Gordon Davies grabbed the winner as Fulham fought for a crucial three points against fellow strugglers Crewe Alexandra at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The hosts made the best possible start by scoring after 29 seconds. A long throw from Stacey North caused chaos in the Crewe penalty area and John Marshall’s flick on allowed Jeff Eckhardt to power home a close-range header to the delight of the Cottage faithful, who have had little to cheer this season.
Davies missed a couple of chances to double Fulham’s lead before half time as the home side dominated proceedings with Eckhardt and Marshall also off target with headed efforts from Martin Pike’s left-wing crosses. Dario Gradi’s visitors didn’t fashion a single chance in the first half, but they were much improved after the interval and needed only three second half minutes to conjure up an equaliser.
Dave McKearney unlocked the Fulham defence with a beautiful ball that Craig Hignett run onto. Jim Stannard pushed away the midfielder’s shot but only into the path of an onrushing Neil Lennon, who tucked away his second goal for the Alex. The Northern Irish midfielder than spurned a glorious opportunity to give Crewe the lead five minutes later – firing wide of the target as space opened up for him following fine approach work for Maurice Doyle, who was making his first appearance for two years.
But, just as it seemed like Crewe would seize the initiative in this vital six-pointer, they fell behind. Andy Sussex was stripped of possession by Simon Morgan and Fulham countered quickly with Brazil sending Davies clear of the visiting defence with a well-weighted through ball. The veteran Welsh striker made no mistake from twelve yards. Dicks’ side should have wrapped up a more comfortable victory but Pike somehow squandered a great chance to make it 3-1 when the left-back failed to hit the target from seven yards out.
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, North, G. Thomas, Nebbeling, Pike, Marshall, Morgan, Skinner, Brazil, Davies (Milton 75). Subs (not used): Kelly.
GOALS: Eckhardt (1), Davies (60).
CREWE ALEXANDRA: Greygoose; Carr, Smart, McKearney, Swain, Doyle, Jasper (Curran 62), Lennon, Hignett, Clayton (Moore 60), Sussex.
GOAL: Lennon (49).
REFEREE: Lester Shapter (Torquay).
ATTENDANCE: 3,477.
