Caretaker Manager Ray Lewington opted for a familiar starting line-up to challenge Bournemouth at Dean Court on Saturday, with Bobby Zamora and Captain Danny Murphy returning to the fray to add weight to an almost full strength Team.

Mark Schwarzer, John Pantsil, Clint Dempsey, Philippe Senderos, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Dickson Etuhu were the notable absentees from Fulham’s 22-man travelling party to the South Coast, having all performed for their respective nations at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Following Wednesday night’s emphatic 5-0 win over Brentford, there was another strong show of support for the Whites at Dean Court, with Bobby Zamora’s return from injury clearly appreciated by Fulham’s travelling fans.

After a placid start to the game Zoltan Gera fired in the first shot of the match after 7 minutes, a low drive from 18 yards that Bournemouth keeper Jalal saved thanks to good positioning and awareness.

As the ten minute mark approached Bournemouth enjoyed a fine spell of football which resulted in the home side taking the lead through Anton Robinson.

Robinson’s goal, a fierce drive from 20 yards into the corner of Stockdale’s net, followed some impressive play from Liam Feeney. The winger’s bright, incisive runs down the right wing were married with plenty of pace, skill and attacking intent during the first half. 

The pace of the game dipped following Robinson’s goal, as Fulham searched for an equaliser. That looked most likely to come down the right flank, with Duff and Stoor linking up well in the final third during the opening stages of the match.

After 26 minutes Bobby Zamora brought Fulham level after out-jumping Bournemouth keeper Jalal in the area. Zamora’s opportunity came from a long ball into the area by Fredrik Stoor and Zamora’s spring and strength was too much for Halal, who Zamora brushed aside with ease to bring Fulham level.

The game ebbed and flowed towards the break as both sides failed to create any notable opportunities in the final third. It was Zoltan Gera who started and ended the first half action, with another drive from distance right before the break. Once again, Halal was equal to the Hungarian’s drive and the match remained on level terms at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Ray Lewington made two changes for the second half. Captain Danny Murphy made way for Jonathan Greening in central midfield whilst Eddie Johnson replaced Bobby Zamora in attack.

Fulham's travelling supporters will be pleased to report that Zamora looked fit and healthy on Saturday, following his recovery from an ankle injury that hampered the striker during the final stages of last season.

Bournemouth should be applauded for the fashion in which they played the game on Saturday. The League One side will earn plenty of plaudits next season, as they deliver an attractive brand of football that Fulham fans have become accustomed to at the Cottage over the years.

Eddie Johnson caught sight of goal ten minutes into the second half but his right footed drive from the edge of the area was well covered by Halal in goal. Just minutes later Gera tried his luck from the right flank but his effort sailed high.

Ray Lewington made two further changes after the hour mark, introducing Riise and Kelly for Duff and Stoor respectively.

Kelly almost made an immediate impact, delivering the sweetest of right footed crosses from the by-line which was intercepted at the near post. From the resulting corner Zoltan Gera headed just wide of the far post.

As the game passed the hour mark Fulham moved up a gear and began to find space and time in the final third. Zoltan Gera looked odds on to put Fulham ahead when he broke clear for a one-on-one with Halal, but the goalkeeper did just enough to deny the Hungarian.

Norwegian international Riise was the next to go close for Fulham as he broke past two defenders down the right before delivering a cross-come-shot that flew just over Halal’s far post.

Former Academy graduate Matthew Saunders was offered an opportunity to shine ten minutes from time, when Ray Lewington introduced the youngster for Simon Davies. One further change followed, with David Elm coming on for Zoltan Gera.

Further graduates were given game time at Dean Court, with Marsh Brown replacing Konchesky and Alex Smith coming on for Hangeland. Both youngsters took up defensive positions on the flanks with Kelly and Hughes in the centre of defence. Harris then replaced Baird in central midfield.

Fulham were certainly creating all the openings during the latter stages of the game but lacked the cutting edge needed to claim victory. David Elm forced Halal into a fine save, as did Eddie Johnson, before the final whistle. On the evidence of play Bournemouth deserved a share of the spoils on Saturday.

Following their second pre-season match in the space of a week Fulham head to Varberg in Sweden on Monday, with two fixtures confirmed against Halmstad and Malmo FF.