Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson praises fit Cottagers
Roy Hodgson was full of praise for Fulham after seeing his side come from behind to defeat Swansea 2-1 in the FA Cup.[LNB] The Championship side had taken the lead in the 47th minute via a Jason Scotland strike before goals from Clint Dempsey (77) and Bobby Zamora (81) sealed a quarter-final clash with Manchester United.[LNB]This victory came after the Cottagers had beaten West Brom 2-0 in the league on Sunday, with Hodgson making just two changes to his side - resting Danny Murphy from the starting line-up, while Andrew Johnson was out with a knock[LNB]Hodgson said: "I was really surprised with the players' energy tonight.[LNB]"Their energy levels were fantastic. I thought we showed incredible energy just one day after playing a tough Premier League tie against West Brom and I can't praise the team enough for the way they prepared for this game and the way they've gone about their business from the very first minute.[LNB]Great character"They also showed great character to come back from 1-0 down, albeit it was against the run of play."[LNB]Fulham dominated after falling behind and Hodgson admitted he would have been highly annoyed had his side lost.[LNB]He said: "There were a lot of goal chances and they were mainly at one end of the field. It was a very fast, very intensive game and I have to praise Swansea who did very well to live with us.[LNB]"You are always nervous when you go one goal down because you need to score two goals and you know how difficult two goals are to come by at any level of competition.[LNB]"But two goals, I think, was scant reward. Had we not won the game we'd have been sitting here feeling very sorry for ourselves after giving such a good performance."[LNB]Martinez disappointedSwansea boss Roberto Martinez was disappointed after the game.[LNB]He said: "I have a bit of the same feeling we had after the first match.[LNB]"I was extremely proud of our players, of their approach to the game and there was a good arrogance about our play.[LNB]"But we're disappointed because we didn't have that bit of luck you need in the cup.[LNB]"Perhaps we scored a little bit early because what we're good at is keeping the ball, holding possession and after we scored we weren't able to do that.[LNB]"I just hope the Swansea fans are very proud of us today."[LNB]
