Fulham in box seat as Kebano takes tie away from Cardiff

Fulham played Cardiff off the park and produced two moments of magic as they took control of their play-off semi-final, even without Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Serbian juggernaut Mitrovic – the Championship’s top scorer with 26 goals – was out injured, but his team were still too good for Cardiff as Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano struck.

Onomah’s dribble and finish was matched in its audaciousness by a curling free-kick from Kebano in added time. It means Scott Parker’s side are in total control ahead of Thursday’s second leg.

think we’re well worthy of the two-goal lead,” said Parker. “We worked our socks off and our foundation was built on concrete, but it will be another huge battle on Thursday. We’ll stand up to the challenge.”

On Mitrovic, Parker said: “He’s picked up a little bit of a hamstring knock. We went into this game knowing it is over two legs and we made a decision for the team. Hopefully we can get him fit.”

Cardiff started well, but they paid the price for their missed chances, with Robert Glatzel the guilty party. Glatzel was denied by a brilliant clearance from Michael Hector, but he should have scored from close range. At the other end, Onomah worked Alex Smithies and Tom Cairney’s effort kissed a post.

Fulham were the better side after the first drinks break and four min

Solo effort: Fulham’s Josh Onomah calmly scores past Alex Smithies after a mazy run, before Neeskens Kebano scored a crucial late second

utes into the second half Onomah stood up to be counted. Picking up possession with his back to goal, he turned Marlon Pack and beat Sean Morrison and Curtis Nelson. His finish was unerring.

The goal saw Parker’s men grow in confidence and stature. Bobby Decordova-reid, Mitrovic’s replacement and a former Cardiff player, went close and the Welsh side made a triple change. It failed

to work. In stoppage time, Cairney was fouled by Morrison. Kebano stepped up and left Smithies grasping at thin air.

Neil Harris, the Cardiff manager, said: “It’s a real kick in the nuts. We have to take our chances when we’re on top. Fulham are now huge favourites and they celebrated like they’d won the tie at the end, but they have everything to lose and we have everything to gain.”

Parker responded: “Neil has said a lot in the last few weeks. I saw nothing that was over the top.”

Cardiff City

Booked Fulham

Referee