SLAV VOWS TO KEEP FIGHTING
FULHAM boss Slavisa Jokanovic sent a ‘no surrender’ message to play-off rivals Sheffield Wednesday after this magnificent win.
Ten-man Fulham showed they have the steel to go with their silky football as they sensationally kept their promotion hopes alive.
Former Canary Chris Martin was shown a straight red in first half stoppage time for what appeared to be an elbow into the face of Norwich left-back Mitchell Dijks.
But the Cottagers survived a secondhalf siege before clinically clinching a victory that keeps them firmly in the race for sixth spot.
Jokanovic (above) said : “Of course I believe we can do it. Why not? I believe in my players. It’s not a time to give up and surrender.
“Things may be out of our hands but we will keep fighting until the last game.
“So it’s time to fight and we have the desire to do that.”
Jokanovic also confirmed they would appeal against Martin’s sending off.
He added: “He only touched their player with his hand and there was no intent.
“But we showed clear minds after that and a lot of mental strength and motivation.
“It’s an important win at this crucial stage of the season and I’m proud of my players.”
Fulham had to win to stay in Sheffield Wednesday’s slipstream and Stefan Johansen fired them in front after five minutes with his 11th goal of the season.
Midfielder Tom Cairney scored Fulham’s second from the penalty spot three minutes after the break when half-time sub Ryan Bennett stupidly shoved over Tomas Kalas with his first taste of the action.
Canary striker Cameron Jerome pulled one back late on before flying Fulham winger Floyd Ayite wrapped up the win with a fine solo effort at the death.
Norwich’s first defeat in 11 home games has finally ended their faint hopes of making the play-offs.
And caretaker boss Alan Irvine admitted: “It was the right result. We defended poorly and nobody took responsibility.
“The players were praised after winning 7-1 against Reading last week so they have to take the criticism after losing today.”