1 min
Fulham’s hopes of automatic promotion were dealt a blow with a 1-1 draw against Derby County at Pride Park.
After a scrappy start, Fulham keeper Marek Rodak stayed alert to keep out Matt Clarke, Tom Lawrence and Wayne Rooney as Derby continued to apply pressure.
And nine minutes after the break the Cottagers were behind as Rooney kept his cool from the spot to score on his 500th English football league appearance after a Tim Ream handball.
Fulham looked desperate and bereft of ideas before top-goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic dragged them level with a controlled volley on 70 minutes.
However, it did little to enhance a performance where they were second best for the majority of the game with the final ten minutes once again seeing Rodak called into action to make a number of good saves.
In the final moments the stopper clawed Max Bird’s effort away from goal and then dived backwards to palm away an effort from Curtis Davies as Fulham clung on for a point.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Mitrovic’s equaliser was taken superbly, placed into the bottom corner and by finishing his only chance, gave Fulham an undeserved point.
Moan of the Match
For all their possession, you can sense the frustration from the away fans as Scott Parker’s side lacked dynamism and didn’t take enough risks.
Talking Point
After three matches without a win, is the next week for Fulham a season-defining one?
Man of the Match
Marek Rodak – top drawer saves on multiple occasions kept the match level and ultimately prevented Derby from comfortably taking all the points.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Darren Bond (Lancashire) – good and bad moments for the man in the middle – overturning his wrong call for a backpass but the penalty decision was slightly harsh.
Atmosphere
Pride Park’s nervous energy was evident with both sets of fans knowing the match may have a bigger meaning in the context of their seasons.
Verdict
Fortunately for Fulham, one of the best goalkeeping performances of the season gave them a point they will happily leave with given it could have been a whole lot worse.
