Fulham thrashed at home by Birmingham

Fulham 2 Birmingham City 5

Ten-man Fulham suffered a second consecutive defeat as three goals in 12 first-half minutes ensured they were well beaten.

Birmingham took control through Stephen Gleeson’s strike before a Paul Caddis penalty and Jon Toral’s shot as good as sealed victory by the interval.

And any hopes of a fightback were ended when James Husband was sent off for two yellow cards after the break.

Substitute Alexander Kacaniklic’s strike gave hope of an unlikely comeback, but Clayton Donaldson made it 4-1.

Ross McCormack’s injury-time curler did little to lift spirits on a miserable day which was summed up by Viv Solomon-Otabor making it 5-2.

The result increases the pressure on Fulham boss Kit Symons, who has faced much criticism from fans this season.

Fulham had made an encouraging start, with Jamie O’Hara shooting just wide and Tom Cairney forcing a good save from keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

But Birmingham played to their typical gameplay under manager Gary Rowett, surrendering possession and attacking with great purpose on the break.

They led against the run of play when Gleeson shot low in to the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards and a Caddis penalty, after Fulham keeper felled Donaldson, doubled that advantage.

Tim Ream shot over and Dan Burn was off target with a header as Fulham responded, but Jacques Maghoma teed up Toral for a third Blues goal.

O’Hara did hit the bar with a fine free-kick, however the slim chance of avoiding defeat disappeared with Husband’s dismissal for two bookings inside 90 seconds after 53 minutes.

Fulham still continued to create chances. Matt Smith struck the post from close range and then his header was converted by fellow substitute Kacaniklic.

In a frantic finish, Birmingham’s former Brentford striker Donaldson scored on the follow-up after a fine save by Lewis for a fourth Blues goal before McCormack’s classy curled effort made it 4-1.

However, Solomon-Otabor’s shot restored the three-goal advantage.

Fulham: Lewis; Stearman, Burn, Ream; Christensen (Kacaniclik 45), Tunnicliffe (Garbutt), O’Hara, Cairney, Husband; McCormack, Dembele (Smith 55).
Subs not used: Rodak, Hutchinson, Parker, Woodrow.