COLUMNIST KEN BUCKLEY

From My Seat: Fulham (A)

By Ken Buckley   ::  23/10/2011 Down to the Cottage on the back of a dismal run, albeit defeats by top teams, but to a ground that have only seen two victories for the Blues since 1966 and it is a tall order even when we are in form and firing.

The away end packed as per usual and amid the songs of support for manager and players many were lauding the manager for his team selection which saw starts for both Drenthe and Vellios.

The game was to unfold as a contest between two teams that have problems. Fulham are finding it difficult to manage their European adventure with a small squad and Everton low on confidence from both off-field and on-field problems. The game without ever hitting the heights turned into and entertaining game with a late cherry on the top for the travelling faithful.

The game started with the Blues well on top and looking to exploit any European hangover from the hosts. A breakthrough came more quickly than anyone expected when a build up down our right saw Hibbert, Drenthe, Fellaini and Rodwell involved, just as it looked as though the move had broken down, Rodwell squirted the ball in the direction of Blue shirts and the lively Drenthe was on it in a flash and hit a screaming curler from the edge of the box and into the bottom corner of the net. The celebration from both player and fans was spectacular. One up within 3 mins was a tonic for all of a Blue persuasion.

The Blues buoyed by the start continued to press and Drenthe fired up by his strike had two more long range blasts but without any reward.

Slowly but surely Fulham got back into the game and around the 20-min mark they had their first shot in anger when Riise fired with venom but over the bar. Then a real let off when Chester lad Danny Murphy let fly, hit a post, hit Howard flew across goal and out for a corner. Howard was alert to stop a header from the gigantic centre back. Fulham now were on top and we were dropping deeper as half-time approached.

It was familiar stuff with Jags punting to no one and where our mid-field had been confident early doors they were now hesitant and unable to have the confidence to get a foot on the ball and build but rather treat it as a hot potato so the H/T whistle was welcome.

The half-time chat was that a change was needed. Vellios had been given a start and he had toiled hard and tried to hold it up until the cavalry could catch up but the 19yr old was finding it difficult.

No changes at the start of the half but with just 5mins gone Saha replaced the Greek who was given a good send off and I have no doubt the experience will have done him good. We were not as adventurous now and a turgid mid-field battle ensued with neither side looking like fashioning anything.

Just after the hour mark Fulham hooked Murphy and sent on Ruiz. Within minutes it proved to be an inspired change when Dempsey found Ruiz just inside the box left-hand side. He then produced the most delightful of chip shots and with Howard only a yard or so off his line the ball evaded his jump and dipped just under the bar, a truly superb strike. We tried to respond and our attacking momentum improved and a few shots were tried but many being half blocked by desperate defenders.

On 75mins Osman and Neville were replaced with Cahill and Coleman, the Irishman immediately showed his pace and had a couple of good raids which came to nought. Fulham upped it as well and the game became more open and end to end and in this period the Blues had two penalty shouts that to the observer looked nailed on but to the man that matters,nothing. Both were committed by Hangeland the second of which he dragged Cahill down for an offence that could be labelled a 'Carragher'.

We were on for a draw as the 89th min arrived but from a Fulham attack the ball fell kindly for Zamora who controlled it well and just walked it around the charging Howard and with the goal gaping and Blue hoards with sinking feelings he contrived to hit the ball wildly over the bar. What a miss, what a reprieve ? hell, he could just have rolled it in.

Would you believe it, with the board just up showing time added on we went down the left, Drenthe fed Saha in the box who showed good strength and burst past Hangeland and slid the ball beyond the keeper and into the net. The travelling faithful lifted the roof and were in full celebration when we came down the right and put in a cross which was headed out to edge of the box where it found Rodwell who smartly smashed it back and into the net and the celebrations rolled into one and a wall of noise could be heard for miles.

Final whistle, all celebrated and the players were that beside themselves some became disorientated in finding the players tunnel as on this ground it is on the opposite side to the dug-outs. The fans were singing the Moyes song and he gave us a clap and a wave.

MotM ? Drenthe; he brought pace, work-rate and a willingness to shoot. Hibbert was well worth a mention too.

Overall a welcome three points that were sorely needed in our present fixture run and a big thank you to Mr Zamora. The fans seemed happy with the team selection and the substitutions.

A busy week coming up with games against top opposition. The line up for Wednesday night will be more than interesting considering we welcome the severely wounded Man Utd on Saturday...

Still this is what we follow the team for, games against the best and the hope we can turn them over. Here's hoping to see you Wednesday and Saturday.

UP THE BLUES

Reader Comments (10)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

About these ads