Fulham’s feint hopes of promotion from Division Three faded forever in the pouring rain at Field Mill despite Simon Morgan’s last-gasp leveller.
Ian Branfoot’s side battled to a creditable point against the promotion-chasing Stags, but the draw left the Whites seven points adrift of the play-off places with only two league games remaining of a frustrating season. Mark Peters’ first half strike seemed set to condemn the Cottagers to another away defeat but skipper Morgan scored a controversial equaliser with ninety seconds of normal time to play.
Gary Brazil looked at least two yards offside when he chased a hopeful ball forward from Micky Adams but play was allowed to continue. The professional Brazil left the ball for Morgan to gallop onto – and the officials deemed the wily forward was not interfering with play – as Morgan smashed home to the delight of the 150 sodden travelling supporters.
Branfoot insisted that his side fully merited a share of the spoils after the final whistle. “I thought we thoroughly deserved the result,” the Fulham boss told his post-match press conference. “It was a terrific battling performance. I fancied us from the start, we were in good spirits. If there’s one plus point from this season, it is that we are getting goals from all over the park.
“Simon Morgan is the leading league goalscorer, Micky Adams has scored goals from wide and our centre backs have about five goals apiece.”
Branfoot also heaped particular praise on the defensively-minded members of the side who nullified Mansfield’s much-vaunted attacking threats. “I thought Jim Stannard did well, making two extremely good saves, and Michael Mison was outstanding. He’s only nineteen – and he’s a force to be reckoned with.”
FULHAM: Stannard; Jupp, Herrera, Mison, Angus, Blake, M. Thomas, Morgan, Cusack (Hamill 75), Adams, Brazil. Subs: Gregory, Ferney.
GOAL: Morgan.
ATTENDANCE: 2,861.
