Fulham 2, West Brom 0: Birmingham Post Analysis
Feb 23 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Post
Albion’s goal continued to lead a charmed life. A clearance in the opening minutes of the second-half almost ended up in the back of the net when Borja’s clearance struck Barnett and was kept out by Carson’s quick reaction.
Bobby Zamora didn’t need another invitation on the hour mark. Pantsil’s cross was headed on by Andy Johnson. Zamora raced in at the back post to hook the ball past Carson.
Koren almost brought Albion level in the 64th minute. Albion’s midfielder struck a low shot from 20 yards only to be denied by Schwarzer.
Normal service was resumed six minutes later. Hangeland’s header struck the bar before hitting Carson. But within a minute Johnson ensured increased Fulham’s lead. Zamora raced on Murphy’s free-kick only to see his shot saved by Carson. The ball came out to Johnson who hammered home.
Albion even managed to spurn their late consolation.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Etuhu, Murphy (Dacourt, 85), Davies, Johnson (Kamara, 81), Zamora (Nevland, 81). Subs: Zuberbuhler (gk), Dacourt, Gray, Kallio, Baird.
ALBION (4-4-2): Carson, Zuiverloon, Barnett, Meite, Robinson, Morrison (Menseguez, 77), Koren, Valero, Teixeira (Brunt, 49), Simpson, Fortuné (Bednar, 81). Subs: Kiely (gk), Cech, Moore, Martis.
Referee: M Atkinson (West Yorkshire).
Booking: Albion – Robinson (foul).
Attendance: 22,394.
Albion man of the match: Scott Carson – stood between Albion and a rout.
