TheTanner Report: Bolton 1 Fulham 1
Fifteen minutes before kick off, in response to a message from my friend who took me to my first game, I predicted the score at 1-1 This was based on the score line at Craven Cottage, the difficulty Fulham have against more robust opposition and Bolton’s improving form under Phil Parkinson.
We took an early lead when the classy Matt Targett, a left back on loan from Southampton, headed home Ryan Sessegnon’s cross. Rui Fonte had the opportunity to increase the lead two minutes later but fluffed his lines. I believe that coach Slavisia Jokatovic has reversed the decline of Fulham and under his stewardship we play the most fluid, pleasing football seen the since the days of Tigana. However, some of his selections baffle me and one is the preference of Fonte over Abou Kamara, especially against a physical side like Bolton. When he eventually came on his power pace and greater industry all served to arrest the growing dominance of Bolton. Adam le Fondre always seems to score against us and duly did so with a superb rising shot over Betinnelli. Fulham had more chances to win.
The best came when Stefan Johansen was boxed in on the touchline, parallel to the penalty area. He worked a one-two then set off just outside the box on a diagonal run before cutting into the box. It reminded me of the pacy incisive runs of Michael Laudrup or that brilliant John Barnes goal v Brazil. Suddenly the whites of the keeper’s eyes were before him. He decided to score at the near post when he might have crossed to the unmarked Kamara but you can hardly blame him for wanting to consummate the run with what would have been not just the winner but one of the great, great Fulham goals. He missed and did not do either. It ended honours even, a fair reflection of the play.
We now have a cycle of vital games beginning with a cracker against another form team Aston Villa. Of course we all want to return to the Premier but the reality, if we do, is that it will be struggle to obtain at best mid-table status and we will not savour a top of the table clash like this. After Villa we play Bristol City, Wolves, Derby, Sheffield United and Preston which will define whether we make automatic promotion, the play-offs or miss out altogether.
