Fulham were celebrating at Craven Cottage this afternoon. Chairman Jimmy Hill was in charge of releasing 5,000 balloons as the capital’s oldest professional club celebrated a hundred years of football at their historic home ground. The party was well-timed as the Whites gained permission for their redevelopment plans on Friday – giving their first home game of the season against Hereford United a real party feel.
Manager Micky Adams, who guided the Whites away from the relegation mire after succeeding Ian Branfoot last season, told the press to judge him on what happened this time around. He might have been regretting his words having been left with only fourteen professional players to pick from following a summer injury crisis but Fulham battled through adversity to register an important victory on the opening day.
Mike Conroy, booed by his own fans after managing just two league goals in his first season with Fulham, popped up with the winner ten minutes into the second half. Adams’ focus on set pieces in training paid off handsomely with Nick Cusack climbing highest to head Paul Watson’s corner in the path of Conroy, who tucked the ball home from just four years out. Michael Mison wasted another good opportunity when his tame shot lacked the conviction of the run that had carried him into the penalty area – but Fulham held on for a deserved opening day success.
FULHAM: Walton; Watson, Herrera, Cullip, Cusack, Blake, Mison (Thomas 70), Conroy, Morgan, Scott (Brooker 83). Subs (not used): Hamill.
GOAL: Conroy (55).
REFEREE: Rob Styles.
ATTENDANCE: 5,277
