Fulham vs. Newcastle

10:34

Welcome to SoccerTicker's coverage of Fulham FC at Newcastle United.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:34

10:35

Both teams have named their starting lineups, and they both stick with what worked last time around.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:35

10:35

Fulham trot out the same 11 that beat Everton, with the lineup as follows:

Keller, Stalteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Andreasen, Bullard, Murphy, Davies, Johnson, McBride

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:35

10:36

Newcastle's starting 11 consists of:

Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Barton, Geremi, Butt, Martins, Owen, Viduka

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:36

10:40

Feel free to leave comments or questions at any time about the game, and they may be published for discussion!

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:40

10:41

Heading into today's fixtures, Fulham sit 19th on 23 points after 30 games.

Newcastle sit 14th on 29 points from 30 games.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:41

10:42

In between the two teams, everone else have played 30 games and sit as follows

15. Reading, 28 pts
16. Birmingham 27 pts, -12 GD
17. Sunderland, 27 pts, -22 GD
18. Bolton, 25 pts

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:42

10:45

Fulham have 5 Americans in their squad including goalkeeper Kasey Keller, defender Carlos Bocanegra, midfield/forward Clint Dempsey, and strikers Brian McBride and Eddie Johnson.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:45

10:46

What will be the result of Fulham/Newcastle
Newcastle win

( 0% )

draw

( 0% )

Fulham win

( 100% )

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:46

10:46

Vote in the poll, and share your thoughts on why you voted the way you did!

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:46

10:48

Newcastle only have 2 wins in the Premiership this season at St. James' Park

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:48

10:48

On the other hand, they have 3 draws and 10 losses at home.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:48

10:49

Fulham have a 0-6-8 W-D-L record on the road

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:49

10:50

Last time out, Fulham won at home against Everton 1-0 on a goal from Brian McBride.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:50

10:50

That was McBride's first goal since returning from injury.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:50

10:51

Last time out, Newcastle drew with Birmingham 1-1, on the strength of a 56th minute goal from Michael Owen to tie things up.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:51

10:53

Fulham have a two game unbeaten run, having drawn with Blackburn 1-1 two weekends ago. Jimmy Bullard converted a free kick late in the game to force the draw.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:53

10:55

Fulham have done well against American goalkeepers this season...

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:55

10:55

They beat Reading 3-1 earlier

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:55

10:55

Lost to Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:55

10:56

Drew Blackburn 2-2 at home and 1-1 on the road

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:56

10:56

And beat Everton 1-0 at home

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:56

10:56

They face Reading on April 12, their last fixture against an American goalkeeper (Marcus Hahnemann).

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:56

10:58

In their previous encounter, Newcastle took a 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:58

10:59

What are your thoughts on the game? Who will win? What do you expect to see? Leave comments in the box below.

Saturday March 22, 2008 10:59

11:02

Everyone who voted predicted a Fulham victory

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:02

11:02

The game is underway.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:02

11:03

Newcastle make a foray in the Fulham zone right off the bat, but no danger.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:03

11:04

Newcastle have kept possession for most of the first minute and a half.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:04

11:04

Bullard with a long strike, over the bar for a corner off the deflection.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:04

11:05

Short corner, and Davies lofts the ball too long out for a goal kick.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:05

11:06

Into the 5th minute. Fulham with the lone chance so far.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:06

11:07

Sent in for Newcastle, Keller tried to grab but couldn't and the ball gets half cleared.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:07

11:07

Sent back in again and Keller collects.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:07

11:08

Newcastle with the attack, Viduka scores. 1-0

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:08

11:08

Viduka from the top of the box, keeps it low and to Keller's right as the rain starts to come down.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:08

11:09

Exactly the start Newcastle needed. Fulham have their work cut out.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:09

11:09

Action both ways...Bullard puts one toward goal that Harper collects.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:09

11:10

Your thoughts on the early goal? Leave a comment below, it could be published.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:10

11:12

Viduka's goal was in the 6th minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:12

