Source: Telegraph
Fulham squeeze through with Bobby Zamora's late strike
Bobby Zamora proved emphatically last night that he is not a lost cause, scoring his second goal in as many games to earn Fulham a late reprieve - as well as an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester United. [LNB]It was suitable reward for Fulham's dominance of this replay, if harsh on Swansea, but Roy Hodgson could only bring himself to see half the story.[LNB] Related ArticlesCoventry live up to Coleman's promise[LNB]Roy Hodgson hopes Manchester United fail to focus on FA Cup tie with Fulham[LNB]Roberts winner may force Fayed to shelve grand plans[LNB]Fulham captain Simon Davies 'buzzing' for Bobby Zamora[LNB]Bobby Zamora euphoric as Fulham strike downs West Bromwich Albion[LNB]Manchester United move five points clear of Liverpool with win over Fulham[LNB]Swansea had led until the 77th minute, before Clint Dempsey's goal presaged a winner from Zamora, putting a barren spell of 1,763 minutes prior to Saturday firmly behind him.[LNB]And yet in a strangely blinkered verdict the Fulham manager said: 'We really did well, we gave them no time to play their football. We played the whole game in their half and I can't praise the players highly enough. I didn't think there was any doubt about the outcome.'[LNB]No doubt? Try telling that to Roberto Martinez, Swansea's charismatic manager, who has designed a team in his own image, slick and style-conscious. Actually he was given the chance to counter Hodgson's perspective, but was too charming to say anything stronger than that his players were downcast, and could take pride in their obdurate display. Indeed they could, this fluctuating game showcasing every facet of Swansea's elegant play before Dempsey and Zamora reined them in.[LNB]Even Fulham's fans could not surpass the delirium of the away end when Jason Scotland's strike put Swansea briefly a step closer to Wembley. But predictions that they could take the FA Cup beyond the Severn Bridge for the first time since 1927 had to be put on hold. Martinez could just reflect on last night's display as a vindication of the way his team have been conditioned to play, with meticulous build-ups and simple passing. These qualities alone ruffled Fulham, who looked laboured by contrast – whatever Hodgson might claim.[LNB]Swansea had needed just 90 seconds of the second half to make their impression, with Scotland given far too much space by Aaron Hughes and John Pantsil. Scotland did not seem to catch his shot as cleanly as he intended, but it was good enough to beat Mark Schwarzer.[LNB]Erik Nevland and Dempsey both had chances to hit back, but it was the American who seized the moment. Panic gripped Swansea and it was little surprise when Dempsey guided home Simon Davies' corner with 13 minutes left, before Zamora headed in another pinpoint Davies cross for the winner. Hodgson afforded himself a knowing look; it had never been in any doubt.[LNB]Match details[LNB]Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Davies, Dacourt (Murphy 60), Etuhu, Dempsey; Nevland (Gera 60), Zamora.Subs: Zuberbuhler (g), Kamara, Milsom, Kallio, Baird.Booked: Etuhu.Swansea (4-3-3): De Vries; Rangel, Williams, Serran, Tate; Gower (Tudur-Jones 55), Britton, Gomez; Dyer, Scotland, Bauza.Subs: Cornell (g), O'Leary, Orlandi, Bessone, Collins, Butler.Referee: M Halsey (Lancashire). [LNB]
