Ray Lewington took the blame for Fulham’s narrow defeat at Sheffield United this afternoon – suggesting that his side were cowed by a detailed scouting dossier on the Blades.
The former Sheffield United midfielder watched his old side put Port Vale to the sword and produced detailed plans on how to stop them, but felt his side were too preoccupied to play their own game at Bramall Lane as a result. Lewington admitted afterwards: “I think the poor first half performance is down to me. I overdid it last week, making Sheffield United into something they are not”.
In-form centre forward Brian Deane gave the Blades a first-half lead when he outjumped Glen Thomas to head the home side ahead and Fulham spurned a glorious opportunity to draw level when Robert Wilson was fouled in the box and Graham Benstead saved Andy Sayer’s penalty.
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, Peters, Thomas, Marshall, Scott, Barnett (Skinner 65), Wilson, Walker, Gordon, Sayer. Subs (not used): Elkins.
ATTENDANCE: 11,087.
