Two Ex-Saddler's Premiership giant killing hopes dashed by two late goals

Last updated : 25 January 2009 By Andy Van Hagen
Two late goals by Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora helped nervous Fulham clinch a 4-2 victory at Blue Square Premier League side Kettering Town in a thrilling FA Cup fourth round clash at Rockingham Road.

The Poppies twice hit back from a goal down to equalise, with former Nottingham Forest star Craig Westcarr scoring on each occasion, and they seemed set for a replay at Craven Cottage with only two minutes remaining.

But Johnson then fired Roy Hodgson's side ahead for a third time and, only 60 seconds later, substitute Zamora added a fourth as Fulham finally secured their place in the last 16 of the competition.

Kettering started very brightly and had an early half-chance when the usually reliable Brede Hangeland's back header caused some consternation in the visitors defence.

However, the Premier League side weathered the storm and took the lead in the 12th minute when Clint Dempsey's cross was expertly volleyed home by Simon Davies.

Mark Cooper's side refused to be downhearted though and deservedly equalised for a first time nine minutes before the interval, when Westcarr's deflected free-kick beat Mark Schwarzer in the Cottagers goal.

Kettering looked the likelier side to take the lead in the early stages of the second period with Gareth Seddon, John Dempster and Richard Graham all going close.

Against the run of play Fulham regained the advantage in the 77th minute when Danny Murphy's shot flew into the net after taking a deflection off the unfortunate Exodus Geohaghon.

Kettering responded immediately with Westcarr appearing to have earned his side a replay when he netted from the penalty spot.

However, Johnson headed home in the 88th minute after defensive hesitation, before Zamora finally ended Kettering's hopes with a fourth goal.
e.on-sponsored F.A. Cup, Saturday, 24th January 2009 @ 15:00; A-Line Arena
Click for Kettering Town squad list
Westcarr 36, 83
Davies 12
Murphy 77
Johnson 88
Zamora 89
Click for Fulham squad list
Starting Line-ups
1Harper 7
3Jaszczun (Potter 71)6
2Eaden 7
34Bennett 7
6Dempster 8
16Graham (Marna 90)7
8Solkhon 6
23Geohaghon 7
32Westcarr 8
19Seddon (Beardsley 73)8
17Boucaud 7
Substitutes
9Beardsley (Seddon 73)
7Potter (Jaszczun 71)
4Wrack
10Marna (Graham 90)
11Galbraith
11Goal Attempts20
4On Target13
7Off Target7
0Hit Woodwork0
1Offsides1
3Corners3
11Fouls18
Starting Line-ups
1Schwarzer 6
5Hangeland 7
3Konchesky 6
18Hughes 6
22Stoor 6
26Andreasen 7
25Davies 7
20Etuhu (Murphy 69)7
23Dempsey 8
11Gera (Zamora 69)6
8Johnson 8
Substitutes
19Zuberbuhler
4Paintsil
34Baird
13Murphy (Etuhu 69)8
9Zamora (Gera 69)8
10Nevland
33Kallio
Referee
M Riley, Yorkshire
Attendance
5406
Kettering Tn. Cards
Graham44unsporting behaviour
Dempster83unsporting behaviour
Westcarr85unsporting behaviour
Fulham Cards
Hangeland82unsporting behaviour