Young striker Rob Haworth scored the winner as Fulham came from behind to beat Brentford and breathe new life in their battle against the drop by winning a passionate derby at Griffin Park this afternoon.
Fulham made the worst possible start when a poor back pass from Terry Angus put goalkeeper Jim Stannard in all sorts of trouble and Brentford striker Robert Taylor slotted into the far corner of the net from eight yards after just five minutes.
But Ray Lewington’s side equalised midway through the first half when a long throw caused confusion in the Brentford box with Jeff Eckhardt heading the loose ball across the penalty area and skipper Simon Morgan climbed highest at the far post to level the scores.
The visitors went ahead ten minutes later when Haworth outjumped Jamie Bates and Carl Hutchings and glanced a header into the far corner of the net from Lee Tierling’s free-kick. Fulham stood firm to survive a late Brentford onslaught and claim a precious three points in their bid for survival.
BRENTFORD: Dearden; Statham, Grainger, Bates, Ashby, Smith, Ratcliffe, Harvey, Mundee, Stephenson, Taylor. Subs: Manuel, Hutchings, Fernandes.
GOAL: Taylor (5).
FULHAM: Stannard; Angus, Eckhardt, Herrera, Pike, Morgan, Tierling (Mison 75), Ferney, Brazil, Farrell, Haworth. Subs (not used): Harrison, Bedrossian.
BOOKED: Brazil, Farrell, Ferney.
GOALS: Morgan (22), Haworth (33).
REFEREE: Mike Bailey (Impington).
ATTENDANCE: 6,638.
