Following the recent international break, which saw 12 members of Fulham’s First Team squad involved in friendly and qualifying matches across the globe, Manager Martin was dealt a selection headache prior to Saturday’s match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Three key players were missing from Fulham’s travelling party to the North East. John Arne Riise remained back in London after his wife went into labour on Saturday morning whilst Steve Sidwell was a further absentee following a recent hernia operation. Stephen Kelly was also unavailable for selection after picking up an injury during the Republic of Ireland's first leg play-off victory over Estonia last week.

Thankfully, in defence, Jol welcomed back Philippe Senderos and Aaron Hughes from injury and Riise’s place at left back was taken by the ever depandable Chris Baird. Fulham's midfield and attack looked more familiar with Andrew Johnson on the bench as Jol opted for Mousa Dembele and Bobby Zamora to lead Fulham's attack at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce had his own injury concerns with Sebastian Larsson and summer signing Connor Wickham out of contention for Saturday's game. However the home side certainly had an impressive array of experienced Premier League players in their starting eleven following some astute signings by Bruce over the summer.

During the opening exchanges Mousa Dembele hunted for possession deep in midfield and it took just six minutes for the Belgium international to create Fulham’s first opportunity on goal.

Following a smart piece of link up play between Duff, Zamora and Dembele on the right hand side of the area, Dembele beat two markers in quick succession with some impressive close control before forcing Westwood into a fine save from 12 yards out.

Kieran Richardson went even closer for the home side just before the ten minute mark, with a glancing header from 8 yards that skimmed over the top of Mark Schwarzer’s cross bar.

Schwarzer was then required to make a smart save from Sessegnon on the right hand side of the area barely 60 seconds later. Lady luck was certainly on Fulham’s side early on, as Colback struck the cross bar again for Sunderland on 15 minutes with a left footed drive from inside the area.

Despite two close encounters during the first 20 minutes, Fulham settled comfortably as the first half wore on and restricted Steve Bruce’s team to speculative crosses from the flanks. The home side’s most potent threat was down the right flank through Elmohamady but Baird managed the midfielder brilliantly from an unfamiliar position in defence.

With Dembele handed a roving role by Martin Jol, the striker was constantly on the prowl for possession in midfield and on 28 minutes Cattermole clattered into the Belgium with a cynical tackle. Sunderland’s captain picked up a booking for his effort with Dembele feeling no ill effects.

Cattermole found himself on the receiving end eight minutes later when Etuhu caught the midfielder with a high challenge. Etuhu was subsequently booked and the home crowd were appealing for a red card seconds later when Etuhu concede d a free-kick on the edge of his area. Thankfully common sense prevailed and the Referee waved away any appeals.

Right before half-time Fulham won a two successive corners and on the second set piece Etuhu rose above a crowd area to head goalwards. Fulham’s travelling supporters were up on their feet but Westwood pulled off an impressive save to keep the score level at half-time.

After Sunderland got the second half underway it took four minutes of play for Bobby Zamora to earn Fulham a free-kick 18 yards from goal. Chris Baird stepped and delivered an inch perfect right-footed strike to the far corner of Westwood’s goal. The Sunderland keeper reacted brilliantly and pulled off a great save to deny Fulham.

Sunderland moved up a gear as the hour mark approached with the home crowd sensing a shift in urgency from the home team on the pitch. To their credit Fulham managed the pressure well and rarely looked troubled. Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird were stemming the flow from the flanks with authoritative measure.

Just past the hour mark Sunderland earned three corners in succession and it was nerve wracking moments for Fulham’s travelling supporters as Sunderland piled on the pressure.

Martin Jol introduced Andrew Johnson with twenty minutes remaining, as Bobby Zamora made way. The England striker appeared to be carrying a knock as he left the field of play.

15 minutes from time Sessegnon beat Hughes down Sunderland’s left flank and delivered a teasing cross towards the penalty spot. Bendtner was in position but failed to connect much to Fulham’s relief. It was arguably the home side’s best chance of the second-half that said much for Fulham’s defensive display on Saturday.

At the other end Fulham’s opportunities were sparse but Dickson Etuhu went close with another header from a corner with nine minutes remaining.

With six minutes remaining Fulham caught Sunderland on the counter attack with a two on one situation. Dembele travelled a full 50 yards before releasing Dempsey down the right channel but unfortunately the American’s shot across goal drifted wide. It was a golden opportunity for Fulham but Dempsey’s strike lacked conviction.

Martin Jol introduced Bryan Ruiz and Matthew Briggs for the final few minutes of the game as both sides went looking for maximum points. Fulham had Mark Schwarzer to thank in injury time after the goalkeeper pulled off one of the saves of the season to secure a point for Fulham.

Fulham will be pleased with Saturday's point from a tough away fixture in the North East. Next week Martin Jol's team head across the Capital for a London derby against Arsenal.

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