Fulham lose to a late Solano strike
Starting Line Ups
First Half Action
Brian McBride made his return to the starting line-up for the Whites as Fulham looked to further add to their points total against West Ham. Fulham also welcomed back former fans’ favourite Luis Boa Morte to the Cottage. A minutes’ applause was held prior to kick off in tribute to the late Bobby Moore.
6 mins
The Whites were quick to counter attack following a successfully defended corner. The ball fell to Jimmy Bullard who maintained possession in the face of the onrushing West Ham players before finding Clint Dempsey on the left wing. The American international cut inside and his deflected shot fell into the path of Konchesky, who tested Robert Green with a strong shot.
11 mins
Carlton Cole tried to beat Antti Niemi after doing well to get a foot to Mark Noble’s cross, however it was a relatively straight forward save for the Fulham keeper.
18 mins
Fulham survived a scare when both Luis Boa Morte and Cole raced towards goal. An awkward-looking collision between Hangeland and Boa Morte left Cole in a one-on-one with Niemi. However, with the striker about to pull the trigger Paul Konchesky was able to come across and deflect the ball behind for a corner.
29 mins
Whilst the previous home match against Aston Villa was something of a tight affair, this game, in contrast, was open and free flowing. Both sides were finding space in midfield which resulted in very fluid play in the middle of the park.
36 mins
Jimmy Bullard, playing the floating role to perfection, was popping up all over the field prompting play and making himself a very difficult figure to mark.
41 mins
Fulham showed their attacking intent when Paul Stalteri whipped in a low cross which found Dempsey at the near post. The American fired his shot against the advertising hoardings. The two players combined again minutes later, this time with Dempsey getting his effort on target.
Second Half Action
46 mins
Fulham had a shout for handball turned down Diomansy Kamara managed to find space before seeing his shot cannon off Anton Ferdinand.
50 mins
The second half was already looking a far more exciting period than the first and that was certainly reflected in the sound coming from the stands. Fulham came close to taking the lead when Leon Andreasen hoisted a high ball into the box, with a group of players waiting for the ball to drop Brede Hangeland threw himself into the fray. His header flew just over the bar.
55 mins
The action was more reminiscent of a basketball match with each team seemingly taking turns to attack and defend. Leon Andreasen’s incredible work rate was a major contributing factor to the Whites’ drive in midfield.
61 mins
The Whites were caught dawdling in possession which sparked a dangerous attacking spell from the visitors. The passage of play highlighted the close nature of the second half. Four minutes later, the Whites were almost in trouble again when Bullard lost possession and the ball was punted long to Cole who shrugged off Hughes to shoot just wide.
65 mins
Fulham almost capitalised on a good situation when a McBride flick-on worked its way through to Dempsey 25 yards out. The striker's attempted lob over Green unfortunately fell short and the former Norwich keeper was able to gather comfortably.
68 mins
The West Ham defence was at sixes and sevens following a well-delivered Paul Konchesky free kick. Green rose to claim the ball but was impeded by his own defender, the ball fell to McBride whose shot was deflected away for a throw.
72 mins
The introduction of Nobby Solano certainly put the visitors on the ascendancy and it was a fine pass from the winger that had Fulham on the back foot. The move culminated in Cole forcing a good save from Niemi.
76 mins - Fulham Substitution – Dempsey OFF Johnson ON
Andreasen could have put the Whites in front when the ball was laid back to him in the box but his effort ricocheted over.
80 mins
Yet more excellent work from Leon Andreasen, this time the midfielder did well to received the ball with his back to goal and hold off two West Ham defenders before being brought down on the edge of the box for a free kick.
85 mins
Kamara, McBride, Andreasen and Bullard all combined in a flowing move which culminated in Bullard's shot being well saved by Green.
87 mins - GOAL WEST HAM – Solano
The visitors took the lead with only a matter of minutes remaining on the clock. The ball fell into no-man’s-land in the penalty area via the chest of Luis Boa Morte and in a race for the ball, Solano beat Niemi and touched it past the keeper. Although Niemi managed to get his hands to the ball he was unable to withstand a studs up challenge from Solano.
87 mins – RED CARD – Leon Andreasen
The Fulham midfielder was shown a second yellow card following his protests to the referee.
90 mins
Brede Hangeland moved up front as Fulham desperately searched for a way back on to level terms with ten men.
fulhamfc.com Man of the Match
Leon Andreasen
Frustration got the better of him late in the game but nonetheless Andreasen covered every blade of grass in midfield.