The hard times at Craven Cottage are seemingly over, with Fulham returning to their winning ways after a short stretch of sub-par results.
While the distance to the automatic promotion position is still five points, with Leeds holding the second spot with 68 points, Fulham took important points in regards of keeping up and making leeway against the clubs behind. Nottingham is now four points behind, although have a game in hand, but Brentford and Preston fell six points behind already.
While Scott Parker’s side us accustomed to hold the possession of the ball for the majority of the game, this time they looked and, in fact, were efficient as well and showed some great prowess in defense as well. Moreover, Alexandar Mitrovic didn’t need to contribute and Fulham still managed to win. Finding goal scoring chances was as difficult as expected – in the last meeting Fulham managed only one shot on goal and eventually lost 2-1 on the road. The visitors didn’t go down easy, though. Preston had a goal waved off in the first half and Marek Rodak had to grab a couple of efforts close quarters. It took an unlucky own goal by Preston’s David Nugent to take the hosts ahead in the 58th minute, after the experienced striker accidentally headed the ball into the own net from a Fulham corner kick.
The home team was able to hold to the lead by excellent defensive performance, not allowing a single shot on goal by the visitors in the whole second half. With Preston piling on the pressure closing to the conclusion of the game, Fulham struck back with pace on 94th minute. Ivan Cavaleiro and Aboubakar Kamara broke through the Preston ranks and allowed Declan Rudd in Preston goal no chance in their 2-0 goal.
Fulham continue their hunt for the promotion at Bristol City on the 7th March. Bristol City are currently 7th in the Championship, frantically chasing the promotion playoffs. With the current form, Fulham should be able to fight off their rivals even on the road.
