Bittersweet display from Scott’s boys

SCOTT PARKER insisted he was proud of his Fulham players after running Liverpool close.

The Cottagers’ caretaker boss (above) came within 10 minutes of snatching an unlikely point against the title challengers.

Keeper Sergio Rico, however, gifted the Reds a lifeline when he felled Sadio Mane in the box.

Fulham host Manchester City next, on March 30. Parker said: “There were some good positives, including the first half.

“We were playing against arguably the best counterattacking team in Europe, with a front three pretty deadly, so we needed to try to stay in the game.

“We did that first half, and there were some massive positives second half where the players took the front foot.

“It was just a shame we couldn’t hold on.”

Rico’s gaffe came after he dropped a routine cross from Mo Salah. As Mane challenged for the loose ball the Spanish keeper pulled him down.

Parker added: “I’ve seen it back, and yes, you often see individuals make mistakes.

“Sergio wants to make amends, and commits a foul.

“In the position I’m in, my main focus is seeing improvements. But I understand it’s about results. I want them more than anyone. Do I see an improvement? I do. But we’re just trying to get some results.”