Gary Brazil scored the only goal of the game as Fulham recorded a gritty victory at Exeter City this afternoon despite the scandalous sending of right back Tony Finnigan.
Ian Branfoot’s side battled to their fifth away win of the season with reserve goalkeeper Lee Harrison making a magnificent late stop to deny Mark Cavin a leveller in the last minute of normal time in a contest that Fulham dominated. The Grecians face an uncertain future with boardroom and financial problems set to bedevil their preparations for next season – but this victory will help Branfoot as he deliberates over how to reshape his squad over the summer.
Harrison did his chances of securing more game time next term no harm with his late heroics after replacing Jim Stannard, who has suffered another injury setback. Finnigan deputised for Duncan Jupp at right back, whilst Danny Bolt made an encouraging first-team debut in a left midfield role that had previously been filled by Micky Adams. Bolt, a feisty midfielder, almost marked his unexpected start with a goal when Peter Fox had spilled a shot from Nick Cusack but the youngster drilled just wide of goal.
The home side’s only clear chance of a first half that saw Fulham dominate possession came when Harrison bravely got down at his near post to field a close range effort from Mike Cecere. Referee Mike Pierce made himself the centre of attention when, having already harshly booked Finnigan for an innocuous first half foul, he gave the right back his marching orders after a clash with Mark Gavin six minutes after half time.
Fulham’s furious protests counted for little but their sense of injustice probably inspired them to conjure up a winner midway through the second half when the industrious Brazil nod home at the far post after Nick Cusack had flicked on a clever corner from Bolt. Michael Mison was sent on in the latter stages to tighten Fulham’s grip on their slender lead, but the visitors’ goal was untroubled until Harrison intervened to ensure a clean sheet with a sharp save to keep Cavin at the death.
FULHAM: Harrison; Finnigan, Herrera, Ferney (Mison 83), Angus, Blake, M. Thomas, Morgan, Cusack, Bolt, Brazil. Subs: Hamill, Gregory.
BOOKED: Angus, Finnigan.
SENT OFF: Finnigan (51)
GOAL: Brazil (68).
ATTENDANCE: 3,388.
