Gary Brazil’s second half header earned Fulham a point at Exeter City this afternoon – but the Whites were furious to go behind to a controversial penalty on the stroke of half time.
The Londoners, who had dominated the first period, bitterly contested Clive Wilkes’ award of a spot-kick for handball against young midfielder Mark Kelly who could hardly get out of the way of Paul Wimbleton’s blistering drive. Kelly was cautioned by Wilkes before Steve Moran stroked the penalty into the corner well out of the reach of Fulham goalkeeper Jim Stannard.
The Whites had enjoyed the better chances in the first half with Brazil almost profiting from a dreadful bit of defending by in the third minute when Andy Cook gave the ball away in his own box, but Keith Miller blocked Brazil’s first-time shot. Kelly then unlocked the Grecians defence with a delightful chip but Brazil shot wide. Exeter were limited in attack themselves, with Moran blasting their best chance wide after played in by Wimbleton.
Fulham levelled twenty minutes into the second half when Julian Hails’ corner was flicked on by Sean Farrell and nodded home by his strike partner Brazil at the back post. Mackay’s men could easily have taken all three points as Farrell hit the post from close range after Martin Pike had a shot blocked and the left back dragged an effort wide after an incredible individual run.
Grecians boss Alan Ball said afterwards: “I thought it was a good game of football but Fulham had the edge. The system I have played has done ever so well away from home in the last couple of matches, but it didn’t look quite as effective today. In the second half, we became detached and didn’t play as a team. We allowed Fulham to dominate and gave them too much room – but I’m very happy with the point.”
EXETER CITY: Miller; Whiston, Brown, Cook, Wimbleton, Thompstone, Robson, Cooper, Williams, Marshall, Moran.
GOAL: Moran (pen 45).
FULHAM: Stannard; Eckhardt, G. Thomas, Pike, Marshall, Morgan, P. Kelly, M. Kelly, Hails, Brazil, Farrell. Subs (not used): Onwere, Haag.
BOOKED: M. Kelly.
GOAL: Brazil (65).
ATTENDANCE: 4,002.
