Source: Team_Talk
Foster saves earn Albion a point
en Foster made a superb double save to earn West Brom a Premier League point in a 0-0 draw with fellow strugglers Fulham at The Hawthorns.[LNB] Foster had gifted Stoke substitute Ryan Shotton a last-gasp winner in the last home game - but atoned with superb stops in quick succession on Saturday to keep out Cottagers defender John Arne Riise's free-kick and substitute Bryan Ruiz's follow-up.[LNB]The visitors, still without a league win this season, dominated the first period with skipper Danny Murphy dictating play but Albion posed more of a threat in the second period.[LNB]Peter Odemwingie looked lively for the Baggies when pushed upfront for the second 45 minutes but Fulham held firm with centre-back Brede Hangeland marshalling his defence well.[LNB]West Brom were the first to threaten with skipper Chris Brunt getting on the end of a Nicky Shorey cross but his powerful header was directed straight at Mark Schwarzer.[LNB]Then Youssouf Mulumbu dispossessed Pajtim Kasami 20 yards out and his low drive forced a sprawling save by Schwarzer to his right.[LNB]But it was two rare moments of danger for Fulham who dominated the remainder of the first half.[LNB]Murphy found Orlando Sa in space inside the box but a fine block tackle by Gareth McAuley deflected his shot for a corner.[LNB]Albion had a let-off after 12 minutes when Foster spilled a low shot from Clint Dempsey and the rebound was converted by Kasami - but replays showed he was offside.[LNB]The Albion fans were becoming frustrated at the amount of possession being enjoyed by the visitors who were not being closed down quickly enough.[LNB]Striker Shane Long was too isolated up front for West Brom in a 4-5-1 formation and lack of support meant him attempting a shot from a narrow angle which flew harmlessly over the bar.[LNB]Jol's side were increasingly looking the more likely to break the deadlock with McAuley blocking a Sa attempt on the edge of the box and Foster clinging onto a Dempsey header.[LNB]Albion reverted to a 4-4-2 formation for the second period with Odemwingie pushing up front alongside Long.[LNB]But initially Fulham still looked the more dangerous and twice went close to going ahead.[LNB]The woodwork came to West Brom's rescue when defender Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected a volley by Dempsey against his own bar.[LNB]Then Dembele found himself unmarked 15 yards out but could not keep his shot down.[LNB]Hangeland became the first player to be booked after bringing down Long and then Grygera was yellow carded for fouling Thomas.[LNB]Albion appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge on Long by Chris Baird.[LNB]Odemwingie had a great chance to put Albion in front after 64 minutes when he ran on to a through ball from Mulumbu but he shot straight at Schwarzer.[LNB]Baird became the third Fulham player to be booked for hauling down Odemwingie.[LNB]Only a superb double save by Foster prevented Ruiz from making an immediate impact.[LNB]The former Manchester United keeper blocked a fiercely driven free-kick by Riise with Foster then up quickly to turn the follow-up effort from Ruiz onto a post from two yards out.[LNB]Brunt nearly earned Albion victory in injury-time when his low cross-shot hit the post and Sa fired over at the other end.
