New arrivals feature as Fulham are well beaten by Wolfsburg

Summer signings Ibrahima Cisse and Oliver Norwood both started as Fulham lost their final pre-season friendly 3-0 to German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

The visitors went in front on 36 minutes, as USA centre-back John Brooks evaded the Whites defence to meet Daniel Didavi’s free-kick on the corner of the six-yard box, and he guided a header across goal and beyond keeper David Button.

They doubled their lead 11 minutes from time when substitute Yunus Malli slipped a pass in behind the Fulham defence and Champions League winner Mario Gomez coolly converted.

And ex-Bayern striker Gomez was on target again five minutes later, nodding in Jakub Blaszczykowski’s cross.[phone][/phone]

The late goals simply highlighted the difference between the two sides, as Fulham struggled to make any impression on the match bar a purple patch early in the second half when they squandered several chances.

And to add to manager Slavisa Jokanovic’s worries, Marcus Bettinelli – who had started in the Fulham goal – limped off after half an hour.

After his replacement Button had been beaten by Brooks’ header, an otherwise low-key first half ended with Ryan Sessegnon lifting a shot over the bar.

Button was forced into a save in the opening minute of the second half, denying Landry Dimata, but the Whites went on to have a string of chances.

Stefan Johansen’s low free-kick was parried away by Wolfsburg keeper Koen Casteels, Sone Aluko flashed a shot across the face of goal from the left channel, and Johansen then met a Cisse cross with a left-footed volley which flew well over the bar.

Fulham brought on 16-year-old midfielder Matt O’Riley for new arrival Cisse, and gave minutes to defender Marcelo Djalo, but they were a distinct second best.

Fulham: Bettinelli (Button 30); Fredericks, Ream (Djalo 80), Kalas, Sessegnon; Norwood, Cisse (O’Riley 73), Johansen; Ayite (Odoi 61), Aluko, Piazon (Woodrow 64).
Sub not used: Norman.

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