Last-gasp equaliser’s reward for Cairney
TOM CAIRNEY’S injury-time strike earned Fulham a point and denied Bolton a first away win of the season.
Former Newcastle man Sammy Ameobi had put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute after latching on to a long punt by Ben Alnwick.
The visitors defended bravely to hold on to their advantage.
But Cairney headed home Kevin McDonald’s cross in the third of six additional minutes to secure his side a share of the points.
The result leaves Wanderers bottom of the league but stretches their unbeaten run to three games.
As for Fulham, the London side remain within sight of the top six but have still won just ONCE at home this term.
Fulham dominated the early stages, with captain Cairney, making his first start since August following a knee injury, pulling the strings in midfield.
Floyd Ayite thought he had put the hosts in front in the 14th minute when he slotted home Cairney’s neat pass, but his effort was ruled out by the assistant referee.
Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic said: “Floyd was onside and I don’t know what the reason was for not allowing the goal.The game would have been different.”
Against the run of play, Bolton went in front. A huge kick from goalkeeper Alnwick fell into Ameobi’s path and the forward bundled his way past three Fulham players before sending a left-footed shot low into the far corner.
It was only the second league goal Bolton have scored on their travels this season.
Substitute Neeskens Kebano wasted a great chance to equalise when he went through with 13 minutes left but saw his shot blocked bravely by Alnwick.
It looked as if the Trotters would hold on for a vital win but Cairney had other ideas, meeting McDonald’s cross from the left and heading past Alnwick to secure the hosts a last-gasp point.
Bolton boss Phil Parkinson said: “It’s disappointing we haven’t got all three points.
“It was more than a battling performance, we just couldn’t kill the game off.”