11:12

It was his 6th of the season.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:12

11:13

The pace has slowed down from the hectic start.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:13

11:15

13th minute - Fulham push forward and Bullard sends a ball into the box. Harper collects.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:15

11:16

Going the other way, Newcastle's Jose Enrique sends in a cross that Keller deals with comfortably.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:16

11:17

15th minute - Hangeland fails to clear in the box, but Newcastle waste the chance with poor passing.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:17

11:18

Owen with the ball at the top of the box, lays off for Martins, who plays back and a shot is out for a goal kick.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:18

11:20

Fulham need to play tighter defense. Newcastle have a lot of room near the Fulham box.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:20

11:20

Viduka heads a cross well wide of goal for a goal kick.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:20

11:20

19 minutes in.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:20

11:22

A couple minutes of mostly midfield play now.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:22

11:23

Andreasen shoots from long distance...off Barton for a Fulham throw.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:23

11:23

Newcastle clear a Stalteri cross out for a corner.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:23

11:24

Bullard corner, flicked by Johnson across goal, McBride keeps it alive, and eventually cleared away.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:24

11:24

Davies does well to get a short cross off. Johnson header but is challenged and it pops up in the air.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:24

11:25

Immediatley on the counter Martins gets a shot off and Keller saves well.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:25

11:25

Corner for Newcastle.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:25

11:25

Comments or questions on the game so far? Predictions? Leave comments below.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:25

11:26

Corner is headed away by Hangeland.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:26

11:28

Keller boots away the ball well out of bounds under little pressure.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:28

11:29

Bullard corner goes out of bounds.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:29

11:29

Curled out over the endline.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:29

11:30

Owen looong distance shot, saved by a diving Keller.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:30

11:30

29th minute.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:30

11:30

The resulting corner is cleared off the line

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:30

11:31

Overhead kick by Faye almost goes in from an almost impossible angle.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:31

11:32

31 minutes in - it has been an entertaining match so far.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:32

11:34

Nicky Butt commits a foul...it's been a clean game so far.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:34

11:35

Long shot by Bullard is saved by Harper.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:35

11:36

Bullard has taken 3 shots from distance now.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:36

11:36

Fulham win a throw deep in Newcastle territory.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:36

11:37

Stalteri long throw goes right to Viduka, who clears.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:37

11:37

Newcastle go the other way, and Owen nods a cross at goal but it is easy for Keller to save. Owen could have done better.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:37

11:38

Barton flagged for offside. Looked to be well on.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:38

11:41

Fulahm free kick from about 30 yards out...Bullard hits it into the wall.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:41

11:42

Scramble in front of the Newcastle zone.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:42

11:43

Newcastle finally get it away from goal.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:43

11:44

43rd minute...Fulham had a good stretch of play.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:44

11:45

Konchesky cross missed by Davies. Andreasen collects and plays across to Bullard who scuffs it high and wide.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:45

11:46

Fulham are ending the half strong, but have nothing to show for it.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:46

11:47

Faye clears away, but it is still deep in Newcastle territory. Into added time. 1 minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:47

11:47

Faye clears away, but it is still deep in Newcastle territory. Into added time. 1 minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:47

11:48

Half ends 1-0. A 6th minute goal by Viduka has Newcastle on top. They started the half strong and controlled the run of play. However, Fulham ended the half having owned much possession in the last 10 minutes.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:48

11:48

Just before the halftime whistle Eddie Johnson could not pull the trigger from the top of the box. It is cleared and that ends the half.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:48

11:49

Will Fulham come back and get a draw or win?
Yes

( 100% )

( 0% )

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:49

11:50

Thoughts on the first half? Predictions for the second half? Post your comments below.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:50

11:52

If this result holds Newcastle would have 32 points from 31 games.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:52

11:52

Fulham would have 23 points from 31 games.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:52

11:54

Hangeland could have defended Viduka better on the goal.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:54

11:55

Keller was positioned right, and had no chance. The shot was as close to the post as it can get, along the ground.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:55

11:55

Keller did make 2 or 3 nice saves though.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:55

11:55

The other way, Bullard has had a few long range shots. Harper either saved them all, or the shots were not on goal.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:55

11:55

A clean game, no bookings so far.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:55

11:59

Tomorrow are two important battles at the top of the table, as Man U face Liverpool, and Chelsea take on Arsenal.

