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Fulham played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a stubborn Blackpool side in a game held up for more than 40 minutes due to a medical emergency at Craven Cottage.
Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute for the Championship leaders after a clinical pass from Fabio Carvalho.
However, five minutes later play was halted due to a medical emergency in the Hammersmith End with both sets of players taken off the pitch.
On resumption, Fulham continued to dominate possession, but Blackpool’s Josh Bowler came close to equalising in the 36th minute when he saw his dipping shot glance off the crossbar.
Fabio Carvalho then tested the woodwork two minutes into the second-half as the Cottagers tried to put Blackpool under early pressure.
Blackpool responded well though and found an equaliser when CJ Hamilton pounced on a Fulham mistake to set-up Bowler to coolly slot home in the 57th minute.
The final 15 minutes saw the game open up – Fulham desperately searching for a winner while Blackpool’s defence stood resolute to see the game end in a reasonable draw.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
The medical emergency in the Hammersmith End clearly affected Fulham’s rhythm, while Blackpool used the stoppage to regroup.
Moan of the Match
Some sloppy passing out from defence by Fulham gifted Blackpool a goal and ultimately cost them two points.
Talking Point
Craven Cottage was humming with talk of promotion before kick-off, but questions remain over whether this side can survive in the Premier League.
Man of the Match
Fabio Carvalho – Fulham’s 18-year-old winger put a precision cross in to set up Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener and displayed technical ability beyond his years.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Peter Bankes (Lancashire) – reacted quickly during the medical emergency but got on Fulham fans’ nerves towards the end after some questionable calls.
Atmosphere
A roaring Craven Cottage became subdued during the medical emergency before becoming frustrated in the second-half against a stubborn Blackpool.
Verdict
Fulham will be disappointed they couldn’t continue their winning run, but with Blackburn only drawing as well Marco Silva’s side are still five points clear at the top.
