Fulham’s chase for the automatic promotion took another hit at Bristol, with the home team City well capable of containing their visitors. In a hard fought match only a goal each was scored, despite a handful of chances for both sides. It took all of 70 minutes before the deadlock was broken by the home side, but the visitors crawled back some 15 minutes later. In the end, both sides can be happy with the draw, which probably was probably a just result after 90 minutes of battling even keel.
Bristol City came into the game chasing the playoff-spot two points behind the sixth placed Preston. Their form had faltered lately, with only one win out of their last five, including three defeats and a draw. Fulham on the other hand had had their issues especially on the road, drawing three times in the last five road games. Their chase for the automatic promotion has not come into fruition, with WBA now six points ahead. On the other hand, the promotion playoffs are highly likely, with nine points lead to 7th placed Bristol City.
It was an entertaining night out at Bristol, with both teams playing offense rather than defense. Marek Rodak had to make four saves only in the first half, while his colleague in the other end, Niki Mäenpää survived with two saves in 45 minutes. Home side took the lead on the 70th minute after a chaotic defensive display from a corner at Fulham’s goal. Nahki Wells snatched the opportunity and headed the ball into the netting from Pedro Pereiras lob-pass. Tom Cairney took the visitors even on 84th minute with a great blast from just outside the box.
Neither team managed to get the go-ahead goal in the end, with both goalkeepers on top of their game and the goal-scoring efforts less than top-notch. Fulham took all of 19 shots all game, with the home team taking 14 efforts. Both showed a good defensive performance, despite playing with an offensive mentality.
Fulham will host Brentford at Craven Cottage on 13th of March in their effort of chasing the top duo of Championship. Brentford is currently fourth and four points behind Fulham and in contest for automatic promotion as well.
