Fulham 1-1 Roma: Italians Snatch Draw With Final Minute Goal

Roma left Craven Cottage with a vital point thanks to a goal from Marco Andreolli in the final minute of stoppage time.

Brede Hangeland's header in the 24th minute looked to have secured maximum points for Fulham but i Giallorossi's sustained pressure paid off as they battled back to earn a 1-1 draw.

Fulham were the brighter of the two sides in the early stages. Jonathan Greening almost put the Cottagers ahead in the 3rd minute but Doni tipped his low drive to the right of the goal wide for a corner.

Stefano Chuka Okaka could have penalised the Lilywhites for overplaying the ball at the back in the 8th minute but his half-volley lacked accuracy and sailed high and wide.

From there on the west London-based outfit took control of the game. However, efforts from Greening, Bjorn Helge Riise and Bobby Zamora failed to trouble i Giallorossi's goalkeeper.

Italy international midfielder Daniele De Rossi's effort from about 30 yards from goal summed up Roma's first-half display as the ball, although well struck, flew harmlessly over the woodwork.

Fulham duly took the lead in the 24th min when Brede Hangeland outjumped Doni at the far post to nod the ball rather effortlessly into the net from a Bjorn Helge Riise corner.

John Arne Riise came close to equalising just after the half-hour mark but his venomous drive to the top left corner was put out for a corner by Mark Schwarzer.

The first half might have belonged to the home side but the roles were reversed in the second 45 minutes.

The Italians should probably have equalised with 15 minutes to play when Stephen Kelly brought down John Arne Riise, resulting in a red card for the Republic of Ireland international and a penalty for the visitors.

However, Jeremy Menez's low drive to the left corner was saved by Mark Schwarzer.

Roy Hodgson's team did have a couple of chances to double their advantage, most notably when Diomansy Kamara was put through on goal by Bobby Zamora but squandered a good one-on-one opportunity.

It was not to be for the Craven Cottage faithful, as following a corner, Andreolli hit a vicious volley at the back post to level the scores with the last kick of the match.


Ricky Brooks