The Whites were given a fine pre-season workout by Celtic at a hot and humid
Craven Cottage. Despite being a week behind their visitors in their pre-season
preparations, Fulham's players were looking sharp and full of running in what
were difficult conditions.
Fulham had a scare in the opening exchanges when a mix up between Adam Green and
Alain Goma allowed two Celtic attackers through on goal, fortunately Mark
Crossley was aware of the situation and cleaned up. Despite his shaky start,
Green soon found his feet when on five minutes he produced an excellent tackle
to dispossess Jeremie Aliadiere.
Claus
Jensen came close to opening the scoring for the Whites just after the quarter
hour mark. A well delivered long ball from Mark Pembridge fell nicely into the
path of Radzinski, who had advanced clear of the Celtic back line. He instantly
controlled the ball and laid it back into the path of Jensen. With the goal at
his mercy only a last ditch interception from a recovering defender prevented a
certain goal.
In the sweltering temperatures, the Whites were certainly looking assured as
they willingly chased down lost causes all over the pitch, much to the
frustration of the visiting supporters.
Mark Pembridge's spectacular 30-yard strike on 22 minutes had most of those in
attendance either cheering or shaking their heads in disbelief. His powerful
shot swerved just wide of Marshall's right hand upright but the deflection off
the stanchion gave the impression of a goal.
Mark Crossley was, once again, required to be at full awareness on 39 minutes
when a neat piece of play from Petrov on the edge of the Fulham box set Sutton
clean through. Thankfully, Crossley was off his line quickly and smothered any
danger.
Within the opening minutes of the second half, Steed Malbranque chased down a
loose Celtic ball and squared into the path of Cole whose short from 18 yard
sailed over. That kick started the visitors as they started to increase the
pressure of Fulham's defence. Mark Crossley was required to pluck two dangerous
cross out of the air as Celtic began using the wide areas with greater
efficiency.
Celtic's spell of dominance however was short-lived as Fulham created a number
of dangerous situations, unfortunately, the final ball into the box was lacking.
A badly cleared Celtic corner on 60 minutes fell invitingly into the path of
Petrov whose thunderous shot thumped into the collective mass of advancing
Fulham players.
A quick Celtic break on 65 minutes caught Fulham's defence looking especially
square. The lively looking Petrov was allowed to advance as far as the six yard
area before his cutback evaded the string of Bhoys players lining up in front of
goal.
As the match progressed Fulham's back line was becoming ever more susceptible to
quick counter attacks.
A loose ball from Ahmad Elrich on 81 minutes allowed Maloney through on goal.
The Celtic player laid the ball into the path of Zurawski who was felled in the
area by Crossley - a certain penalty. However, the big Welsh stopper pull off a
fine save low to his right to keep the scores level.
