Fulham boss Mark Hughes was relieved his side managed to gain a point against Aston Villa after Brede Hangeland’s late leveller.
“In the first half I thought we edged the better chances,” said Hughes. “I was disappointed to concede just before half-time and in the second-half, Villa were able to get people behind the ball and play on the counter and that was always a worry for us.
“But we kept on going and doing the right things. We didn’t ask enough questions in the second-half, in terms of balls into the box, but the one ball we did produce brought us the goal and we are thankful for that.
“At that late stage you are thinking the game is lost and it has gone beyond you. We got something out of the game so we are pleased.
“We have got to be pleased with the point.”
But the return of striker Andrew Johnson, out of the game for 13 months with groin and knee injuries, was a boost for Hughes.
He had a gilt-edged chance to score after coming on as a second-half substitute but Villa keeper Brad Friedel won the one-on-one contest nine minutes from time.
“Andrew looked bright,” added Hughes. “I just felt we needed to stretch the game. We kept going and that is the positive we will take from it.
“But Andrew showed once again he still has that awareness and I am sure he was disappointed not to convert his chance. But credit to Brad who came out very quickly and closed his angle down. It was good play all round.”
