|
|
David McIntyre at West London Sport |
Fulham (0) 0-1 (1) Sheff Wed
Ross Wallace's brilliant goal condemned Fulham to defeat in new boss Slavisa Jokanovic's first match in charge.
Wide-man Wallace, whose left-footed deliveries tormented Fulham when they were beaten at Wed
nesday in September, struck in the 29th minute at Craven Cottage.
Tim Ream stood off him and Wallace cut in from the right and unleashed a fantastic shot from 35 yards that whizzed past keeper Andy Lonergan.
The goal came after Whites midfielder Jamie O'Hara tried his luck from long range and saw his effort flash narrowly wide.
Earlier, Emerson Hyndman had a shot saved by Owls keeper Joe Wildsmith after Alex Kacaniklic's right-wing cross was deflected into the American's path.
After going behind, Fulham thought they had equalised when Ross McCormack found the corner of the net after being teed up by Moussa Dembele, but McCormack was offside.
The hosts struggled to create chances in the second half and Lonergan was the busier keeper, pushing over a blistering shot from Atdhe Nuhiu and twice denying Gary Hooper after the striker had been put through on goal.
The best opportunity to level fell to substitute Cauley Woodrow, who headed over from Jazz Richards' 88th-minute cross.
Here's how we rated the Whites players in the 1-0 loss at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Andy Lonergan: 7
Beaten from long range for the goal but produced excellent saves in the second half to keep Fulham in contention, pushing over a blistering shot from Atdhe Nuhiu and twice denying Gary Hooper after the striker had been put through on goal.
Jazz Richards: 7
Had a decent game at right-back and was always keen to join the attack. Set up Fulham's best chance to equalise when his 88th-minute cross was headed over by substitute Cauley Woodrow.
Richard Stearman: 7
Had a tough task against the imposing Nuhiu but put in a fully committed performance. Also rescued his team in the second half with a fine last-ditch challenge to thwart Fernando Forestieri.
Dan Burn: 5
Shaky on the ball and was caused problems by Wednesday's movement up front.
Tim Ream: 5
Totally unconvincing at left-back. Stood off Wallace in the build up to the all-important goal and in general was beaten far too easily. Showed plenty of desire to get forward but it was all to no avail.
Alex Kacaniklic: 6
Started brightly, causing Wednesday problems on the right flank and creating an early chance for Emerson Hyndman. But the Swede was less effective in the second half.
Sakari Mattila: 7
Became ragged as he tired in the second half before being taken off. Prior to that though he had a good game, helping Fulham control possession and closing down effectively in midfield.
Jamie O'Hara: 7
Neat and tidy on the ball, always prepared to take responsibility and kept looking for openings even as his team's frustration grew.
Emerson Hyndman: 6
Tested keeper Joe Wildsmith with an early effort. Drifted in and out of the game but has talent and was another player who held possession well.
Ross McCormack: 6
A frustrating afternoon for the Whites forward, who struggled to influence the game in his left-sided role. Held the ball up effectively and his clever movement enabled him to create space, but Wednesday controlled him well.
Moussa Dembele: 6
Linked up nicely with McCormack early on but generally failed to seriously test the Owls defence.
Scott Parker: 6
Showed his usual composure in midfield after coming on as Fulham continued to keep the ball well without really troubling their opponents.
Source .