Jason Scotland's terrific strike earned Swansea a more-than-deserved FA Cup replay against Fulham.
Cottagers struggle but hold out for 1-1 stalemate
Jason Scotland's terrific second-half strike earned Swansea City a more-than-deserved FA Cup fifth round replay against Premier League side Fulham.
Championship play-off hopefuls Swansea shone in their encounter versus the Cottagers at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, with Roberto Martinez's charges oozing the passing football they are famed for.
Swans midfielder Mark Gower was at the heart of much of his team's attacking play in the early stages, and was guilty of spurning two excellent opportunities in front of goal in the first half, including a fourth-minute effort that hit the woodwork.
But, to the home supporters' dismay, Fulham took the lead against the run of play as Paul Konchesky's corner found its way through a crowd of players before deflecting off Swansea captain Garry Monk and landing home.
However, Swansea refused to panic and they were rewarded for their passing ethos in the second period as Scotland rounded off a bright move with a brilliant turn and finish to seal a 1-1 draw that largely flattered Fulham.
Slick
The first half should have belonged to Swansea so slick was their passing and movement.
Left winger Gower must have been particularly aggrieved going in 1-0 down at the break after he was twice denied the opening goal by the slenderest of margins.
The game was less than four minutes old when he cut in from the flank and exchanged passes with lone frontman Scotland to give himself a clear sight of goal.
His shot was a calm one, struck low and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer but instead of nestling in the net it struck the inside of the far post and Gower was quickly crowded out as he tried to reach the rebound.
Swansea have carved out a reputation as the best passing side in the Championship and went into the game on the back of a 15-match unbeaten run.
It was clear this had not been undeserved as Martinez's players outclassed their Premier League opponents, who have become hard to beat themselves this term following last season's desperate but ultimately successful fight against relegation.
Another great chance came Gower's way in the 25th minute after Angel Rangel, back in the Swans defence following suspension, powered his way down the right flank and fired in a cross.
Gower arrived unchallenged to meet it in the six-yard box but somehow Schwarzer stuck out a hand to bat it away.
Its worth doubled a minute from half-time when Swans defender Ashley Williams conceded a corner that Paul Konchesky floated into the box.
It did not look particularly dangerous but Swans goalkeeper Dorus de Vries, previously needed only for a smart dive at Andy Johnson's feet, failed to deal with it and the ball bounced over the line off the hip of home captain Monk.
Embarrassed
Brede Hangeland, the nearest Fulham player, looked more embarrassed than delighted but Swansea knew they really had only themselves to blame for going behind in a game that had been there for the taking.
The second period was just a few minutes old when Schwarzer denied Gower again, tipping a rising drive onto the bar when Scotland had once again been instrumental in the build-up.
The forward decided to take matters into his own hands and made it 1-1 from the next attack, recording his 17th goal of the season.
Gower was involved too, setting up his team-mate inside the box but the plaudits belonged to the former Dundee United man for the way he turned Aaron Hughes and gave Schwarzer no chance with a low drive.
Rangel caused all sorts of problems with a burst into the box and Schwarzer was needed again to deny Alan Tate at his near post before Fulham took off full debutant Olivier Dacourt on the hour, with Clint Dempsey coming on.
Fumbled
Rangel forced another corner before Gower was replaced by Andrea Orlandi with 18 minutes remaining.
The newcomer set up Jordi Gomez on the edge of the box but he could not hit the target and Fulham swapped Erik Nevland for Bobby Zamora in one last attempt at staving off a replay.
Zamora has been less than prolific since leaving West Ham in the summer however and the closest Fulham got to an undeserved winner was a long-ranger from Danny Murphy that De Vries fumbled before gabbing gratefully.
Nathan Dyer might have had the last word late on but the little man could only find the side-netting from yet another fine passing move from the Swans.
| Swansea City |
Team Statistics |
Fulham |
|
| 1 |
Goals |
1 |
|
| 0 |
1st Half Goals |
1 |
|
| 4 |
Shots on Target |
1 |
|
| 6 |
Shots off Target |
0 |
|
| 2 |
Blocked Shots |
2 |
|
| 8 |
Corners |
2 |
|
| 13 |
Fouls |
16 |
|
| 2 |
Offsides |
4 |
|
| 1 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
|
| 0 |
Red Cards |
0 |
|
| 85 |
Passing Success |
76.5 |
|
| 18 |
Tackles |
30 |
|
| 66.7 |
Tackles Success |
83.3 |
|
| 60.1 |
Possession |
39.9 |
|
| 55.4 |
Territorial Advantage |
44.6 |
|
|
