When you sit at the bottom of the table, you’ll take any point you can get. We needed a victory but settled for a draw yesterday at the Reebok, as both clubs fought to a 0-0 draw.

Fulham played pretty well in the first half but seemed to lack spark in the attack in the second. I feel that will be what Eddie Johnson can provide. He wasn’t dressed for the match yesterday but as soon as he gets fit, I feel that will be his role. I don’t expect him to start but he will be a great late game substitute. If we expect to avoid relegation, we must finish off matches, which has been our problem this season.

Hats off to Antti Niemi, he played really well in goal last night. I’ve been critical of him at times this season but don’t be fooled, he earned our point yesterday. The Cottagers return home Sunday to take on Aston Villa. Very important to get a win. I’ll take away draws as long as we can begin winning at home.

On a side note, Brian McBride may be close to his return. He played all 90 minutes for the reserves recently, which is a great sign. I don’t feel Brian will carry us to the promise land this season, but he is a key player to help keep us up.

Source: Try Gol 

Time to forget what happened the first half of the season and look forward to the future. You can’t do a thing about the past and despite their position in the table, over the final 15 matches, Fulham have something to play for.

Thats what makes soccer in many leagues great. In the U.S., if you are near the bottom of the table, the only thing you have to play for is respect or tank a season on purpose for a better draft pick. I love relegation. It gives the bottom clubs something to play for. So for Fulham, our “championship” will be staying up in the premiership for another season. There is much to play for.

With a “new” season comes new players. Fulham have been quite busy during the transfer period, adding new strikers & defenders. Two of our new faces should see action today (Leon Andreasen and Brede Hangeland) as Fulham looks for their 3rd victory of the season and their first road victory in almost a year and a half.

Fulham got their first victory of the season back in August when they defeated Bolton 2-1 at the Cottage. I remember that match well. We were coming off a tough 2-1 loss to Arsenal to kick off the season and after defeating Bolton, I figured we were on our way to my predicted Top 10 finish. It was a good way to start off THAT new season, unfortunately we know what ended up happing. A victory over Bolton today will do much to kick off THIS new season in a positive manner. The road to the 2008-2009 Premiership season begins at the Reebok today.

I think Jimmy Bullard is due to have a big match. I see him scoring today. The road blues end today with a 1-0 victory and a renewed confidence heading into the home fixture versus Aston Villa this weekend. Speaking of Aston Villa, I heard on TV last night that they may be close to signing USA standout Brad Guzan. The good news is, even if Villa signs the talented goalkeeper, he won’t be ready to go until after the match at Fulham.

COYW!

Source: Try Gol