A fine strike from Terry Angus handed Fulham a slender victory over non-league Aldershot in their latest pre-season outing at the Recreation Ground.
The centre half – not known for his ball-striking – swept a superb volley into the bottom corner of the net from a fine Martin Thomas cross with nine minutes left. Fulham defended gamely in a game of few chances and there was plenty for Micky Adams to admire about his side’s resolution, resilience and creativity when they did gain possession.
The visitors were on the front foot from the first minute with Rob Scott a constant threat to the Shots defence. The former Sheffield United striker fired wide from the edge of the area with barely 40 seconds on the clock and drilled an effort fractionally over the crossbar with twenty minutes gone.
The hosts didn’t just sit back and absorb pressure. Darren Adams tested Tony Lange’s reflexes with a snapshot that the Fulham goalkeeper did well to palm aside for a corner. When Lange was booked for handling outside the penalty area, his defensive wall bailed him out by deflecting Jason Turner’s free-kick over the bar just before the hour mark.
FULHAM: Lange; Honour (Thomas 55), Herrera, Angus, Stewart (Barkus 83), Blake, McAree (Thomas 25-45; Brooker 65), Cockerill, Cusack (Hamsher 78), Morgan (Marshall 78), Scott (Hamill 65).
GOAL: Angus (81).#####
