Late Andreolli strike denies Fulham

23 October 2009 06:46
Marco Andreolli struck a 94th-minute equaliser to earn Roma a 1-1 draw from their Europa League clash with Fulham.[LNB] Mark Schwarzer had saved a late penalty from Jeremy Menez which also saw Stephen Kelly sent off for an innocuous tackle on John Arne Riise.[LNB] Fulham took a first-half lead through Brede Hangeland, who was initially red carded for Kelly's offence in an identity mix-up.[LNB] Roma, 11th in Serie A, arrived at Craven Cottage without talisman Francesco Totti and found themselves in desperate need of his inspiration during a difficult opening. Andreolli scrambled a dangerous cross by Bjorn Helge Riise to safety before keeper Doni had to make a sharp save from Jonathan Greening's shot.[LNB] Paul Konchesky threaded a magnificent ball through to Bobby Zamora but with Andreolli tugging at his shirt, he was unable to create the space to pull the trigger.[LNB] Given their dominance, it came as little surprise when Hodgson's side surged ahead in the 24th minute. Riise sent a hanging corner to the rear of the box where Hangeland escaped the grappling arms of Andreolli before outjumping the Roma defender to head the ball past Doni. [LNB] Roma issued a reminder of the threat they can pose when John Arne Riise - playing against his brother Bjorn Helge - unleashed a blistering 18-yard drive that drew an excellent save from Mark Schwarzer.[LNB] Roma had the ball in the net in the 53rd minute but Daniele De Rossi was clearly offside when he nodded Philippe Mexes' shot into the net.[LNB] Doni did brilliantly to pluck the ball from Kamara's feet after Zamora had engineered a one on one - had he been a fraction later Fulham would have gone 2-0 ahead.[LNB] Schwarzer then saved Menez's penalty as Fulham fans were subjected to a nerve-shredding finale that ended in agony but Andreolli stole in unmarked at the far post and lashed home from six yards out with the last kick of the game.

Source: Eurosport