Fulham produced a serious shock at Roots Hall as they beat Southend United 2-0 in the Coca Cola Cup first round first leg day this evening.
Micky Adams’ men showed no signs of being overawed at the prospect of taking on a team two divisions higher – and dominated from the first whistle. The experienced Glenn Cockerill became the oldest debutant in Fulham’s history, having completed a move from Leyton Orient, and the visitors went in front in the second minute when Mike Conroy made it two in two games. The Scottish striker, so unreliable in front of goal in his first season at Craven Cottage, showed just how much confidence his opening day winner against Hereford had given him by volleying in off the far post from the edge of the box after chasing a long clearance from Mark Blake.
The hosts were reduced to ten men early in the second half when right back Michael Lapper received his marching orders, but the Cottagers were in complete control by that point. The Whites grabbed what could be a critical away goal in the 89th minute after Conroy surged down the left flank and forced Simon Royce to parry his cross-cum-shot. The rebound sat up sweetly for Paul Watson to curl home his first goal for the club from fifteen yards to the delight of the travelling fans.
SOUTHEND UNITED: Royce; Lapper, Dublin, McNally, Harris; Tilson, Nielsen, Hails (Boere 64), Byrne, Marsh; Rammell. Subs (not used): Roget, Hanlon.
BOOKED: Harris.
SENT OFF: Lapper.
FULHAM: Walton; Watson, Herrera, Cullip, Blake, Cusack, Cockerill, McAree, Morgan, Scott (Thomas 78), Conroy. Subs (not used): Angus, Mison.
BOOKED: Watson, Morgan, Scott.
GOALS: Conroy (3), Watson (89).
REFEREE: Barry Knight (Orpington).
ATTENDANCE: 3,084.
