUB - Willian - 6
Looked to dance around tired Crystal Palace legs but not to much fruition. Perhaps could have come on earlier

17. Tim Ream - N/A
Unused sub.

18. Marek Rodak - N/A
Unused sub.

19. Kenny Tete - N/A
Unused sub.




https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-player-ratings-soldier-810-but-clumsy-4-in-bitty-crystal-palace-draw-4607608

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 'prepare for future' as Man Utd and Newcastle United transfer target absent from squad
Fulham picked up a point against Crystal Palace but were without defender Tosin Adarabioyo in the squad.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva said that Tosin Adarabioyo was available to play against Crystal Palace on Saturday, despite the centre-back not featuring in the Cottagers' starting XI or matchday squad.

The 26-year-old had started his side's last nine top flight outings and is out of contract at Fulham come the end of the season. The defender's potential availability on a free transfer has reportedly piqued the interest of several Premier League clubs.

Last month, The Evening Standard linked Adarabioyo with a move to both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool this summer, while Serie A giants Juventus are also believed to be interested. The centre-back is also said to be a transfer target for Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United.

Asked about whether Fulham supporters had seen the star play for their side for the last time, Silva said: "He can play. We have three games to play. if I decided he would be on the pitch he would be. It will be my decision always.

"I'm looking for the present. I want to win football matches and be as competitive as we can be. At the same time, we have to prepare for the future of the football club."

Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Kenny Tete also have contracts expiring at the end of the campaign. Silva had previously confirmed that talks were underway with those players, along with Adarabioyo.

He said: "Three different things [situations], or two that are different. With Kenny, we have an option in his contract. We keep speaking with his agent, but the option is there any time we want to trigger it.

"That's a different situation than the other two, who are at the end of their contracts. The reality, and what I can say to you now, [is] we are speaking with them and their agents. What we try to do is to have them with us. Our ambition, and what we want, is to have them with us next season again."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-prepare-for-future-as-man-utd-and-newcastle-united-transfer-target-absent-from-squad-4607748

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Silva insists door is not closed on Tosin
Marco Silva insisted Tosin Adarabioyo has not necessarily played his final game for Fulham after the defender was left out of the squad that drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage.

Tosin, who joined from Manchester City in 2020, has been a mainstay of the Fulham side this season, but has refused to sign a new contract and currently looks set to leave at the end of the season on a free transfer.

Whites boss Silva opted to play Calvin Bassey and Issa Diop and preferred Tim Ream to Tosin on the bench, and admitted he has to look ahead to next season.

But Silva said: "He (Tosin) can still play – we have three more games left and if I decide he can play and be on the pitch than he will. It's not the case that he won't play anymore for Fulham.

"I want us to be as competitive as can be, but at the same time I have to look to the future of the football club."

Palace largely dominated the game and were guilty of missing several good chances in the first half before Muniz headed in Thomas Castagne's magnificent cross.

Substitute Jeff Schlupp then found the top-left corner with a stunning first-time strike from distance after being teed up by the outstanding Adam Wharton.

Silva said: "I am not happy with the result but have to say it was a fair result.

"Our first half was not the level we should be and Palace were more aggressive on the ball than us. Off the ball we were not good enough."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-boss-silva-insists-door-is-not-closed-on-tosin

[WhiteJC]

Schlupp's stunner pegs Fulham back
A stunning strike from Jeffrey Schlupp ensured that Crystal Palace took a deserved share of the spoils from an action-packed encounter with Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Eagles' improvement under Oliver Glasner was evidence as the visitors completely dominated the first half an hour of the contest but somehow Fulham survived until half-time with their clean sheet intact. Marco Silva's side were much improved after the break and took the lead through Rodrigo Muniz's tenth goal of the season but, after Bobby De Cordova-Reid had spurned a great chance to double their advantage, the Cottagers were pegged back when substitute Schlupp slammed an unstoppable effort in the top corner from 22 yards out.

Palace would have been seriously aggrieved at leaving SW6 with nothing, especially as they should have been three goals to the good inside twenty minutes. Jean-Philippe and Adam Wharton combined to put Michael Olise in the clear but he skewed his shot wide of Bernd Leno's far post. Daniel Munoz, who had been denied a penalty when he collapsed in the box under a challenge from Antonee Robinson, then supplied a cross from the right that Mateta lifted over the bar before Chris Richards sent a header from Olise's whipped free-kick just over the crossbar.

The home side eventually got their bearings and the recalled Isa Diop gradually got to grips with the imposing Mateta, but Palace still posed a real threat. Wharton whacked a long-range effort high into the Hammersmith End, but Nathaniel Clyne came much closer with his rising drive from 30 yards flying fractionally over. It took Silva's side 42 minutes to register a shot on target. Muniz, who was repelled by a series of robust challenges in his running battle with Joachim Andersen, almost squeezed a shot past Dean Henderson at his near post after latching onto a lofted through ball from Joao Palhinha and Diop sent a free header over from the subsequent corner.

