| Fulham |
0
- 0 |
Manchester
City |
|
Att:
16,754 |
|
In poor games of football the highlights are often bizarre. This match was
no exception. Before the game had even started Fulham introduced their new
match mascot, 'Sir Craven of the Cottage', to a bumper crowd, only
for him to be knighted by Mr Al Fayed on the pitch.
But in the end everyone left Craven Cottage talking Andy Morrison who earned
a second yellow card for licking Stan Collymore's face, and the ref who
seemed to forget about the previous yellow card only remembered after chants
from the home crowd. Collymore deserves praise for maintaining his cool
after being licked in the face and then shoved in the face by Morrision.
For the second time in a week, Fulham failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity
to record their first league win of the season.
Much of the passion and urgency witnessed in the corresponding fixture last
season appeared to be missing, as Man City comfortably achieved their game
plan. A goal less draw left an air of disappointment around Craven Cottage,
but also puts into perspective the challenges that lie ahead.
A disappointing first half, punctuated by the persistent fouling of the
City defence caused about as much excitement as the unveiling of the new
mascot - Sir Craven of the Cottage.
Only 2 efforts of note for Fulham in the first half,Sean Davis, adding to
his growing reputation, went close with a far post header following good
work from Horsfield on the left,and a tame left footed effort from Collymore
was easily saved by Weaver.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with little variation
to Fulham's attacks, the long ball from defence for to Collymore flick on,
or Horsfield to battle for seemed to play right into Man City's hands. The
forward runs of Finnan were curtailed by the presence of Kennedy on the
left wing for City, and Fulham suffered from a serious lack of width.
Sean Davis, surely an England U21 prospect on this form, was once again
in the thick of the action in the second half, his right footed strike forced
a good diving save from Weaver, and a glorious first time lay off released
Hughes in the box, but his effort was smothered.
WIth 20 minutes remaining, the pie eating Morrison deservedly got his second
yellow card following an unsavoury clash with Collymore, although the referee
who had a poor game throughout seemed reluctant to brandish a red card.
Man City immediately swapped an attacker with another defender, whilst Paul
Bracewell sent on Pesch for his first league action of the season.
Despite the man advantage, Fulham lost their shape, and could easily have
been caught out as Goater missed a gilt edged chance to take all 3 points.
The final whistle brought a frustrating afternoon to an end, and although
clearly we will have to play better to be there or thereabouts at the end
of the season, the level of criticism already evident is almost unbelievable.
Lets be patient, and look to the positive. We're still unbeaten, and have
yet to see the best of Clark, Collymore and Hughes. Promotion is still a
realistic option.
A question is still left to be answered :
Was 'Morrison's lick' his way of coming out ?
ALL FORWARDS BEWARE THE LICKER IS BEHIND YOU
Fulham: Taylor, Finnan, Brevett, Melville, Coleman, Morgan, Clark,
Horsfield, Collymore, Hughes (Peschisolido), Davis
Subs not used: Hahnemann, Hayward, Trollope, Symons.
Manchester City: Weaver, Crooks, Wiekens, Morrison, Pollock, Bishop,
Dickov, Goater, Whitley, Tiatto, Kennedy (Vaughan)
Subs not used: Allsopp, Wright, Taylor, Cooke.
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