Late goals from Gary Brazil and Mike Conroy helped Third Division Fulham cruise into the second round of the Coca Cola Cup with ease at the Goldstone Ground tonight.
Ian Branfoot’s charges had the cushion of a three-goal lead from the first leg last week and weathered an early storm from the home side with Michael Mison and Terry Angus immense at the heart of the visiting defence. Tony Lange made a couple of smart saves from John Byrne, but Albion struggled to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying the majority of the ball after the interval.
Veteran forward Gary Brazil enlivened Fulham’s attack when he replaced Lea Barkus at the start of the second half. He supplied a deep cross for Conroy to head home, ending any doubt about the Cottagers’ serene progress into the second round. Brazil got on the scoresheet himself with ninety seconds remaining as he tapped home from close range after Conroy raced beyond the remnants of a ramshackle Brighton defence to delight the travelling fans.
FULHAM: Lange; Herrera, Jupp, Mison, Angus, Blake, Thomas, Barkus (Brazil 45), Conroy, Cusack, Adams. Subs (not used): Harrison, Moore.
GOALS: Conroy (83), Brazil (88).
REFEREE: Mick Pierce (Portsmouth).
ATTENDANCE: 3,799.
