Fulham 2-0 Derby County
Kit Symons believes Fulham’s victory over Championship table toppers Derby County on Saturday shows they are capable of beating anyone.
Nikolay Bodurov and Cauley Woodrow’s first-half goals put the Cottagers in the ascendancy and Symons’ side defended well to see out the match and end their seven-game winless streak.
Derby barely tested goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, which left manager Symons glowing about a complete performance.
“It’s always nice to get a win, especially against the team at the top of the table, and the manner in which we got it,” he said.
“It’s only three points but it’s a big three points given who it was against and how we did it.
“We scored two goals, we could have scored more and we kept a clean sheet, so it’s very pleasing.”
Fulham were without their joint top scorer Hugo Rodallega, but Derby struggled in attack all game without their injured top scorer, Chris Martin.
Darren Bent missed a couple of early chances, but it was the Cottagers who looked the sharper of the two sides.
After a sustained period of pressure, Fulham got the goal their good work deserved with Bodurov finding the top corner.
The hosts continued to have the better of the play and the second goal came not long after when some poor defending allowed Woodrow to head home.
Derby did improve after the break, but lacked a cutting edge with Ryan Shotton’s header going over the bar and Bent missing another good chance.
The in-form Tom Ince also went close with a long-range effort, but Fulham were organised and saw out the game for a much-needed win.
Fulham face another tough challenge when they travel to third-placed Watford on Tuesday, but Symons believes his side now have the confidence to win again.
“To come out of this one with a positive result, is good for everyone’s confidence,” he added.
“We can go and beat anyone. And we can do. But can do and will do are two different things.
“We need to make sure we actually get out there and put in another performance like this one against Watford, and then back here against Bournemouth on Friday.”
Feature image of Kit Symons, courtesy of Fulham FC, via Youtube, with thanks
