Fulham held by Sparta Prague

Fulham were held to a goalless draw by Czech Republic champions Sparta Prague in front of England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson at Woking this evening.

The Whites had the better of a contest that was ruined by torrential rain, with the atrocious weather conditions making it difficult for either side to play the short, passing games they prefer. Fulham had the ball in the net early on when Lee Clark tucked away a Louis Saha through pass but the former Sunderland midfielder saw his celebrations cut short by an offside flag. Jean Tigana’s plans were upended by an early injury to Bjarne Goldbaek, with the Danish winger forced off after a nasty clash of heads.

Fulham survived a scare when John Collins cleared Marek Kincl’s goalbound header off the line and the second half was disrupted by a succession of Sparta substitutions and another thunderous downpour. Substitute Kevin Betsy wasted a good chance to score on his old stomping ground, shooting wide when presented with a clear run on goal by a brilliant ball from Sean Davis.

The Czech visitors were well organised in defence and sprinkled their side with impressive young talent. Jiri Jarošík was outstanding in central midfield, whilst the promising Tomáš Jun put together an eye-catching late cameo having come off the bench. Fulham almost found a winner right at the death when Luis Boa Morte followed up after Saha’s shot had been well saved but the Portuguese winger screwed his shot well wide from close range which what turned out to be the last action of a forgettable friendly.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Taylor; Finnan, Brevett, Knight, Goma; Davis, Collins, Goldabek (Betsy 8), Clark; Saha, Boa Morte.