Fulham overcome Stoke City to move out of relegation zone
Mark Hughes will feel as if he just won the league title after he saw his side pull off a surprise win over Stoke City. The Fulham manager has been under intense pressure in recent weeks, as the Cottagers struggled to climb out of the relegation zone. The
result against Stoke marks only the second time Fulham have managed a win in fifteen attempts. Their terrible run of form spells trouble for Mark Hughes. Many believe that his days with the club are numbered, however yesterday’s win will go a long way towards
relieving the pressure on the under-fire manager.
Fulham’s win saw them leave the relegation zone and move up to a relatively safe 17th place. Chris Baird’s brace within the first ten minutes of the match was enough to secure all three points for the Cottagers. Fulham
took the lead after only four minutes. Davies’ wayward cross was cleared by the Stoke defence, but the ball fell to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Baird at the edge of the box. The defender unleashed a venomous strike which flew into the back of the net, giving the keeper no chance.
Stoke created an opportunity to draw level soon after, but http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robert-c31222 Huth’s effort sailed harmlessly over the post. Andrew Johnson almost extended Fulham’s lead after weaving his way past a crowd of defenders. The striker wasted his chance though, firing straight
into the hands of a grateful Begovic. Just moments later, Baird struck again. The defender once again fired home from long range, leaving the crowd at the Britannia Stadium in stunned silence. The second goal sparked the Potters into action, and they started
to push forward in search of a goal.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Asmir-Begovic-c6841 almost handed Fulham their third goal of the match. The keeper fluffed his clearance, and the ball
found its way to Dickson Etuhu. However Etuhu completely mistimed his cross, wasting a glorious opportunity to put the game beyond doubt for the Cottagers. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193
Murphy.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tuncay-Sanli-c35618 in the second half to bolster his side’s attacking options. Soon after, the hosts had two penalty claims waved away after it seemed that Johnson and then
Hangeland had handled the ball in the box, much to the chagrin of the home fans. However no matter how much Stoke pushed, Fulham remained unperturbed. The Cottagers held on to their two goal lead thanks to a series of fine saves from keeper Mark Schwarzer.
The result will be the best possible New Year’s present for manager Mark Hughes, who admitted that the win had relieved some of the pressure he is under. However, the Fulham manager will not need reminding that he and his side are not out of the woods yet.
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