Friday, July 31, 2009

Fulham Win In Europa League Tie

Fulham grabbed three away goals against Latvian side FK Vetra in Vilnius to take commanding control of their first Europa League tie.

Goals by Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy (PK) and Seol Ki-Hyeon each netted as the Cottagers will play the return leg next week at Craven Cottage virtually assured of advancing to the next round. Even with the very early start to the Europa league campaign, manager Roy Hodgson started most of what will probably be his default starting 11 for much of the season:

Schwarzer
Konchesky
Hangeland
Hughes
Pantsil
Baird
Pantsil
Murphy
Gera
Dempsey
A. Johnson
Zamora

Super sub Erik Nevland came for Johnson with 22 minutes to play and Seol Ki Hyeon for Dempsey a few minutes later.

Recent signing Bjorn Helge Riise got a run out in the final minutes after the game was done and dusted for his debut with the Club.


Granted, it is early in the season and in the Europa League, but this is a solid result and hopefully it can be built upon. Fulham will host Ventra next week at the cottage before an international break.

Fulham open their Premier League campaign on Aug. 15 by traveling to Fratton Park to visit Portsmouth.

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