Fulham Football Club News

• Nickname:Cottagers
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin Jol

• Ground:Craven Cottage
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Hodgson backs misfiring duo

27 Oct 2008 - 12:41:21

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is convinced Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson will eventually start to hit the goal trail.

Johnson has failed to find the net in six starts for the Cottagers since his big-money switch from Everton while Zamora has scored only once in nine appearances and it was Clint Dempsey who grabbed the late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.

However, Hodgson said after the game: "I think their partnership is getting better all the time. There were a number of occasions against Portsmouth where we were just a toe-poke away from getting through.

"I thought Zamora linked up the play well as the game went on, and they showed a real sign of what we can expect from them in the future. You must remember this is the third game that they've played together, and it takes time to gel.

I was to say the least gutted when we gave away a soft goal in the second half. Given our recent away performances when we've been losing 1-0 without deserving it, I thought 'here we go again'.

"But we took the game to the opposition and caused the Portsmouth defence problems.

"I think our spirit is a lot better than it was at times last year. It bodes well for the two tough matches we have this week.

"I'm hoping we can kick on from here and haul ourselves into a more comfortable league position."