Joy for Fulham as Rodallega strikes again

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Fulham 1 Norwich 0

Hugo Rodallega’s first-half volley – his second winning goal in as many games – moved Fulham to within two points of safety.

The striker, who came off the bench to secure a vital three points at Aston Villa last weekend, smashed in from close range after Steve Sidwell had flicked on Lewis Holtby’s free-kick.

It was another crucial win and only the second time this season the Whites have claimed back-to-back victories, but they had to defend for large periods.

David Stockdale made vital saves, Bradley Johnson hit the crossbar with a first-half free-kick and Rodallega blocked Michael Turner’s header on the line late on.

But Fulham, who have spent most of the season in the bottom three, are within sight of retaining their 13-year Premier League status and Rodallega is emerging as a possible saviour.

The Colombian forward went close for his side when he shot across goal early on and then he fired them into the lead five minutes before half-time.

Earlier, Stockdale produced fantastic saves, first keeping out Ricky van Wolfswinkel’s close-range volley and then pushing out a Leroy Fer header from the resulting corner.

Rodallega had a header blocked on the line by Martin Olsson just after the break before he headed wide of his own goal to deny Turner at the other end.

Substitute Ashkan Dejagah had a great chance to make it 2-0 when he was put clean through in stoppage time, but his wild shot that cleared the bar turned out to be the last kick of the game.

Fulham (5-4-1): Stockdale; Riether, Hangeland, Heitinga, Amorebieta, Richardson; Kasami (Dejagah 57), Diarra (Kvist 85), Sidwell, Holtby (Parker 69); Rodallega
Subs not used: Stekelenburg, Bent, Roberts Riise.

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