Stalwarts Simon Morgan and Mark Blake guided Fulham to an important victory at Chesterfield this afternoon as the Whites made light of atrocious playing conditions to register three vital points.
Morgan, now into his eighth year with the Cottagers, marked his first start after four months out injured by breaking the deadlock five minutes after the interval. Playing at right back, the versatile former club captain sneaked into the Chesterfield penalty area unnoticed and turned home a cross from Paul Peschisolido to give the visitors a deserved lead after they had enjoyed the better of the first period on a horrendously muddy pitch.
Blake, usually so cool from the penalty spot, sealed victory at the second attempt having seen his penalty smartly saved by Billy Mercer’s legs. The centre back was quickest to the rebound and slammed home from six yards to ensure that Ray Wilkins’ side headed back to London with all three points.
CHESTERFIELD (3-4-3): Mercer; Breckin, Jules, Beaumont (Lomas 87); Curtis, Perkins, Hewitt, Holland; Howard, Wilkinson, Reeves. Subs (not used): Lenagh, Pearce.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Taylor; Morgan, Lawrence, Blake, Coleman; Bracewell, Hayward, Smith, Trollope; Peschisolido, Thorpe. Subs (not used): McAnespie, Carpenter, Freeman.
BOOKED: Trollope.
GOALS: Morgan (50), Blake (76).
REFEREE: Andy D’Urso (Billericay).
ATTENDANCE: 5,129
