There were just two changes in the Charlton side facing Fulham reports Paul May from Craven Cottage. Sullivan replaced the suspended Hamer in goal while Taylor came back in for Cort. Fulham put out a strong side with just one chance. Danny Murphy ‘s appearance was appropriately greeted by the 7,000 Addickted.
The first corner of the game went to Charlton. It was cleared off the goal line. Murphy was eventually able to clear, Fulham advanced and Solly had to clear. Sullivan had to make an excellent save after he was almost caught unawares. Murphy’s over hit corner led to a goal kick.
A free kick from Green was headed away. After seven minutes Fulham took the lead through Dempsey with the ball going over Sullivan.
Jackson burst forward but he needed support. Wiggins drove the ball into the near post, but it was cleared. Solly conceded a corner. Kermorgant got the ball away, but Fulham continued to press until the flag went up.
Fulham continued to have most of the possession. They won their third corner after an effort by Riise was deflected. The corner was taken short and was unproductive.
The Cottagers won their fourth corner, but Fulham were unable to make anything of the subsequent play.
Kermorgant almost caught Stockdale in the Fulham goal out, Jackson reacted quickly but the ball went into the side netting.
Fry was proving a handful for Solly. Wiggins advanced nearly 40 yards down the left touchline but run out of space.
Wright-Phillips put in an attempt but it was blocked by Stockdale. Solly defended well. Good play by Green created a chance for Wright-Phillips but it was scraped away. Wright-Phillips and Kermorgant combined well, but Kelly was able to deal with it for Fulham.
Green received a harsh yellow card for fouling Fry from referee Dowd. Charlton continued to work hard to stay in the game, not least Bradley Pritchard. A long-range attempt by Riise went wide.
Charlton won a corner but Jackson’s effort was not a good one and Zamora cleared.
Half time: Cottagers 1, Addicks 0
Charlton made a positive start and won a corner after four minutes. Jackson’s corner was headed away by Kelly. The Addicks won another corner after good work by Green. Jackson’s corner was headed away by Senderos after Stockdale had pushed it away.
A shot by Murphy led to Sullivan conceding a corner. Dempsey’s header went wide, but Charlton got a free kick anyway. Jackson turned provider for Wright-Phillips but it was saved by Stockdale. Green put in a long-range effort that was saved by Stockdale. The corner led to a Charlton throw in.
Fry was replaced by Duff who made an immediate impact with a shot saved by Sullivan. Despite Charlton being in the ascendancy, Fulham broke down the other end and made it 2-0 through Dempsey.
Fulham won another corner after an effort by Zamora was put over the bar by Taylor. Senderos headed wide. Zamora’s shot was intercepted by Taylor and put over the bar at the expense of a corner. Kermorgant headed it away.
Green who had drifted out of the game somewhat was replaced by Wagstaff while Wiggins was replaced by Evina.
Following a free kick, Wright-Phillips had a chance but it was bundled away for a corner. In the subsequent play Kermorgant could not get it on target. Eventually Fulham won a goal kick.
A penalty was awarded against Sullivan by Phil Dowd and the keeper received a yellow card. Dempsey put it in the back of the net to secure his hat trick.
Murphy was taken off and replaced by Steve Sidwell who was once the target of interest from Alan Curbishley. Evina was forced to concede a corner kick. With Charlton showing signs of tiredness, Fulham made it 4-0 as the ball took a deflection with Duff claiming the goal.
Charlton’s effort could not be faulted, but we did not take our opportunities to draw level. The scoreline was harsh but we can now concentrate on the real prize of the league.
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