Cairney rescues point in controversial Fulham draw
Fulham 1 Leeds United 1
Tom Cairney scored a stunning equaliser in the 96th minute to earn Fulham a point they thoroughly deserved after their luck had appeared to have run dry at Craven Cottage.
With his side heading for an unmerited defeat – trailing to an early own goal and having controversially had what appeared to be an equaliser not given by the officials – Cairney curled a sublime shot from the edge of the box beyond former QPR keeper Rob Green.
Fulham were arguably good for all three points having dominated large spells of the game following Tim Ream’s early misfortune, when he sliced a Kyle Bartley free-kick into his own net after just four minutes.
They appeared to have levelled midway through the first half when Neeskens Kebano’s shot thundered against the underside of the bar and, seemingly, over the line.
However, despite Fulham appeals, the officials did not award the goal – and the Whites were further frustrated in the second period.
Kebano fired into the side-netting after stepping past Leeds left-back Charlie Taylor, while concerted pressure led to numerous corners, many of which led to panic in the box but, crucially, no breakthrough.
Their luck did hold out at the other end when Alfonso Pedraza, who had been denied by Fulham keeper David Button in the first half, struck a post when well placed 10 yards out.
Fulham, though, still made most of the running and substitute Scott Parker had a couple of efforts off target, while Green tipped away two Stefan Johansen free-kicks.
The second was awarded following a foul by Kalvin Phillips on Parker, who picked up a second yellow and was sent-off, but still the Whites were thwarted as Green made a fine save from Gohi Cyriac.
However, with seconds remaining, Cairney’s last throw of the dice came good – and prevented Fulham from falling back in the play-off race.
Fulham: Button; Fredericks, Kalas, Ream, Malone (Sessegnon 61); McDonald (Parker 74), Johansen; Aluko, Cairney, Kebano; Martin (Cyriac 74).
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Odoi, Madl, Sigurdsson.
