Goals from Mike Conroy, Mark Blake and Nick Cusack guided Fulham back to winning ways as they beat Doncaster Rovers 3-1 at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The Cottagers came prepared for battle with a physical Rovers’ side having been stung by their derby defeat at Leyton Orient last weekend. Cusack partnered Conroy up front for the first time this season – and the pair delivered a display of finishing that might make it difficult for the dropped Gary Brazil to regain a place in Ian Branfoot’s starting line-up.
Scottish striker Conroy showed the predatory finishing instincts that have characterised his career when he reacted quickest to head home after the Rovers goalkeeper Dean Williams had saved his initial shot. But Sammy Cheung’s pugnacious outfit equalised within five minutes through captain Gary Brabin. The midfielder’s powerful header from Lee Warren’s inch-perfect cross flew beyond Tony Lange with some force from the edge of the penalty area.
Rovers grew in confidence after the goal and began to dictate terms, but were undone by their cynicism. Highly-rated centre half Darren Moore tucked back Cusack in the box as the forward looked to shot and Mark Blake, shouldering the responsibility in the absence of Micky Adams, made no mistake with the spot-kick. Doncaster’s hopes of getting back into the contest evaporated three minutes later when Graeme Jones lashed out at Duncan Jupp and was sent off.
Fulham controlled the contest for the remainder of the afternoon but they didn’t kill off their opponents until the last ten minutes. Cusack, who had delivered an outstanding performance full of grit and creativity, got his reward when he looked home a cross from Robbie Herrera to clinch a gritty win.
FULHAM: Lange; Jupp, Herrera, Angus, Blake; Thomas, Mison Cusack, Morgan; Brazil, Conroy. Subs (not used): Harrison, Moore, Bolt.
GOALS: Conroy (8), Blake (pen 29), Cusack (82).
ATTENDNANCE: 4,920.
