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.

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.