Late Sidwell goal rescues point for Fulham

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Fulham 2 Everton 2

Substitute Steve Sidwell netted a last-minute equaliser to rescue a point for Fulham.

The outstanding Marouane Fellaini struck twice in the second half and appeared to have given Everton a deserved victory.

But after Dimitar Berbatov had failed to connect with Sascha Reither’s right-wing cross, Sidwell crept in behind the Bulgarian to score at the far post.

Fulham made the perfect start, going ahead when Bryan Ruiz’s seventh-minute free-kick was pushed onto the post by keeper Tim Howard and then rebounded into the net after hitting the unfortunate American.

But Everton, who have now recovered from going behind in five consecutive league matches, responded strongly and should have been level by half-time.

Phil Jagielka’s deflected shot flew inches wide of Mark Schwarzer’s right-hand post before Nikica Jelavic missed a great chance to equalise, lifting the ball over the bar following a mistake by Chris Baird.

Fulham had another lucky escape early in the second half when both John Heitanga and Fellaini, with the goal at their mercy, could not get a touch to Jagielka’s left-wing free-kick.

But Fellaini atoned soon afterwards, firing home from the edge of the six-yard box after Kevin Mirallas had pulled the ball back from the right.

And the Belgian talisman went one better on 71 minutes, holding off Aaron Hughes to chest down Jagielka’s long ball before smashing an unstoppable shot into the corner.

Fellaini almost netted a late third, his effort deflecting off Brede Hangeland and onto the post, with Steven Naismith’s attempt to force in the rebound blocked on the line by Hughes.

Schwarzer then had to produce a fine save to keep out Fellaini’s classy volley from Naismith’s right-wing cross.

It proved to be a crucial stop because, having dominated much of the game, Everton switched off at the back and Sidwell pounced to score his third goal of the season.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise (Dejagah 59), Duff, Diarra (Petric 75), Baird, Kacaniklic (Sidwell 68), Ruiz, Berbatov.
Subs not used: Stockdale, Senderos, Karagounis, Rodallega.

 

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