Fulham boss Chris Coleman saluted his players for their resolve as they finally overcame Everton in extra-time of their FA Cup fourth round replay.
Fulham were pulled back from the brink of victory in both games by last-gasp equalisers before Steed Malbranque’s winner put them into the next round.
“Basically we’ve had to win the tie three times,” said Coleman. “My players showed tremendous courage.
“It was a great cup tie and I couldn’t have asked for any more of them.”
Junichi Inamoto had put Fulham ahead before Francis Jeffers headed in injury-time to send the tie into extra time.
Coleman added: “You think it’s not going to happen that they’re going to score again, but bang they do and it happens again and we’re into extra-time.
“Both fans should be proud of their teams, it was a fantastic game.
“The Everton lads looked devastated at the end and they’ve put everything in to it so we’re happy.
“Inamoto scored a terrific goal and is a gifted player, he’s got a fantastic technique. He tired in extra-time but had a really good game.”
Fulham will play West Ham at home in the next round and Coleman believes home advantage could be vital.
“It’s good to have a home tie next round – any home draw is a good one and we’re confident of getting into the quarter-finals, though West Ham will provide a good game.
“We’ve had a little bit of luck in the cup so far – we didn’t really deserve to beat Cheltenham, but sometimes you get a bit of luck and that’s the way it goes.”
