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Mark Hughes delighted to get out of drop zone

last updated Tuesday 28th December 2010, 11:27 PM
Fulham manager Mark Hughes
Fulham manager Mark Hughes
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Fulham boss Mark Hughes was delighted after his side finally won away to move out of the drop zone.

Defender Chris Baird scored with long-distance efforts in the fourth and 10th minutes at the Britannia Stadium as the Cottagers earned a vital three points.

Hughes' side then had to defend doggedly to keep the Potters at bay and secure the win to ease the pressure on their boss.

The Fulham manager told Sky Sports: "I thought we were good value today and I thought everybody stood up and was counted, some huge performances by everybody in the side in fairness.

"Our back four was excellent, stood up to the challenge - you know you're going to have to deal with a lot of balls into your box and if you don't have the belief in what you're doing then it becomes a hard day.

"But we were magnificent at the back, midfield as well, dictated the game when we were allowed to get the ball down and play and we played our stuff and two fantastic goals as well.

"So all in all, a very satisfying performance."

The Fulham boss added goalscorer Baird is one of the best strikers of the ball at the club.

"The first one was an outstanding goal - probably goal of the season, I would suggest," he said.

"The second one, as soon as it left his foot, it was a goal all the way so it's great for him.

"I brought him back in today, he's had to be patient but he's justified his selection."

Hughes was happy to register the club's first away win in the league since the opening day of last season.

"It's something that we've got off our back - it's been a long time since Fulham's had an away win, we've achieved it today and we'll build on this performance, I'm sure."

But Hughes seemed disappointed Stoke counterpart Tony Pulis did not fully shake his hand at the end.

He added: "Tony didn't really shake my hand so I was a little bit upset.

"He's probably getting his own back because I did a similar thing to him last time out.

"I felt a little bit of grief when one of his players made a reckless challenge and so I reacted then, he just reacted to getting beat." .



























































Source SkySports