Goals from Nick Cusack and Gary Brazil helped Fulham come from behind to beat Hartlepool United in treacherous conditions at Victoria Park this afternoon.
The Whites’ trailed to a first half penalty from Nicky Southall, but battled both a muddy pitch and their buoyant opponents before coming out on top. Cusack headed Fulham level before half time and the visitors snatched all three points when Hartlepool goalkeeper Brian Horne misjudged Brazil’s cross and watched in horror as he squeezed between him and the near post.
Referee Neale Barry cleared the pitch as playable despite heavy overnight rain and the soggy playing surface meant that free flowing football was out of the question from the outset. The home side missed the aerial ability of Keith Houchen and they resorted to pushing centre back Ian McGuckin further forward in the closing stages but Fulham survived a late onslaught to claim a precious three points.
The hosts had taken the lead through Southall’s spot kick after Duncan Jupp had brought down Paul Thompson. Stannard saved well from Thompson. Anthony Skedd and Jason Ainsley before his side hit back through a fine header from Cusack three minutes before half time after excellent approach by Martin Thomas. Nick Cusack fed Brazil after the break and the former Newcastle and Sheffield United striker, again playing out of position on the left wing, saw his wind-assisted cross deliver the winner for the Cottagers midway through the second half after Horne’s costly blunder.
Fulham boss Ian Branfoot said afterwards: “I don’t mean to be facetious but I thought we deserved the win. To come to a place like this at this time of year and to play like that is a credit to the team.”
HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Horne; Ingram, Skedd, Gilchrist, McGuckin, Tait, Doughtry, Ainsley, Thompson (Peverell 45), Sloan, Southall. Subs (not used): Jones, Reddish.
BOOKED: Gilchrist, Southall, Ainsley.
GOAL: Southall (pen 19).
FULHAM: Stannard; Jupp, Angus, Hurlock, Moore, Blake, M. Thomas, Morgan, Cusack, Brazil, Hamill. Subs: Harrison, Herrera, Finnigan.
BOOKED: Hamill, Hurlock.
GOALS: Cusack (42), Brazil (64).
REFEREE: Neale Barry (Scunthorpe).
ATTENDANCE: 1,698.
