Goalkeeper David Stockdale was in inspired form in just his second league appearance for Fulham, making a string of vital stops in what proved a valuable goalless draw at Bolton.
Both teams had chances, with Stuart Holden rattling the post for the hosts, and Bobby Zamora going close with an exquisite lofted effort.
However, the afternoon belonged to 24-year-old Stockdale, who came in for the absent Mark Schwarzer, with a mature and assured display.
The Yorkshire-born stopper proved equal to everything Bolton had to offer, with two particularly outstanding second-half stops to deny Swedish striker Johan Elmander.
“It was a fantastic experience,” he told fulhamfc.com. “I’m just really happy that Mark Hughes showed faith in me. There were other options, but he put me in and I’d like to think that I repaid that faith.
“I made some decent saves, but that’s what I’m here to do. I’m a goalkeeper, and that is my job. We kept a clean sheet and that was very pleasing.”
Fulham Manager Mark Hughes reserved praise for Stockdale, while his Bolton counterpart highlighted his performance as the difference. In fact, Owen Coyle took the compliments further by insisting Mark Schwarzer was not missed.
“It’s very pleasing to hear such positive comments. I had some good feedback from my own manager, and it’s nice to hear that from the opposition’s too,” said Stockdale. “But this was a good performance for the team, not just myself.
“I had two of the best centre-backs in the league in front of me also, and I thought they were superb. We all know how good Brede Hangeland is and he didn’t put a foot wrong, while for me, Aaron Hughes is one of the most underrated defenders around – he really is first class.
“I thought all round we were strong as a unit and although it would have been nice to give the Manager a win today, it was still a satisfying result. We had a couple of chances near the end, and on another day we could have nicked it. We just didn’t have that luck that you sometimes need.”
Stockdale’s performance was even more remarkable considering he only found out he was in line to start two hours before kick-off. A fact, of which, is a testament to the work carried out at the Motspur Park training ground.
“It’s true I only found out shortly before the start, but I was ready,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of first team football under my belt having spent time out on loan, and let’s remember that this wasn’t my debut – I had been here before.
“You’ve got to train like you mean to play, it’s vital that even though you might not be playing on a regular basis that you are still prepared, because like today you just don’t know when you will be needed.
“We’ve had a really good week of training, so like I say, I was prepared. Now I have to go away and build on this performance, so the hard work starts again on Monday – but hopefully, I have given the Manager something to think about.”
With Manchester United visiting Craven Cottage next Sunday, this display can only have whetted the youngster’s appetite for further game time.
“Of course I want to be involved again, but I’ve always had that desire, that doesn’t start from today,” he said. “It’s the Manager’s decision whether I start next week, so we’ll have to wait and see.
“They [Manchester United] are a great club and it promises to be an exciting game. We’ve done well against them over the last couple of seasons, so it would be nice if we can continue that.”
Stockdale should certainly enjoy his moment in the limelight, an afternoon that was capped by his debut interview on Match of the Day.
“I know where I have come from,” he said. “I’ve had to work really hard to get where I am, and because of that I have to make the most of opportunities like this. It wasn’t long ago that I was released by York City and back then I questioned whether I had a future in the game.
“Imagine where I could be? Today I was playing in a Premier League stadium, which is incredible. Being interviewed on Match of the Day was quite surreal; I grew up watching my favourite players do the same.
“It’s my fiancé’s birthday today so that will be a nice little present for her – we’ll watch it back together. This is certainly the highlight of my career so far. I’ve played two league games, and taken four points from those games, so I like to think of myself as Fulham’s good luck charm!”