|
Davies (left) opened the scoring with a stunning volley
|
Fulham denied non-league Kettering with two late goals in an absorbing Cup tie.
Simon Davies volleyed Fulham ahead in superb fashion from 15 yards, but Craig Westcarr equalised with a deflected free-kick from the edge of the area.
Kettering had much the better chances but Fulham regained the lead when a shot flew in off Exodus Geohaghan.
Westcarr looked to have earned a replay from the penalty spot, but Andy Johnson headed home after defensive hesitation and Bobby Zamora made sure for Fulham.
More than 5,400 fans packed into Rockingham Road hoping for an FA Cup fourth-round upset from the Blue Square Premier outfit.
Despite there being 93 league places between the teams, it was the home side who made the better start, Westcarr breaking clear after a mistake from Brede Hangeland, only to fluff his shot.
Former Spurs winger Davies put Fulham ahead with a touch of class, his textbook volley from Clint Dempsey's cross leaving goalkeeper Lee Harper unmoved.
But Westcarr looked lively throughout and having been brought down just outside the box he picked himself up to level, the ball gaining pace as it brushed off the wall.
|
606: DEBATE
|
After the break Kettering maintained their positive intent, Gareth Seddon shooting wide, though Harper needed to be alert in the Kettering goal when a long-range shot kept surprisingly low and bounced clear off his shins.
Kettering conjured up more chances when Richard Graham's ball across the area deflected off Hangeland and trickled agonisingly wide.
Acting skipper John Dempster then headed a glorious chance over the bar from the six-yard line, and grimaced as he reflected on his wasted opportunity.
Westcarr hit a first-time shot straight at Mark Schwarzer as the home crowd taunted Fulham.
The Premier League side still threatened on occasions, however, Harper clearing the danger with a fine save after Paul Konchesky fizzed a shot towards the top corner.
Fulham brought on Danny Murphy and Zamora in their quest to overcome Kettering's verve, but again it was Westcarr who was providing the menace, just failing to apply the crucial touch to another chance.
Murphy broke clear to cross, but an unmarked Zamora could only head across the goal.
The visitors took the lead, however, in fortuitous fashion when the ball deflected in off Geohaghan.
Kettering hit back five minutes later when Westcarr slid home from the penalty spot after being tripped by Hangeland.
However, with the home fans making plans for a trip to London, Johnson capitalised on uncertainty at the back and Zamora finished it two minutes later
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Fulham's Simon Davies 7.67 (on 90 minutes).
Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.
No comments:
Post a Comment