The Tanner Report: Derby 0 Fulham 2

The Fulham winning machine rolls on with 10 wins in the last 13 games and key victories over rivals Aston Villa, Wolves and Derby. Ryan Sessegnon has attracted much attention with his recent goal surge, picking up the young player and EFL best player award last week, but credit is due to others too. Tim Ream has been immense at the heart of the defence, Matt Targett was an inspired acquisition at left back, Alex Mitrovic is a focal point up front with his physical presence whilst Tom Cairney is close to his best.  Competition for places is fierce. Tomas Kalas did not make the bench though he may have an  injury .

Fulham asserted their supremacy in the first half with 2 well taken goals, firstly Alex Motovic’s third in 3 games and then inevitably Sessegnon popped up in the right place for the second.

In the second half Derby used strong arm tactics – Tom Cairney was singled out – and the referee Lee Mason was rather benevolent but even after Tom Huddlestone pulled one back for Derby we managed the game well. Nonetheless it took a crucial interception and tackle from another unsung hero Kevin McDonald to save the day.

The victory was especially satisfying  as older fans will recall a game in 1983 in the old Baseball Ground which we lost 1-0 in the worst atmosphere I have ever witnessed in a stadium. Derby’s fans invaded and lined the pitch and Robert Wilson was kicked by one.

The referee blew for a foul  and, after a massive pitch invasion, the game was never re-started.

Fulham lodged an official objection but the Chairman of the FA Len Shipman was also chairman of Leicester who had the young Gary Lineker. They  were promoted and Fulham missed out.

A play-off position now seems assured and the automatic one certainly not out of the question.