Source: Daily_Mail
Fulham 4 Crusaders 0: Martin Jol's men march on towards Europa League
[LNB]Andy Johnson put Fulham on the way to victory over Crusaders on Thursday night - and is now set for a new contract. [LNB]The striker scored the opener as his side strolled into the Europa League third qualifying round with victory over the Northern Irish part-timers. [LNB]Johnson, 30, has under a year left onhis current deal and remains a target for Queens Park Rangers, though his ?40,000-a-week wages are a stumbling block. [LNB] Opening the floodgates: Andrew Johnson celebrates scoring the first goal at Craven Cottage[LNB]But manager Martin Jol said: 'We are talking with him and his agent so there is not a problem. I feel there are more goals in AJ with every game.' [LNB]Already leading 3-1 from the first leg, Fulham dominated throughout and took the lead in the 19th minute when Johnson fired home from close range after debutant John Arne Riise's cross. [LNB]Damien Duff hit the second from a tight angle, latching on to Philippe Senderos's pass in the 56th minute.[LNB] Back of the net: Johnson slams the opening goal past Crusaders goalkeeper Sean O'Neill [LNB]Zamora converted Johnson's cross 10 minutes later and Steve Sidwell confirmed Fulham's progress to face Croatian side RNK Split in the next round when he headed in from Duff's corner with 20 minutes to play. [LNB]Jol believes it is possible to strikea balance between the Barclays Premier League and the Cottagers' exertions in other competitions but concedes it will be tough.[LNB] Head boy: Steve Sidwell (grounded) nods in the fourth goal for the Cottagers[LNB]'For me the Premier League is the most important thing but if you want to be a good club you need to play well in all competitions and try to do well,' he said.[LNB]'Last year they did not have the biggest squad and five or six players left, which is why we need five orsix players in to get a good squad.[LNB] No way past: Cottagers midfielder Sidwell is tackled by David Magowan[LNB]'Then you can probably rotate more, which is not what Fulham is known for, yet they still got to the final acouple of years ago.[LNB]'It is possible to do well in Europe and to do well in the league but of course it is not easy.[LNB]'Even in the year they went to the final they were 12th. Last year they did very well but the difference with the team in 14th spot was, if I'm not mistaken, two or three points.'[LNB] Fine evening's work: Johnson celebrates with Bobby Zamora during their win[LNB]Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer's understudy David Stockdale is set for a loan move away from Craven Cottage, with Ipswich and Leeds joining the race. [LNB]Swansea are also keen but Jol said hewould insist on being able to recall the 25-year-old, which is not allowed by top-flight clubs under Premier League rules.[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME Fulham lodge appeal to Supreme Court over Richards' role in Crouch move to SpursSwansea up Stockdale stakes with ?2.5m bid for goalkeeperAll the latest Fulham FC news, features and opinion[LNB]
