Following an outstanding ovation from all corners of Molineux in respect of legendary Wolves defender Frank Munro and former Fulham player Roger Brown, who sadly passed away earlier this week, Fulham got Sunday’s game under way.

Fulham were missing Bobby Zamora from their matchday squad on Sunday after the Club chose to rest the striker, so Martin Jol opted for Clint Dempsey and Andrew Johnson in attack whilst summer signing Pajtim Kasami was handed his Barclays Premier League debut at right midfield.

Kasami almost made a dream start to his top flight career straight from kick-off, with a run that saw him burst through on goal down the right channel. His right footed shot grazed the outside of Hennessey’s near post, but it was a positive early signal of attacking intent from the visitors.

Wolves immediately set about turning the tide of pressure towards Schwarzer’s goal, but it was only a matter of minutes before Fulham had control of possession again and Andrew Johnson then created a fine early opportunity for Damien Duff down the right flank.

Duff’s sweeping shot across goal from the six yard line found the target but flew straight into Hennessey's arms. However it wasn’t long before further opportunities came Fulham’s way. Etuhu was next to test Hennessey with a long range drive.

Etuhu, back in the starting line-up following Steve Sidwell’s mid-week Europa League appearance, was dominant in central midfield during the first-half. His pure physical presence, energy and desire were second to none against a Wolves midfield far from lacking in fighting qualities.

For all Fulham’s good work in possession during the first half hour, Kevin Doyle had a glorious chance to put the home side ahead on the half hour mark. Doyle, in a straight race to the by-line with Hangeland, hustled the Norwegian off the ball before rounding Schwarzer. With an open goal in front of him Doyle blazed his shot over the bar.

Doyle may have failed to have handed Wolves an advantage but his effort marked a significant change in the flow and balance of the game. The home side grew in confidence, and with Fulham failing to retain possession, Martin Jol's side were forced to defend deeper in their half as Wolves pressed forward.  

Schwarzer produced an outstanding save seconds after Doyle's effort, producing a low diving save to push O’Hara’s 35 yard curling shot wide of goal. Schwarzer and Fulham could only hold out for so long as Wolves' confidence grew as half-time approached. .  

Fulham were left to rue their missed opportunities at the start of the content, as Wolves punished Fulham with two goals in as many minutes right before the break. First Kevin Doyle struck home from the left hand side of the area following Hunt’s corner, before Matt Jarvis added a second during injury time. It was a crushing blow for Fulham after an evenly balanced first 45 minutes.

Two-nil down at the break, Martin Jol made two changes for the second period, introducing Steve Sidwell in place of Dickson Etuhu and Mousa Dembele for Pajtim Kasami.

Dembele was handed a booking after barely sixty seconds of the re-start when Referee Mike Dean adjudged the Belgium international to have raised an elbow in a challenge with Roger Johnson.

Fulham looked to reduce the deficit but despite an early opportunity on goal for Damien Duff, the Whites lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. Steve Sidwell certainly injected some added bite into central midfield but Fulham failed to muster any real penetration in the final third.  

To their credit the home side were not prepared to sit back and soak up the visitors' pressure. In fact, Jarvis and Hunt both went close before the hour mark. Hunt’s 25 yard shot forced Schwarzer into another fine save that saw the keeper tip the ball over his cross bar.

Just after the hour mark Hangeland’s headed effort from Murphy’s corner was saved by Hennessey before Jarvis and O’Hara went close at the other end. It was certainly a frustrating afternoon for Fulham and their travelling supporters.

Wolves remained on the front foot as the final ten minutes approached, with Hunt once again forcing Schwarzer into a fine save following another long range effort.

Fulham went on one final offensive during the final period of the match, with Clint Dempsey going agonisingly close from close range after a sustained spell of pressure. However, for all their effort and perseverance, this was not going to be Fulham’s day.

Some last ditch defending was required by Wolves late on to retain their clean sheet, including a blocked clearance on the line by Hunt following a powerful drive by Riise from the left hand side of the area.

Wolves closed out the game and after a frustrating afternoon in the Midlands.  Fulham will now turn their thoughts towards Thursday evening’s UEFA Europa League match in Ukraine|.

Martin Jol’s team will look to secure their place in the Group Stages of the UEFA Europa League, heading into the match with a 3-0 aggregate lead over FC Dnipro.

Following Thursday’s match Fulham travel to Tyneside next Sunday for a Barclays Premier League encounter with Newcastle United|.

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