Fulham Head Coach Scott Parker saluted his side’s doggedness to ride the Preston storm early on and grow into the game to secure all three points.
The visitors had the better of the game in the first half, but Fulham grew into the game, scoring two second half goals to secure all three points.
“I think in the first 20 minutes we had to weather a bit of a storm.” Parker said. “Preston had a day extra in their recovery having played Tuesday night and I felt they put pressure on us. I thought they had the better of it but the longer the half went on, we grew into the game.
“We cut through them at times. At half time and coming into the second half I always thought the first goal would be crucial, which is a typical Championship game. We managed to get that and after the goal we were in the ascendency. The put some bodies up there and went more direct. Again, I thought we defended our own box very well.
The Championship is relentless in terms of the schedule, which is starting to affect the condition of his players, Joe Bryan an example of that today.
“It’s tough in this league. Joe Bryan has damaged his hamstring after six minutes which is down to overuse. The games come thick and fast, and that’s the dynamic. I’m just pleased with the dogged display. This was a game where we needed to go toe-to-toe with them, it was a great game for the neutral but ultimately, we nicked the goal and saw the game out.
“My main focus is to worry about us. This division brings so many surprises and if you start looking too far ahead it can jab you on the nose. Over the last 14 games, we’ve lost two and we’re in good form, so it comes from focussing on us. Let’s see where we lie at the start of May.”
Parker is starting to reap the rewards of a ‘winning mentality’ that has been drummed into his side with two wins in four days. He acknowledged the mindset of a side he inherited that were used to losing.
He continued: “This team last season were used to losing football matches and in the space of three months they were suddenly expected to win every game. Teams that come up into the Premier League such as Sheffield United, are used to winning games, take it up with them and it becomes easier. That to me is a mindset.
“Over the course of a year, what I’ve tried to do is to get them to understand embracing expectation and seeing the bigger picture. You need to have a character. Wednesday night showed that having missed a penalty, stop them from scoring, then go and nick it at the end. We’re slowly getting there, but hopefully they realise that can make us successful."
Scott also praised the two substitute’s’ impact on the game, in particular Cyrus Christie, having spent time away from the starting XI. The Gaffer also commented on Aboubakar Kamara’s effectiveness form the bench in recent weeks.
“He [Aboubakar Kamara] might have felt a bit hard done by not starting today. He’s done well off the bench with two assists. He came on and could have easily looked at me and said: ‘told you so’. He has a real character about him and has come on leaps and bounds. He’ll keep knocking on the door.
“Cyrus Christie, who hasn’t been around for a few games, was exceptional. I don’t expect anything less from him, he takes disappointment on the chin and as a motivation to work. He knows sulking gets him further away from the team. He deserves his moment today.”