Fulham’s fine ten-match unbeaten run came to an end as they lost a five-goal thriller to Preston North End at Deepdale this afternoon.
An injury-ravaged Fulham side went into the contest without the services of centre back Kevin Moore, centre forward Gary Brazil and top scorer Micky Adams but could consider themselves unfortunate not to be heading back to London with a share of their spoils having battled valiantly against a powerful Preston outfit.
Scottish striker Mike Conroy gave North End the lead against the run of play midway through the first half but Duncan Jupp delivered his second goal in as many outings when he drove home a terrific 20-yard free kick to level matters shortly after half-time.
But Fulham paid the penalty for a dozy five minute spell shortly after the interval that turned a tight contest in the home side’s favour. Paul Raynor restored Preston’s lead with a measured finish from Conroy’s pass before on-loan Manchester United midfielder David Beckham curled in a fine free-kick ninety seconds later to make it 3-1.
Fulham forced a rip-roaring finale when centre back Mark Blake cooly converted an 80th minute penalty awarded after John Marshall had been pulled back in the penalty area – but the Whites couldn’t find a leveller despite concerted late pressure.
Branfoot told his post-match press conference: “I think it was fairly indicative of the way we’re playing at the moment. We lost 3-2 but we were the better side. The final result tells a different story, but for most of the game we were in control. You get hit by two quick goals just after half time and it kills you. But if Preston are an indicator then if they end up near the top, we’ll be there too.
We put three past Darlington recently and four past Barnet, but our performance at Preston was better than those. I don’t think teams look forward to playing us now because we have the right attitude. What pleases is that we’ve had players out injured or suspended but the people who’ve come in have done excellent jobs. That’s the sign of a good squad.”
FULHAM: Stannard; Jupp, Herrera, Hurlock, Angus, Blake, Marshall, Morgan, Cusack, Mison, Hamill (Cork 87). Subs (not used): Harrison, Ferney.
GOALS: Jupp (47), Blake (pen 80).
ATTENDANCE: 8,601.
