Fulham and Port Vale played out a dour goalless draw at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
Both well organised defences were on top as the two sides struggled to create clear cut chances. Gary Brazil fired two long range efforts over the bar for Fulham, who made the early running, but the Whites were pushed back by Vale’s incisive counter attacking in the second half.
Ara Bedrossian forced a smart save from Port Vale goalkeeper Paul Musslewhite with twenty minutes to go but the home side’s concerted late push never really materialised much to consternation of a disappointed Don Mackay. The closest the Cottagers came to a late winner was when skipper Simon Morgan glanced a header wide of goal as time ticked away.
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt (Angus 75), Herrera, G. Thomas, Jupp, Morgan, Bedrossian, Hails, Baah, Brazil, Farrell. Subs (not used): Harrison, Tierling.
ATTENDANCE: 5,760
