Runaway leaders Fulham were thwarted by a gutsy performance from West Bromwich
Albion at Craven Cottage.
Gary Megson's men could even have snatched all three points but had to make do
with a point that keeps them well-placed for a play-off place.
The Baggies attacked from the start and so unsettled the Londoners they barely
managed a shot in the first half.
Albion hustled and forced Fulham into errors and created many of the best
chances themselves.
In the 11th minute Bob Taylor's header after a corner had to be tipped over
the bar by Fulham goalkeeper Maik Taylor.
Ten minutes later Jordao had a good opportunity with a free kick just outside
the box but blasted it wastefully wide.
Then a good movement ended with another header from Taylor, again saved by his
namesake in goal.
Taylor hit the post just before the interval having been put through by Lee
Hughes.
Fulham improved after the break but good defensive work by Albion limited
their opportunities.
Top-scorer Louis Saha, whose main contributions in the first half were two
defensive clearances, came close with a header in the 49th minute.
Then Albion goalkeeper Russell Hoult was tested for the first time by a
well-hit effort from Lee Clark.
Saha then jiggled his way past three defenders but screwed his shot just wide
of the goal.
A slip by Andy Melville put Hughes away but Hughes in turn tumbled and the
chance went begging.
Substitute Karl-Heinz Riedle went close on two occasions but the visitors held
on for the draw they fully deserved.
Teams:
Fulham: Taylor, Finnan, Brevett, Melville, Symons, Clark,
John Collins (Riedle 66), Hayles, Saha, Davis,Stolcers (Goldbaek 56).
Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Moller, Neilson.
West Brom: Hoult, Lyttle, Clement, Butler, Gilchrist, Sneekes,
Jordao (Adam Chambers 38), Appleton, Taylor (Roberts 59),Van Blerk, Hughes.
Subs Not Used: Jensen, Sigurdsson, Quinn.
Att: 17,795
Ref: M Messias (York).
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