Stoke ‘almost like a rugby team’ – Jol

Fulham boss Martin Jol described Stoke as “almost like a rugby team” following their 1-0 victory over his side at the Britannia Stadium.

Charlie Adam’s first-half strike proved decisive as a flat Fulham failed to come to life until a period of pressure in the final 10 minutes.

The Whites defence, missing suspended skipper Brede Hangeland, struggled against Stoke’s aerial threat, particularly from set-pieces.

And Jol wasn’t happy referee Michael Oliver didn’t spot an off-the-ball block in the build-up to the match-winning goal.

Jol said: “If they are in your half, they bully you. But we knew that before the game.

“It’s their style, I admire their style, but it’s almost like a rugby team.

“I saw a few situations [when Stoke were overly physical] and you always hope the ref will respect that.

“But I don’t want to look for excuses. The first half wasn’t good enough but the second half was much better and I thought we deserved a point.”

Stoke boss Tony Pulis shrugged off Jol’s comments – and the Dutchman’s claim that Fulham deserved a draw,

He said: “Martin’s disappointed because I don’t think they played as well as they can do. I thought we absolutely murdered them.

“They had control of the last 10 minutes but up until then I thought we could have had five or six goals.”

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