Fulham boss Chris Coleman saluted his players for their resolve as they finally overcame Everton in extra-time of their FA Cup fourth round replay.
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Fulham manager
Chris Coleman |
Fulham were pulled back from the brink of victory in both games by last-gasp equalisers before Steed Malbranque's winner put them into the next round.
"Basically we've had to win the tie three times," said Coleman. "My players showed tremendous courage.
"It was a great cup tie and I couldn't have asked for any more of them."
Junichi Inamoto had put Fulham ahead before Francis Jeffers headed in injury-time to send the tie into extra time.
Coleman added: "You think it's not going to happen that they're going to score again, but bang they do and it happens again and we're into extra-time.
"Both fans should be proud of their teams, it was a fantastic game.
"The Everton lads looked devastated at the end and they've put everything in to it so we're happy.
"Inamoto scored a terrific goal and is a gifted player, he's got a fantastic technique. He tired in extra-time but had a really good game."
Fulham will play West Ham at home in the next round and Coleman believes home advantage could be vital.
"It's good to have a home tie next round - any home draw is a good one and we're confident of getting into the quarter-finals, though West Ham will provide a good game.
"We've had a little bit of luck in the cup so far - we didn't really deserve to beat Cheltenham, but sometimes you get a bit of luck and that's the way it goes."
David Moyes bemoaned his Everton side's lack of killer instinct in front of goal after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham.
Everton's Tomasz Radzinski, Wayne Rooney and Francis Jeffers wasted several gilt-edged chances as Moyes saw his side lose after extra-time.
"The game could have gone either way," said Moyes. "Both teams had chances but they didn't go in for us.
"The chances are just not quite going in, but surely they will do soon."
Jeffers could have added to his late leveller with a winner from two excellent opportunities before added time while Rooney squandered a header from close range and Radzinski hit the post.
Moyes added: "Both teams went to try and win the game and we've come here and given it a good go.
"I can't fault the players - they played really well apart from the first half hour.
"You're pleased when you're involved in a good game but we've just proved we can't score again."