Saturday March 22, 2008 11:59

12:00

Fulham need an early goal. Or another late game tying goal from Bullard.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:00

12:00

Newcastle need to come out and start the second half like they did the first.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:00

12:00

Newcastle have registered 6 shots, Fulham 7.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:00

12:00

[Comment From jjjj: ]

bring in dempsey for murphy

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:00 jj

12:01

Dempsey has the potential to turn the game around for sure.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:01

12:01

Corners: Newcastle 2, Fulham 3

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:01

12:01

6 saves for Keller, 3 for Harper

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:01

12:01

[Comment From jjjj: ]

has fulham's defense been sluggish?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:01 jj

12:02

In the early going Fulham gave Newcastle plenty of room to work around the box.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:02

12:02

Not only on Viduka's goal...which Hangeland let him turn too easy.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:02

12:02

But they tightened up late in the half, which probably is why it led to Fulham controlling the run of play the last 10 minutes.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:02

12:03

Fulham could use another big goal from Dempsey like they got last year from him against Liverpool.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:03

12:04

[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ]

How has Eddie Johnson played so far?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:04 Jimmy

12:05

Eddie Johnson has not seen much of the ball. He has been active, and one miscommunication with McBride resulted in a missed chance in front of goal, but he has been solid on the ball for what little he has seen of it. Just to end the half, he could not pull the trigger on a shot from the top of the box, and instead passed and it was cleared.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:05

12:05

Second half underway

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:05

12:06

Right off the kick, Owen gets the ball in the Fulham box, but a poor touch leads to it being cleared away.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:06

12:06

Newcastle still have possession though

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:06

12:06

And finally Fulham earn a throw.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:06

12:07

No substitutions yet.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:07

12:07

Newcastle still controlling possession with a backpass to Harper.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:07

12:07

But his long clear is headed out for a Fulham throw.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:07

12:08

Some nice one touch passing by Fulham is eventually cut out by Nicky Butt.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:08

12:08

There is a family of pigeons on the pitch

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:08

12:09

and they scatter as the play comes near.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:09

12:09

Viduka gets a header towrad goal but nothing on it. Keller scoops it up.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:09

12:09

Eddie Johnson lays off for Bullard who fires another 30 yarder over the goal.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:09

12:10

Bullard has taken about 5 long shots today only sending two on goal.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:10

12:12

Faye fouls Johnson

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:12

12:12

40 yards from goal

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:12

12:13

Bullard sends in but it is easily headed away.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:13

12:13

The cleareance is collected by Fulham and they earn a corner.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:13

12:13

Short corner sent in and headed out. Fulham collect the coearance again and send in to Johnson who losses possession with a few defenders on him.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:13

12:14

Martins on a long run for Newcastle, gets a shot off wide.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:14

12:14

55th minute now.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:14

12:15

Midfield battle now

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:15

12:16

Barton to Martins, who crosses from the side of the box, but cleared for a corner.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:16

12:17

Short corner to Barton who sends in, and headed out for another corner.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:17

12:17

Good strike by Barton, just wide of Keller's goal

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:17

12:18

Newcastle still controlling possesion in and near the Fulham box.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:18

12:18

Eventually a long Martins shot is well wide.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:18

12:23

Apologies we had techincal difficulties.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:23

12:23

Still 1-0 for Newcastle.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:23

12:23

Did not miss much thankfully.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:23

12:24

64th minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:24

12:24

Newcastle started the second half like they did the first...much possession in and around the Fulham box, with plenty of shots.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:24

12:24

Konchesky cross driven in for Fulham. Nobody for Fulham attacked the ball and it is headed away by Faye.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:24

