A blog of two halves

For the second time in a week Fulham underperformed at home.

There was a guarded response to Fulham’s 1-0 home victory over Newcastle on the first day of the season.

Though Fulham’s Saturday match against Preston kicked off in bright sunshine a chill soon descended on Craven Cottage. But it failed to dishearten the home supporters.

Fulham could not dwell on the disappointment of the FA Cup defeat as they faced two away games in the next six days.

In the Championship match against Nottingham Forest, the Whites started the game badly but still achieved victory.

Perhaps I have no right to ask this as I live within walking distance of Craven Cottage – but why do some spectators take their seats long after the game has started?

After the excitement of the FA Cup Fulham resumed the more prosaic business of visiting Burton Albion and then Birmingham City in search of Championship points to secure a place in the playoffs.

After two setbacks in the Championship, Fulham supporters needed a tonic and the 4-1 FA Cup victory was just that.

“How is Ryan Fredericks not playing in the Premier League?” demanded the Radio Berkshire commentator. This is not a question that Fulham fans wish to hear during the transfer window.

It is hard to credit that almost 30 years have passed since the Freight Rovers Cup tie between Aldershot and Fulham, which ended in a penalty shoot-out requiring no fewer than 28 spot-kicks.