Fulham 2-2 Wigan Athletic
Kit Symons believes Fulham were unlucky not to win against Wigan Athletic after twice letting the lead slip against their relegation rivals.
The Cottagers led through Ross McCormack and then Matt Smith before being pegged back each time.
Jermaine Pennant equalised in the first half and when Smith put Fulham 2-1 ahead, Jason Pearce equalised 20 minutes from time.
The result left Fulham nine points clear of both Millwall and Wigan and still uncertain of another season in the Championship.
Symons said:“We could have wrapped it up and put the game to bed and I would have slept a lot better after the game if we’d have done that.
“It wasn’t to be and it’s another point towards safety which is of paramount importance to this club.
“Gary Caldwell has just come in to take charge at Wigan and that gave them a lift without a doubt.
“They passed the ball well and it was a tough game for us. I would have loved all three points but one now and stopping them getting any extra is precious.
“It was frustrating to concede two leads but in open play we defended well and looked solid.
“We conceded a bit of possession which I thought might happen so I wasn’t overly worried about it as our shape was good and we limited them to very few chances.
“I don’t really remember Marcus Bettinelli making a save. But to concede from two set-pieces is something we need to do better on.
“In the last two games we’ve looked solid. It might not be easy on the eye but to be honest I don’t care too much about that at the moment.
“It’s a results business and we got a result. It wasn’t the ideal one but it could have been worse, that’s for sure.”
Things started well for the hosts as McCormack put them ahead with a low drive after four minutes.
Pennant equalised after 22 minutes before Smith put the Cottagers back ahead with a stunning 25 yard strike.
Unfortunately for Fulham, they couldn’t see the game out and had to settle for a draw after Pearce nodded in a corner.
With Fulham in need of a goal McCormack was substituted late on, a decision that caused some annoyance from the Fulham faithful.
Symons defended the switch and asked for some faith in the decisions he makes.
He said: “I understand people are frustrated that we didn’t win the game; three points would have been virtually a celebration.
“It wasn’t to be and people are disappointed. My remit is to do the right thing for the club and keeping us in the Championship is the only thing that matters to me.
“What people think of decisions I make is up to them.
“When I took over, we had one point from seven games and were in dire straights. We’ve turned it around and will do enough to keep us in the division and then rebuild and be better and stronger next year.”
Feature image courtesy of Treevis, with thanks