Fulham started the second half as they had finished the first and took the lead seven minutes after the interval. Andreas Pereira drove at the Palace defence and slipped Timothy Castagne into space behind the dozing Tyrick Mitchell. The Belgian measured an excellent cross towards the far post where Muniz's movement had seen slip away from Andersen and Clyne to head home. Pereira then produced a peach of a pass with the outside of his boot to fashion a shooting opportunity for De Cordova-Reid but the Jamaican snatched at his effort and it went wide of goal.

Glasner introduced Odsonne Edouard for Mateta and the former Celtic forward almost made an immediate impact, spinning in the area superbly to side-foot towards goal but Leno made a strong, low save. The game opened up after Schlupp replaced Jordan Ayew and Silva took off Palhinha, with Muniz's magnificent switch of play sending Alex Iwobi sauntering along the right flank. The Nigerian international laid it off for Harrison Reed, whose curler from 20 yards went over the crossbar.

Palace kept probing with their eye-catching passing moves and got their reward three minutes from time. Wharton teed up Schlupp, who took a touch before firing a thunderous drive high into the top left corner of the net to the delight of the travelling fans. Both sides pushed for a winner during seven minutes of added time but none was forthcoming despite a threatening run from Harry Wilson that culminated in his low shot from outside the box being blocked by Richards. In truth, a point was the least a purposeful Palace deserved after their early dominance.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Diop, Bassey; Palhinha (Lukic 68), Reed (Cairney 85); De Cordova-Reid (Willian 68), Iwobi, Pereira (Wilson 85); Muniz (Broja 85). Subs (not used): Rodak, Tete, Ream, Traore.

GOAL: Muniz (52).

CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Clyne, Richards, Andersen; Munoz, Mitchell (Ahamada 86), Wharton, Hughes; J. Ayew (Schlupp 76), Olise; Mateta (Edouard 69). Subs (not used): Matthews, Ward, Tomkins, Riedewald, Rak-Sakyi, Ozoh.

BOOKED: Hughes, Andersen.

GOAL: Schlupp (87).

REFEREE: Stuart Attwell (Nuneaton).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/schlupps-stunner-pegs-fulham-back/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'We struggled to get going'
Marco Silva admitted Fulham struggled to build momentum against Crystal Palace as their London derby at Craven Cottage finished all square this afternoon.

The Fulham head coach conceded that a point apiece was a fair outcome – despite his obvious disappointment at the concession of a stunning equaliser to Eagles substitute Jeffrey Schlupp. Silva told his post-match press conference:

"Of course, we are not happy with the result but at the same time we have to say that it's a fair result, in my opinion. Our first half was not at the level that we normally play at home. I know that it's a cliché, but we saw two completely different halves.

First half, Palace were better, the way they started, they were more aggressive on and off the ball than us. We were not calm enough to build our attacks like we would normally do. The moment that Bernd got a small injury was important for us to give some feedback for the players in that moment, and we started to react. I think last 10 minutes of the first half were much better, and the second half was completely different.

It was a tough game against a side that is in a good moment, but second half we scored a nice goal. The way we won that ball high on the pitch, good combination out wide on the right hand side, and great assist from Timo to Rodri. Even so, we tried to keep the same intensity in the game to try to find a way to score the second goal. We had a very good chance with Bobby, scoring that chance should have killed the game.

Unfortunately we didn't, and [it was] a great strike from Schlupp, but we should have prevented much better that moment to not allow the ball in that area of the pitch. Unfortunately, we didn't block that moment and they scored an amazing goal."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/silva-we-struggled-to-get-going/

[WhiteJC]

Ridgeon, Zepa and Park see off Royals
Goals from Seth Ridgeon, Macauley Zepa and Damon Park fired Fulham's under 18s to a hard-fought win at Reading this afternoon.

England under-16 international Ridgeon gave the visitors a dream start when he punished a defensive mistake to fire Fulham into the lead inside the very first minute. The Royals almost replied in kind after a terrific run down the right from Emmanuel Osho but the full back's shot was gamely gathered by goalkeeper Oscar Varney.

After an even first half that proved short on clear goalscoring opportunities, the influential Ridgeon produced a peach of a pass to provide Tom Olyott with a sight of goal but the winger shot wide of the near post. Ridgeon was enjoying a lot of joy down the Fulham right and crossed for Farhaan Ali-Wahid, whose effort was bravely blocked by a home defender. Ali-Wahid then drilled a shot from distance over the crossbar having collected a lay-off from Jayden Quashie.

Tom Wingate shot wide from the edge of the area with twenty minutes to play – and it looked as if Fulham might pay for a succession of second half misses until substitute Zepa put clear water between the sides. The French winger, only on the field for seven minutes, continued his impressive introduction to under-18s football with a composed finish from Chibby Nwoko's cross.

Fulham had a third four minutes later when another substitute Damon Park powered home the rebound after Brad de Jesus had headed Olyott's free-kick onto the post. Joe Barough hit the post late on as Reading looked for a consolation but Ali Melloul's side kept a commendable clean sheet at the end of another mature performance.

