Simon Morgan seized upon a late mistake from Gillingham goalkeeper Steve Banks to steal all three points for the Whites at the end of a hard-fought local derby this afternoon at Craven Cottage.
Banks, who made a superb last-gasp save to earn the Gills a win over Barnet just 48 hours earlier, failed to punch away a right-wing cross from Fulham full back Duncan Jupp and skipper Morgan took full advantage by heading into the empty net with eight minutes to play. Two injury-ravaged sides had played out a poor contest high on intensity but sorely lacking in any quality until the Fulham captain’s decisive late intervention.
Fulham began tentatively but were able to test the visiting defence thanks to clever interplay between Gary Brazil and Nick Cusack. The pair combined to set Brazil through on goal but the forward’s heavy touch allowed Banks to collect the loose ball after haring off his line.
The contest was enlivened by two dreadful tackles in the space of two minutes from Gillingham Scott Lindsey. He clattered recklessly into John Marshall forcing the Fulham veteran to be stretchered from the field with a double fracture of his right leg. The home fans were furious that Lindsey wasn’t even cautioned and then protested at Lindsey only receiving a yellow card for a late lunge on Micky Adams, with the former Gillingham man requiring lengthy treatment on the sidelines before he could continue.
The quality of football improved only marginally after the interval. Joe Dunne’s long-range effort whistled wide of Lee Harrison’s far post just before the hour mark and Gillingham were denied a penalty after Terry Angus appeared to hold back Steve Brown in the box. But Fulham kept on going, roared on by the home faithful, and got their reward with eight minutes left. Jupp raced forward down the right flank and sent over a high cross, which Cusack attacked with Banks. The Gillingham goalkeeper failed to hold the ball and Morgan was on hand to head home the winner.
Player-coach Adams hailed the impact of the Craven Cottage faithful after the final whistle. He said: “I thought the crowd were great today. They remained patient and kept behind us all the way. As for the performance, it was just important to get three points and realistically we’ve got enough to build for next season now. Some of the youngsters might be given a chance in the remaining three games.”
FULHAM: Harrison; Jupp, Herrera, M. Thomas, Angus, Blake, Marshall (Mison 26), Morgan, Cusack, Adams, Brazil (Hamill 73). Sub (not used): Gregory.
GOAL: Morgan (82).
REFEREE: Paul Alcock
ATTENDANCE: 3,612.
