Player-manager Micky Adams felt Fulham were rewarded for their patience after a second half goal rush secured a 3-1 win over Doncaster Rovers on the 100th anniversary of the Whites’ arrival at Craven Cottage.
The Division Three promotion chasers looked jittery during a disjointed first half with their northern visitors competing for every ball and congesting the midfield. It was that man Mike Conroy who broke the deadlock with a trademark header at the far post after the Scottish striker had escaped his marker to head home a cross from captain Simon Morgan.
A superb run from Rob Scott produced a second when the lively forward rifled in an excellent finish off the underside of the crossbar from thirty yards. Doncaster were then reduced to ten men when Colin Cramb lashed out at Fulham defender Terry Angus and the home side made the most of their numerical advantage with Richard Carpenter cracking in another powerful effort from twenty yards out.
Rovers did manage a late consolation from Paul Birch, who drilled home from just outside the penalty area, but the Fulham faithful went home happy as they side reclaimed top spot after eventually being clinical in front of goal.
FULHAM: Walton, Watson, Herrera, Cusack, Angus, Blake, Scott (Adams 80), Carpenter, Conroy, Morgan, Freeman. Subs (not used): Thomas, Brooker.
BOOKED: Angus, Cusack, Freeman.
GOALS: Conroy (51), Scott (64), Carpenter (70).
DONCASTER ROVERS: Williams; Ryan (Piearce 66), Murphy, Moore, Schofield, Clark (Lester 55), McDonald, Cramb, Colcombe, Gore, Birch. Subs (not used): Utley.
BOOKED: Williams, McDonald.
SENT OFF: Cramb.
GOAL: Birch (82).
ATTENDANCE: 5,516.
