Andrew Johnson’s two-goal salvo against Wisla Krakow on Thursday night took the striker’s tally to 11 goals in all competitions this season and helped Fulham move a step closer to qualifying from the Group Stage of the UEFA Europa League.
Johnson’s first of the evening was a stunning volley from a Danny Murphy delivery, his second was a far more delicate strike – chipping a fine finish over Sergei Pareiko after a crafty set-piece routine.
“We were happy to get the three points to give us a great chance of qualifying,” assessed Johnson after the match. “We’ve got two big games coming up against Odense and FC Twente, so if we can get another win, I’m sure we can progress.
“I’m pleased, but the main thing is that the team got the win we needed because we were quite disappointed to lose at their place the other week.
“The first goal was a great ball from Danny Murphy and it was probably as clean a strike as I’ve hit in my career. It was a little bit behind me, but I hit it and it always looks nice when it hits the post and goes in. It’s probably up there in my top two goals, but the main thing is that we got the three points and we just need to kick on now.
“The second was a well worked free-kick that we’d been practicing and I was delighted to get it over the goalkeeper.”
The victory puts Fulham and FC Twente clear of both Odense and Wisla Krakow in Group K and certainly alleviates the pressure going into the final two game of the Group Stage.
“I don’t think anyone likes going into games waiting on other results,” explained Johnson. “You want the incentive of it being in your own hands. Now it’s up to us.
“It’s a massive competition. We got to the Final a couple of years ago. Everyone in and around Fulham knows how important it is to the Club and it's up to us to do well so I’m delighted to keep scoring and hopefully I can carry it on this Sunday.
“It was a great game and a great atmosphere. The Fulham fans were top class like they always are, week-in, week-out and they played their part.”
Attentions now turn to Sunday’s Barclays Premier League encounter with Tottenham for what will be a stern test of the squad’s powers of recuperation. However Johnson is certain that the Whites will be fresh-legged for Spurs.
“We have great medical staff around us and we have a great recovery squad and a great system at the Club. Tottenham have played as well although I’m sure they rested a few more than we did, but we’re professional footballers and we’ll all be ready for Sunday. We’re all fit lads so we can’t use mid-week games as an excuse.
“Week-in week-out we play in the Premier League and ultimately we want to stay and do well in it so that’s always the main priority. The Europa League is a bonus, but we got to the Final two years ago so I don’t see why we can’t do it again.
“It’s been a great week for the guys. We got our first away win which was important and the three points in the Premier League bumped us up the table and relieved a bit of pressure, especially after the unfortunate loss we had last week against Everton. But we bounced back well. We played well last Saturday. We were a little bit lucky but we got the three points and it’s taken us to a big game tonight and the boys stepped up again. And I’m sure they’ll step up again on Sunday.”