12:25

Keller makes a brilliant save

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:25

12:25

from 3 yards Martins shot.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:25

12:25

it bounces out and Jeremi fires in the goal...but offside.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:25

12:26

Geremi was not offside, Viduka was however.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:26

12:26

McBride off...Dempsey on

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:26

12:26

[Comment From jjjj: ]

has mcbride bee invisible?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:26 jj

12:26

McBride has been winning good knock on headers, but didn't do much offensively.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:26

12:27

He is now pulled for Dempsey.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:27

12:28

Barton challenges Stalteri along the endline, and it rolls out for a Fulham goalkick.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:28

12:29

Fulham earn a free kick 45 yards from goal. Nicky Butt fouled and gets a talking to from the ref. No booking.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:29

12:30

Fulham have not had too much coordination in the attack this half.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:30

12:31

Volz in for Murphy for Fulham.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:31

12:31

71st minute.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:31

12:31

It's getting crunch time for Fulham.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:31

12:31

Newcastle corner coming up

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:31

12:32

Poor corner

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:32

12:33

Midfiled battle with Fulham having most of the possession.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:33

12:34

Martins off N'Zogbia on

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:34

12:34

75th minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:34

12:35

Newcastle with the ball deep in Fulham territory. Throw in.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:35

12:36

Viduka flick to Owen, cleared. Owen another chance but can't get the shot off...but it goes to Geremi who shoots and Keller knocks it down and collects.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:36

12:37

78th minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:37

12:38

Newcastle have been solid defensively this half.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:38

12:39

Johnson and Dempsey are up top for Fulham. Can the Americans make a late impact?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:39

12:39

They are also best of friends.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:39

12:40

N'Zogbia and Barton play a nice 1-2, and Viduka receives the next pass but promptly loses possession.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:40

12:41

82nd minute...Fulham lack urgency it seems.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:41

12:42

Hughes fouls Owen just out the box.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:42

12:42

But it is near the corner of the box.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:42

12:42

Actually, the foul was farther away and owen tumbled closer.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:42

12:42

Sent in, Owen header goes in the goal!

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:42

12:42

2-0 Newcastle.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:42

12:43

Fulham desperation now.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:43

12:44

Viduka, the first goalscorer, off for Alan Smith.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:44

12:44

[Comment From RedRed: ]

who took the free kick?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:44 Red

12:45

Geremi I believe.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:45

12:46

87th minute

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:46

12:47

Sub for newcastle, Edgar on for Beye

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:47

12:47

Long ball on a free kick for Newcastle is collected by Keller under a bit of pressure.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:47

12:48

Volz earns a yellow for a foul on N'Zogbia at the corner of the Fulham box.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:48

12:49

That was the first booking of the game in the 89th minute.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:49

12:49

Free kick is headed away.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:49

12:50

Into added time.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:50

12:50

3 minutes

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:50

12:52

Jose Enrique with a nice run, earns a corner.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:52

12:52

30 seconds left.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:52

12:53

Long shot by Geremi is easily saved by Keller.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:53

12:53

Full time whistle blows.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:53

12:54

2-0, Newcastle earn a big win. Fulham suffer a big blow to their survival hopes.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:54

12:54

[Comment From JimmyJimmy: ]

Fulham needs a miracle to avoid relegation now, they need to play better on the road. Thank you for the commentary.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:54 Jimmy

12:54

You're welcome. Thanks for following along.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:54

12:54

That ends SoccerTicker's coverage of the game. Please see http://soccerticker.blogspot.com for upcoming games.

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:54

12:55

Any final questions or comments?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:55

12:56

Can Fulham survive relegation?

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:56

12:58

Ok, with no more questions that wraps up our coverage. As always, please visit us again and this will be archived for a full replay any time you visit http://soccerticker.blogspot.com

Thanks for following along and be sure to tell your friends about SoccerTicker!

Saturday March 22, 2008 12:58

12:58

This Live Blog has now ended.

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