Two for Cairney as Fulham see off Charlton

Fulham 3 Charlton 0

Tom Cairney scored twice and Michael Madl netted on his home debut for Fulham as they enjoyed a derby victory at Craven Cottage.

Cairney’s first-half goal put the Whites ahead and recent loan signing Madl headed in Ross McCormack’s corner before Cairney capped a fine win with a stunning left-footed volley from near the edge of the penalty area.

The first goal, like the second, came after Charlton failed to deal with a corner by McCormack from the left.

Cairney nudged the ball towards Scott Parker and after the former Charlton man’s shot came back off the bar, Cairney calmly controlled the rebound and fired home.

The corner came as a result of keeper Stephen Henderson’s near-post save to deny McCormack, who missed a great chance to make it 2-0 just before half-time when he blazed over after lovely build-up play involving Cairney and Moussa Dembele.

Struggling Charlton posed a threat before and after going behind.

Callum Harriott had an early effort saved by Andy Lonergan, who also saw a shot from Johann Berg Gudmundsson flash just wide of his left-hand post.

And after Cairney’s goal, the Addicks went to close when Zakaria Bergdich flicked Gudmundsson’s cross just past the post and when Simon Makienok volleyed wide.

Chris Baird, back at the Cottage after this week returning on loan from Derby, was brought on as part of a double half-time substitution – much to the delight of the home fans.

But it was the other substitute, Madl, who quickly made his mark, heading in on 59 minutes for his first goal in English football.

That effectively sealed Fulham’s win and Moussa Dembele hit the bar with a fine strike before Cairney’s great goal with 13 minutes remaining.