The under 18s complete their league campaign at Leicester City on Wednesday afternoon.

READING UNDER 18s (4-4-2): Rhone; Osho, Irish (Garcia 57), Beacroft, Otis; Sackey, Bowdrey, Jones (Saint-Louis 74), Howard (Nour 79); Evans (George 79), Barough. Subs (not used): Welland.

BOOKED: Irish, Otis.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): Varney; de Jesus, Slade (Schutter 80), Esenga (Park 65), Tabares; Nwoko, Quashie; Olyott, Ridgeon (White 80), Ali Wahid (Zepa 65); Wingate. Subs (not used): Kaiser.

BOOKED: Slade, Ridgeon.

GOALS: Ridgeon (1), Zepa (74), Park (81).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/ridgeon-zepa-and-park-see-off-royals/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham delays full opening of new Riverside Stand
English Championship football club Fulham has today (Friday) announced that fans will be able to use the new Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage from next season, but added that the project will now not be fully completed until the 2023-24 campaign.

Fulham, which is on course for an immediate return to the Premier League, said that the lower tier of the Riverside Stand will be open to fans from the 2022-23 season. However, it stated that the "complex nature" of the project, coupled with implications arising from COVID-19, means that the development of Fulham Pier will continue throughout next season – including the completion of interior fit-outs of spaces throughout the venue.

The club added: "Whilst we are preparing for full occupancy, ahead of the full opening of the Riverside Stand and Fulham Pier in the summer of 2023, the opening of the lower tier represents the first phase of supporters being located in the new stand – a milestone moment in the development of the project.

"During the 2022-23 campaign season tickets will become available in the lower tier on a single season basis, providing the first opportunity for supporters to experience the new stand. The new Riverside Stand will provide some of the very best seats Craven Cottage has ever had to offer, allowing unprecedented views of the matchday action."

Work on the new 8,650-capacity Riverside Stand began in the summer of 2019, following an announcement by the club in May of that year. Fulham appointed Buckingham Group Contracting as the lead contractor for the project in late 2018. It worked with architecture firm Populous on the new stand, which will feature a new river wall and a public riverside walk.

The new two-tiered stand, which had initially been expected to be finished in time for the 2021-22 season as part of a two-year build, will increase the venue's capacity from 25,700 to 29,600, with restaurants overlooking the river, events spaces, a health club complete with roof-top pool, a boutique hotel and a roof terrace also in the original plans.

However, it was reported last month that certain elements of the scheme had been altered with Fulham now planning a private members' club on the top of the stand.

The club is seeking to introduce a new space on the upper floors of the stand instead of an event space. The club had been granted planning permission to build a hotel, bar and lounge on the upper floors of the new stand.

The lounge is set to be switched out in place of a space for members and hospitality ticket holders. The space also includes meeting rooms and a creche.



https://www.pitchcare.com/blogs/news/fulham-delays-full-opening-of-new-riverside-stand

[Jock White]

Fulham delays full opening of new Riverside Stand
English Championship football club Fulham has today (Friday) announced that fans will be able to use the new Riverside Stand at Craven Cottage from next season, but added that the project will now not be fully completed until the 2023-24 campaign.

Fulham, which is on course for an immediate return to the Premier League, said that the lower tier of the Riverside Stand will be open to fans from the 2022-23 season. However, it stated that the "complex nature" of the project, coupled with implications arising from COVID-19, means that the development of Fulham Pier will continue throughout next season – including the completion of interior fit-outs of spaces throughout the venue.

The club added: "Whilst we are preparing for full occupancy, ahead of the full opening of the Riverside Stand and Fulham Pier in the summer of 2023, the opening of the lower tier represents the first phase of supporters being located in the new stand – a milestone moment in the development of the project.

"During the 2022-23 campaign season tickets will become available in the lower tier on a single season basis, providing the first opportunity for supporters to experience the new stand. The new Riverside Stand will provide some of the very best seats Craven Cottage has ever had to offer, allowing unprecedented views of the matchday action."

Work on the new 8,650-capacity Riverside Stand began in the summer of 2019, following an announcement by the club in May of that year. Fulham appointed Buckingham Group Contracting as the lead contractor for the project in late 2018. It worked with architecture firm Populous on the new stand, which will feature a new river wall and a public riverside walk.

The new two-tiered stand, which had initially been expected to be finished in time for the 2021-22 season as part of a two-year build, will increase the venue's capacity from 25,700 to 29,600, with restaurants overlooking the river, events spaces, a health club complete with roof-top pool, a boutique hotel and a roof terrace also in the original plans.

However, it was reported last month that certain elements of the scheme had been altered with Fulham now planning a private members' club on the top of the stand.

The club is seeking to introduce a new space on the upper floors of the stand instead of an event space. The club had been granted planning permission to build a hotel, bar and lounge on the upper floors of the new stand.

The lounge is set to be switched out in place of a space for members and hospitality ticket holders. The space also includes meeting rooms and a creche.



https://www.pitchcare.com/blogs/news/fulham-delays-full-opening-of-new-riverside-stand

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