Simon Davies returned to action on Tuesday afternoon as Fulham’s Reserves recorded a three-goal victory over West Brom in the Barclays Premier Reserve League.
Davies played the first 70 minutes as goals from Kerim Frei, Pajtim Kasami and Orlando Sa secured the three points for Billy McKinlay’s men.
West Brom got the game underway on a chilly afternoon at Motspur Park. Kasami started the game on the right hand side and looked lively during the early stages. After a nice spell of football from the visitors early on, Fulham showed their maturity some resolute defending, especially from young Dan Burn.
The first real chance fell to Sa who was released by Kerim Frei after a fine piece of skill, but the Portuguese striker couldn’t keep his shot down from the acute angle.
Simon Davies, who was making a welcome return from injury on Tuesday afternoon, looked to get on the ball and stamp his authority from his central midfield position.
With just over 15 minutes played Fulham created a wonderful chance. Matthew Briggs switched play and after an excellent first touch and back heel from Kasami, Smith was released and attacked the box, but unfortunately couldn’t get enough on his shot to beat West Brom ‘keeper Jack Rose at his near post.
With 20 minutes played Fulham got the breakthrough that their dominance deserved. Bjorn Helge Riise whipped in a dangerous corner and Kerim Frei rose high to win a header that was acrobatically cleared off the line. The ball then fell to Kacaniklic on the edge of the box and his low drive was saved by the goalkeeper, but spilt kindly for Frei to tap in. Nothing more than the Whites deserved.
The goal seemed to increase Fulham’s confidence, who continued to get Frei and Kasami on the ball as much as possible.
Fulham made a bright start to the second-half and Kasami demonstrated impressive strength to hold off his marker following a bustling run forward, which resulted in Jack Rose making a smart save down to his left.
Simon Davies showed little sign of tiring in the second-half as he threw himself into challenges and readily made himself available for the pass. However it was West Brom, whose eagerness to get back on level terms, appeared to be driving factor in the early flow of the half.
However Fulham soon managed to reclaim the upper hand in the possession stakes and started to impose their will on the visitors. Davies ended a successful return to action on 70 minutes, being replaced by Tom Donegan.
A fine save from Rose prevented Kasami from doubling Fulham’s advantage on 71 minutes. Alex Kacaniklic outpaced his marker to the by-line and played a dangerous low pass across the face of goal, Kasami, lurking at the far post, placed a firm shot back across the face of goal only to see Rose parry the effort away.
Kasami doubled the lead on 75 minutes with an expertly taken left-footed free kick. A fast break from Fulham involving Frei and Kacaniklic, culminated in the Swedish winger being brought to ground on the edge of the penalty area. Kasami’s set-piece effort rattled the underside of the crossbar on its way to the back of the net.
Kasami combined with Orlando Sa minutes later to create Fulham’s third and final goal of the encounter. Winning possession well on the right flank, he sprinted away and squared a simple pass for Sa who produced a cultured finish to place the ball beyond Rose.
Fulham: Etheridge; Smith, Pritchard (Harris 19), Briggs (Dean 79), Burn; Riise, Frei, Davies (Donegan 70), Kasami, Kacaniklic; Sa
Unused Subs: Joronen, Brister