Late Mutch strike sinks Fulham

28 September 2013 19:47

Cardiff celebrated a first win away in the top flight since their ascension to the Barclays Premier League with a last-gasp 2-1 defeat of Fulham to pile more pressure on Martin Jol.

Cries of "Jol out" were heard loud and clear after substitute Jordon Mutch inflicted defeat on the Cottagers with a curling goal after Steven Caulker's opener had been cancelled out by Bryan Ruiz, who was sent on shortly before half-time.

West Brom scored a last-gasp equaliser to deny Fulham a first home win in the league since defeat of QPR on April 1 in the previous Premier League contest and Jol's men were on the receiving end of another late blow.

Fulham owner Shahid Khan has already removed the Michael Jackson statue from Craven Cottage and Jol could be the next to be toppled.

Victory over Everton in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night helped alleviate some of the pressure on the Dutchman, who selected Darren Bent as one of five changes.

Fulham were forced into an early change when Scott Parker limped off, with Giorgos Karagounis on in his place.

Only Peter Odemwingie was retained from the Cardiff side which lost in the League Cup to West Ham and the Nigeria forward was an early nuisance to Fulham.

The blow suffered by Parker's departure was exacerbated when Fulham fell behind from a Peter Whittingham corner, which Caulker headed in unopposed eight yards out.

It was reminiscent of the West Brom equaliser a fortnight ago which resulted in calls for Jol's departure.

The Dutchman needed a response from his team, but it was Cardiff who were lifted by the goal and Andrew Taylor had a header cleared away by Steve Sidwell.

Source: PA