Jimmy Hill lauded Fulham’s ‘strong dour, defensive display’ after watching the Whites frustrate promotion challenging Bristol City at Ashton Gate this afternoon.
The Fulham legend and television pundit – who is part of a consortium to rescue London’s oldest professional club after a year that saw them close to being merged with Queens Park Rangers and losing their historic Craven Cottage home – watched from the stands as Ray Lewington’s side battled for a fully merited point. The Londoners played a full part in an entertaining goalless draw that John Vaughan save superbly from Alan Walsh after Keith Waugh had bravely thwarted Chris Pike at the other end.
It required four pitch inspections for referee Jeff Bray to pass this sodden pitch as playable with the contest taking place in teeming rain that made enterprising football all but impossible. Paul Parker made a terrific impression in a rampaging display that saw him raid forward regularly until his effectiveness was diminished by a clash with Gordon Owen late in the second half.
BRISTOL CITY (4-4-2): Waugh; Llewellyn, MacPhail, Newman, Williams; Owen, Fitzpatrick (Honor 71), Harvey, Walsh; Morgan, Jordan.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Vaughan; Hicks, Hopkins, Oakes, Carr; Barnett, Parker, Lewington, Elkins; Coney, Pike. Subs (not used): Skinner.
REFEREE: Jeff Bray (Hinckley).
ATTENDANCE: 8,551.
