Fulham crashed of the Auto Windscreens Trophy at the southern quarter final stage as second half goals from John Paskin and Wayne Phillips had the Welsh side’s fans dreaming of a trip to Wembley.
Brian Flynn’s men rode their luck a little in the first half as Fulham failed to capitalise on a strong start but they were more clinical in the penalty area and could yet round off an excellent campaign of Cup football by heading down Empire Way after already humbling George Graham’s Arsenal at the third round stage of the FA Cup last month. Fulham bombarded Vice O’Keefe’s goal but couldn’t break the deadlock. Mark Kelly shot over, Peter Scott hit the crossbar before Jeff Eckhardt saw a shot scrambled off the line and Julian Hails failed to convert two glorious chances from close range.
The young winger won’t want to watch the video nasty Don Mackay might prepare after this disappointment as he somehow spooned a shot over the bar from barely a yard out after Gary Brazil’s shot was cleared off the line by Brian Carey. The former University of Surrey student then missed the target totally when presented with an open goal six yards out – and you got the felling it wasn’t going to be Fulham’s night.
Lee Jones had passed up two excellent chances before half-time as Wrexham operated on the counter attack, but they took control of the contest in a much improved second half display. South African striker Paskin headed wide when it seemed easier to score after excellent approach play from Jones and it came as no surprise when the visitors took the lead. Gareth Owen sent in a low cross from the left this time Paskin kept his composure to sidefoot past Jim Stannard.
The visitors clinched a spot in the semi-finals with three minutes left through a sensational strike from Philips, who found the corner of the net from 20 yards. Fulham will look to get back to winning ways in the league at Wigan Athletic on Friday night.
FULHAM: Stannard; Morgan, Eckhardt, Finch (P. Kelly 80), G. Thomas, M. Kelly (Haag 80), Scott, Hails, Pike, Brazil, Farrell.
WREXHAM: O’Keefe; Thackerey, Hardy, Carey, Durkan, Sertori, Paskin, Owen, Connelly, Jones, Phillips. Subs (not used): Watkin, Jones.
GOALS: Paskin (70), Phillips (87).
REFEREE: P. Jones.
ATTENDANCE: 2,236.
