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Jimmy Pierce at Daily Telegraph |
Fulham (0) 0-1 (1) Millwall
If Fulham supporters have not yet realigned their expectations for the season, they should do so now after being dealt another harsh lesson in the ruthlessness of the Championship; a league where teams relegated into it so rarely go straight back up.
Much has been made of manager Felix Magath's faith in youth amid a radical overhaul in personnel. He started with three 18-year-olds and two more debutants to add to the nine last Saturday.
It was a far more encouraging display than the defeat at Ipswich, full of endeavour and energy. His young side were undone, however, by a defensive error from their most experienced player.
Fulham captain Scott Parker, who was at fault for the first goal against Ipswich, failed to get enough purchase on his attempted clearance from Ricardo Fuller's left-wing cross.
It skimmed off his head straight to Martyn Woolford, who tapped home from four yards.
Magath sought not to blame his captain. "The main fault was before the cross came in," he said. "That's what Millwall and Ipswich have shown us.
We need to go in and clear situations earlier. We are too nice." Fulham shaded the first half and dominated the second in which numerous opportunities were created and missed.
Substitute Ross McCormack, deemed not fit enough to start after his largely anonymous debut last week, twice had shots well saved by David Forde.
Hugo Rodallega saw a low strike cleared off the line by Millwall full-back Scott Malone and another superbly stopped by the impressive Forde.
"We worked hard, tried a lot, played very well but were just not able to score," said Magath, who cast his view on the different challenge posed the Championship.
"It is more physical than in the Premier League but that's not surprising. I expected it."
It is three wins from three for Millwall, adding to the eight game unbeaten run that ended last season. "I'm proud of my team, proud of my boys," said manager Ian Holloway.
"The difference between us and them is millions of pounds. They've got some brilliant players and maybe a few who don't want to be there - I don't know. We're doing it for each other and look like a proper family."
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