Fulham 0 Derby County 0
FOR Jim Smith it was the sort of Saturday he loves. A point against a much-lauded
Fulham side in the sunshine and then, given the overriding French influence
of his hosts, doubtless a glass or two of some excellent red.
Yet, for the Fulham faithful intoxicated by the success of the past few
years, came the harsh realisation that not every match involving their team
will be premier cru in terms of entertainment.
"Boring, boring, Derby," was the chant echoing around an emptying
Craven Cottage as Smith's opposite number Jean Tigana vented his frustration
with a tirade against the fourth official, proving at least that he has
mastered sufficient English to make his feelings known.
Goalless draws are anathema to the little Frenchman, but he could not deny
Smith's assertion that Fulham lacked the guile to break down a Derby defence
clearly intent on a point.
"With a lot of huffing and puffing they [Fulham] did not create too
many chances," observed Smith, who began his managerial career at Boston
United in 1968 - the same year Fulham last performed in the top division.
"I think they will find it hard everywhere and they are not going to
steamroller the Premiership as they did the First Division. It will be interesting
to see how they react when they don't get things all their own way."
Offensively things were always going to be tricky for Derby after Fabrizio
Ravanelli injured his back in Thursday's training session. The visitors'
cause was worsened when Malcolm Christie limped off eight minutes before
half-time after pulling a hamstring.
Defensively they soon learnt the primary lesson against Fulham, that expecting
the luxury of easing into the game can be costly, as Manchester United found
out a week ago. With 15 seconds gone, Louis Saha should have taken his account
for the season to four goals when he reacted quicker than a hesitant Derby
defence to Barry Hayles' low cross, only to volley wide.
From then on Fulham found it almost impossible to penetrate the opposition
penalty area as Derby massed nine men behind the ball.
Stifling heat and the defensive prowess of Chris Riggott, Danny Higginbotham
and Brian O'Neil made things increasingly difficult for Fulham, who seemed
resigned to long-range efforts: a curling free kick from Sean Davis à
la Beckham showing the under-21 international has benefited from his education
at England get-togethers.
Fulham should have snatched the points five minutes from time when Steed
Malbranque exchanged passes with Hayles and darted clear into the penalty
area, but the £5m arrival from Lyon failed to control the ball with
his crucial first touch and goalkeeper Andy Oakes was allowed to pounce
on the ball.
Fulham:
Van der Sar, Finnan, Goma (Symons 14min), Melville, Brevett, Goldbaek (Harley
65min), Davis, Collins (Legwinski 65min), Malbranque, Saha, Hayles
Derby County:
Oakes, Riggott, O'Neil, Higginbotham, Mawene (Murray 64min), Burley, Powell,
Johnson, Boertien, Burton, Christie (Kinkladze 37min)
Referee: M Dean
Attendance: 15,641 |