Fulham’s remarkable escape from relegation gathered pace after a vital victory over lowly Newport County at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
Ray Lewington’s in-form outfit could easily have scored six or seven in a match they completely dominated but they only made sure of all three points in the final minute through striker Dean Coney. The Whites didn’t really need a helping hand but they got one in the sixth minute when County’s Paul Compton lashed Leo Donnellan’s low cross past his own goalkeeper.
The easing of Fulham’s injury crisis gives the spine of their side much more strength. Fit-again Peter Scott returned to add power in central midfield, whilst the recovery of full-back Paul Parker will prove very welcome during the run-in. Donnellan delivered a man-of-the-match display, with his combination play with the lively Coney adding a new dimension to the home side’s attack.
Coney settled the contest with his fifteenth goal of the season in the last minute by rounding the goalkeeper and sliding a low finish into the net after excellent link up play between player-manager Lewington and Gary Barnett.
FULHAM: Vaughan; Oakes, Hopkins, Carr, Parker, Scott, Donnellan, Lewington, Barnett, Brathwaite, Coney. Subs (not used): Achampong.
GOALS: Compton (o.g. 6), Coney (90).
ATTENDANCE: 4,234.
