Olly’s spot on to end long wait for Slavisa
OLIVER NORWOOD’S penalty secured a long-awaited home win for Fulham as they beat Millwall.
The Northern Ireland midfielder’s fourth goal of the season earned Slavisa Jokanovic’s side only a second victory at Craven Cottage this season – and a first since September.
Norwood’s 45th-minute spot-kick also condemned Millwall to a sixth match without a victory, and they have yet to win away so far this term.
Yet the visitors had plenty of chances against an unconvincing Fulham defence and twice hit the woodwork.
Lions boss Neil Harris was furious about the penalty award.
He said: “We got punished by a harsh refereeing decision – the player has conned him into giving it.”
But Jokanovic insisted the penalty was “clear” and said: “This victory means we have back-to-back wins.
“We have to be satisfied with the week we have had.”
Tom Elliott should have given the Lions a first-half lead but he clipped a post with a free header in the seventh minute.
The striker was left all alone again in front of goal shortly after but this time he glanced George Saville’s cross horribly off target.
Shane Ferguson fizzed a shot across goal and wide with Fulham’s rearguard again looking distinctly jittery.
But the hosts were bright in attack and Sheyi Ojo’s chip from the corner of the penalty area had to be tipped over by Lions keeper Jordan Archer.
Liverpool loanee Ojo blasted another chance over before Neeskens Kebano burst through on goal and was only denied by a last-ditch challenge from Conor McLaughlin.
The deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time when McLaughlin tugged back Portuguese striker Rui Fonte at a corner.
Referee Paul Tierney awarded a penalty and Norwood confidently slammed home the spot-kick.
After the break Elliott was denied from close range by home keeper David Button.