Fulham fought hard to hold play-off chasing Reading to a goalless draw at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The Royals had the better of the chances but came away frustrated by the stellar goalkeeper of Fulham number one Jim Stannard and hitting the Cottage woodwork. Visiting manager Mark McGhee admitted afterwards he was happy with the point he set his team up to take – extending their unbeaten run to six matches – after including Spurs loanee David McDonald at the expense of striker Andy Gray to stifle the hosts’ attack. Whilst that approach worked, McGhee will now be without Phil Parkinson for at least another game during the run-in after the midfielder was cautioned for a challenge on Fulham captain Simon Morgan.
A patchy playing surface rendered any attractive football impossible and Gavin Nebbeling almost paid the penalty for trying to control a loose ball at the back after thirteen minutes. Michael Gilkes pounced to race through on goal but Stannard kept out the midfielder’s right-footed effort. Stannard had to save again from Kevin Dillon shortly afterwards and an indication of what sort of afternoon the away side might be in for came midway through the first half when Quinn’s far-post from a Gilkes cross was fingertipped onto the crossbar by a soaring Stannard.
Don Mackay’s side didn’t threaten until just before the hour mark when a marauding run from Martin Pike saw the left back lash over the Hammersmith End crossbar. Dillon was denied again five minutes later when Stannard pushed away the midfielder’s sweet volley after Quinn had headed another Gilkes’ cross into the former Newcastle United man’s path.
The Cottagers were much more lively once Gary Brazil replaced Mark Kelly. Referee Brandwood waved away the home fans’ prolonged penalty appeals after McDonald appeared to catch Julian Hails in the area before Steve Francis did well to keep out Morgan’s 20-yard drive. Sean Farrell perhaps should have done better than stab wide after Gilkes had given the ball away in his own defensive third, but after that flurry of Fulham chances, it was Reading who finished the stronger of the two sides.
Stannard spread himself well to thwart Scott Taylor from close range after Keith McPherson had flicked on a Dillon free-kick before Quinn headed wastefully over after being afforded a free header at a late corner.
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, Nebbeling, G. Thomas (Ferney 82), Pike, Marshall, Morgan, Newson, M. Kelly (Brazil 63), Hails, Farrell.
BOOKED: Hails, Farrell.
READING: Francis; Gooding, Jackson, McPherson, Hopkins, Parkinson, Gilkes, Dillon, Quinn, McDonald, Taylor. Subs (not used): Gray, Barkus.
BOOKED: Parkinson, Hopkins, Quinn.
REFEREE: John Brandwood (Lichfield).
ATTENDANCE: 4,818.
