|
|
Mark Irwin at The Sun |
Fulham (0) 2 Reading (1) 4
SQUEAKY bum time. That's what Alex Ferguson calls this time of the year.
But the only smell wafting around Craven Cottage was the stench of another rotten performance from Fulham.
Martin Jol's team played as though they did not have a care in the world and were taken to the cleaners by relegated Reading.
But if they do not get their act together quickly, they could join the Royals in the Championship next season.
Jol clearly thought his team had nothing to worry about after months of mid-table obscurity.
But, after one point from their last six games, Fulham are anxiously looking over their shoulder at the worst time of the season.
Revitalised Wigan are now just five points behind with a game in hand - and Fulham's season finishes with tough games against Liverpool then Swansea.
Boss Jol said: "I was ashamed for the fans at half-time. We've given ourselves a hill to climb.
"We got to 40 points early and it was supposed to be enough, so it's not been easy for the players to motivate themselves.
"But Wigan, Villa and Sunderland picked up points and spirit and now we need one more win."
Fulham were booed off at the final whistle after Reading cruised to a first win in 11 games.
Two goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and strikes by Adam Le Fondre and Jem Karacan secured a first victory for Nigel Adkins.
The Royals boss said: "The attitude and application have been first class and we've made a steady progression in the short time I've been here," "To score four away in the Premier League is no mean feat.
"Most of this squad helped Reading win the Championship last season and that experience will stand us in good stead."
Reading, playing only for pride, were in control from the 12th minute when Robson-Kanu scored a penalty after being fouled by John Arne Riise.
And the Welshman doubled the lead on 62 minutes, rifling a shot into the top corner.
It finally sparked a response from Fulham as Bryan Ruiz's cool finish cut the deficit.
But any ideas of a fightback were dashed when Le Fondre rounded Mark Schwarzer to score with 15 minutes remaining.
Sub Le Fondre now has seven goals this term after coming off the bench - a Premier League record.
Ruiz hauled Fulham into contention again with a late header but Karacan had the final say with his precise low shot.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Senderos, Hangeland, Riise (Richardson 56),Duff (Kacaniklic 71), Karagounis (Rodallega 28),Enoh, Emanuelson, Ruiz, Berbatov
Subs Not Used: Etheridge, Frimpong, Hughes, Manolev
Booked: Senderos,Enoh.
Goals: Ruiz 70,77.
Reading: McCarthy, Kelly, Morrison, Mariappa, Gunter, Guthrie, Karacan, McCleary, Robson-Kanu (Carrico 81), McAnuff (Blackman 73), Pogrebnyak (Le Fondre 71)
Subs Not Used: Taylor,Pearce,Hunt,Harte.
Booked: Mariappa.
Goals: Robson-Kanu 12 pen 62, Le Fondre 75, Karacan 83
Att: 24,087
Ref: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire).
/>
Source .