It is now six wins in nine for Mark Hughes’ men in all competitions, as his Fulham side are finally turning themselves from a ‘hard to beat’ team into a winning team. Meanwhile the lack of goals for Newcastle in this one will be magnified and indeed for the rest of the season now that star man Andy Carroll has left for Liverpool. And things got a whole lot worse for Alan Pardew on 12 minutes when Shola Ameobi had to come off after taking a knock challenging for a header; Ameobi is set to be on the sidelines for six weeks with a broken cheekbone. Pardew had to go deep into his bench and brought on Nile Ranger, who looked sharp and fearless alongside youngster Leon Best.
But chances were a premium for Newcastle in the first half, their only real chance from a Joey Barton free kick which came off Fulham new man Steve Sidwell’s head and was inches from creeping into the net. Fulham were the better side but Sidwell’s 25 yard shot half way through the first half was never troubling Harper’s goal and the only ‘half chance’ fell to Dempsey; he latched onto Murphy’s free kick, doing well to spin and shoot but his effort only rippled the side netting.
At half time both teams had just the solitary effort on target, both goalkeepers having nothing to do and needing the break to warm up their hands.
Mark Hughes was desperate to pick up three points here after a great performance over Spurs in the FA Cup on sunday, and his team talk at half time did wonders as Dembele shone from the re start. His early ball found Dempsey on the edge of the area, and while the American failed to beat Harper who saved with his legs, the ball fell to Damien Duff, who’s 5 yard sidefooter somehow missed the goal. The game really started to open up with Dempsey having another strike punched over by Harper, whilst at the other end Leon Best headed inches over Mark Schwarzer’s crossbar.
A goal was coming and on 67 minutes Fulham found the breakthrough. Danny Murphy sprayed a trademark pass from his own half into the path of Duff, who used his body cleverly against Enrique and slotted past Harper. His celebration showed his delight, kissing and pointing at his badge, showing Fulham his allegiance to the club.
Hughes brought new man Gael Kakuta on for a twenty minute spell, and he instantly made an impact, lashing a shot straight at Harper and creating a one on one opportunity for Dempsey who failed to seal victory. Newcastle were to have a final chance when Ranger brought down a header from Nolan, but his slow rolling shot from five yards was smothered by Fulham’s goalkeeper.
A much better second half saw an open game and more chances created. But Fulham took their chance and leave with the three points. It is now up to Newcastle’s young strikers to fill the gaping hole left by Carroll and stay in the top flight, before that £35million is spent wisely in the summer.
