OCTOBER UPDATE
EURO LEAGUE, GAME 2: KALMAR FF 2 - 2 FULHAM FC (PANTSIL, KARLSSON OG)
That was a must-win game and we threw a two-goal lead away without getting forced to do so. Pantsil scored after 26 minutes and Karlsson scored an own-goal to give us a comfortable lead at half-time. But our problem hasn't been solved so far: We stopped attacking and brought Kalmar back in the game. Mark Schwarzer fumbled the ball in injury-time to give the Swedish host a much celebrated equaliser, leaving us with one game after two games. We lost two points here, they might be crucial at the end of the group stages.
DAY EIGHT: HULL CITY 1 - 1 FULHAM FC (NEVLAND)
The last game before another international break saw us travelling to Yorkshire to take on Hull City, who seem to struggle this season. Nevland brought us the lead after 13 minutes, but Hull didn't give up and attacked us with no fear. Seconds before half-time, we had the chance to make it 2-0, but Clint Dempsey missed the penalty. Things didn't get better for us as Chris Smalling fouled Jozy Altidore in the box, giving Hull the equaliser. We failed to score another goal so we had to settle for a draw at the KC Stadium.
DAY NINE: SUNDERLAND FC 2 - 5 FULHAM FC (NEVLAND 3x, DEMPSEY 2x)
As a die-hard Newcastle supporter, that was the game of the season for me. And I danced at the sidelines in joy because my lads didn't let my down at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland failed to turn up in the first half, giving us the opportunity to lead 4-0 at half-time! I enjoyed every second today, but I changed the tactics a bit for the second half and rested some players for the Benfica game. Sunderland were able to sweeten the pill with two goals by Kenwyne Jones on this fantastic afternoon for Fulham FC!
EURO LEAGUE, GAME 3: FULHAM FC 4 - 5 BENFICA (PANTSIL, NEVLAND, ELM 2x)
What a game the sold-out Craven Cottage has hosted! We fought like brave lions but ended up with empty hands against the Portuguese giants. Benfica played clever football and led 3-0 after half an hour to the surprise of the Fulham followers who thought they could give Benfica a good game. But an incredible fightback saw us coming back on equal terms after 60 minutes, turning the stadium into a mad-house! Benfica didn't like it and scored another two goals within 6 minutes, and despite another Fulham goal, Benfica ended victorious at the Cottage, making it almost impossible for Fulham to qualify anymore, they're sitting 3rd now, 4 points adrift of 2nd Benfica.
CARLING CUP, FOURTH ROUND: FULHAM FC 4 - 3 BOLTON WANDERERS (ELM, OKAKA 2x, DEMPSEY)
I turned my sights on this competition as I believe that it's the easiest way to get into Europe. Nevland and Hangeland got rested, the rest was my first team. It was a good game between both sides, despite Fulham leading 4-1 after 55 minutes, Bolton never gave up and continued attacking. Bolton came back and scored two goals, setting up a nervy finish of the game. But the Cottagers survived the late attacks of the Lancashire outfit and celebrated their win which sees them through to the Quarter Final of the Carling Cup!
The draw for the Quarter Final of the Carling Cup was made. Fulham make a trip to Goodison Park, where they face Everton FC. A very tricky tie, but not it could have been worse as Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal were still all left in the hat.
DAY TEN: MANCHESTER UNITED 5 - 1 FULHAM FC (DEMPSEY)
Welcome back to reality, Fulham! We stood absolutely no chance today against United at Old Trafford, who were 3-0 up after less than half an hour. Whatever Man United did, it seemed to work, they were all over us. Clint Dempsey scored the only goal of the game, scoring a dodgy penalty after Gary Neville was suspected of a handball. With 3-1 down, we were waiting for an opportunity to somehow get back in the game, but Wayne Rooney killed our hopes with two goals late in the second half. A well deserved loss, but we'll be back!
