Reserves win again

Fulham played a very strong side against a Rams side who had lost their previous two games by 5-0 and 6-0 margins.

Kasey Keller who was on the bench for the West Ham game, was given 90 minutes. In front of him an experienced back four, with Toni Kallio, Elliot Omozusi, Chris Baird and Carlos Bocanegra making the back four.

Simon Elliott continued his comeback from injury, starting alongside Michael Timlin and Alexey Smertin in the centre and Seol and Hameur Bouazza pushing further forward on the flanks with a lone striker in the form of David Healy.

Despite dominating the first half the closest to a goal Fulham got to was Bouazza sending a free kick against the woodwork and the two teams went into half-time at 0-0.

The start of the second half saw Derby put Fulham under-pressure. However despite being under the cosh, Fulham showed their class as they scored two quick goals to deflate Derby and ultimately put an end to the game.

For the first goal Seol cut in from the right flank and dribbled the ball along the 18 yard line, he was upended by a defender but before the referee had the chance to put the whistle to his lips Alexey Smertin had smashed a shot past Kean in the Derby goal.

For our second goal a swift counter attack from one end of the pitch to the other after the back line was under pressure led to a wonderfully crafted team goal.

The ball was played from defence to Seol who sped out to the right and passed a ball inside. In one fluid motion Smertin shifted the play on to Healy. Timing his pass to perfection he released Bouazza down the left who beat his defender for pace, drove into the box and squared the ball to Michael Timlin who tapped home to round off an excellent flowing move.

After the two quick goals the game reduced in tempo and the game finished with few clear-cut chances.

Billy McKinlay decided against making any changes and the strong Development Squad XI all played the full 90 minutes and earned another valuable three points.

Fulham: Keller; Omozusi, Baird, Bocanegra, Kallio; Seol, Timlin, Elliott, Bouazza; Smertin, Healy

Subs Not Used: Etheridge (GK), Ashton, Thompson, Anderson, Ehui