WHITES FAIL TO BREAK HOODOO
Rowett’s run over Fulham goes on
NOT even a home game against Derby County can help Fulham improve their stuttering form at Craven Cottage, it seems.
The Rams last won a league match at the venue in April 1969 and Oliver Norwood’s controversial first half free-kick made Derby’s task to end that run even harder.
But County boss Gary Rowett has never lost a league game against Fulham as a manager, a feat that continues thanks to a 15-minute spell immediately after the break during which Matej Vydra equalised.
“Before and after their goal we got into their box many times,” said Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, whose side have one just once at home this season. “It’s not the first time this season that we didn’t find the solution. Once again we were not clinical in the box. That is not big news for us.”
Without a goal in two months, Fulham’s Floyd Ayite was denied a 13th-minute opener by Scott Carson’s fine save. Ayite found space between Craig Forsyth and Curtis Davis to meet Norwood’s curled cross and head towards goal.
However, Carson was at fault for Norwood’s opener on the half-hour. The midfielder’s freekick from 20 yards may have been struck ferociously but it was straight at the experienced stopper.
The goal wasn’t without controversy, either. A minute earlier, referee Darren Bond gave the hosts a free-kick when Rui Fonte was fouled by Curtis Davis 30 yards out, despite the Fulham striker being ruled offside by the assistant in the build-up.
Norwood’s subsequent setpiece was harshly ruled to have been handled by David Nugent in the wall, rewarding him with the kick 10 yards closer to goal from which he scored.
“I’m disappointed with the goal; I believe he is offside,” said Derby manager Gary Rowett, who spoke to Bond at half-time about his decision. Jokanovic claimed this conversation affected the referee’s “personality” after the break.
In a game short on chances, the visitors converted the first clear-cut opportunity that came their way five minutes after half-time. Ryan Sessegnon lost possession to Tom Lawrence, and Vydra fired home after being played through exquisitely by the midfielder. A quick-fire turnaround was only prevented by Fulham keeper David Button, who saved Nugent’s low effort on 55 minutes after an incisive break. “What we did really well was be patient,” added Rowett. “We kept our composure, we kept our shape. “Maybe that little bit of resilience and character is something that Derby have lacked in the past. The players have got to be commended for way we’ve stuck in. “I felt that we’d go and get another goal; Fulham looked under pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, it was a great spell for us.”
Crosses into the box soon became the hosts’ most potent threat. Substitute Luca De La Torre almost put Fulham ahead within 40 seconds of coming on from Ayite’s cross, Sessegnon almost met Ryan Fredericks’ delivery at the back post and Ayite blazed over from Aboubakar Kamara’s cutback.
“We created many chances,” said Jokanovic. “I don’t know how many times we crossed into their six-yard box.
“We made one mistake and paid the price. We weren’t in trouble for most of the game today. I cannot be satisfied.”