Amkar Perm 1 Fulham 0 (Agg 2-3): Hodgson's troops make it through after late scare

And on they go: Hodgson's adventure continuesFulham clinched their place in the Europa League group stages despite a late scare as Martin Kushev scored in the 90th minute for the lively Russians. Roy Hodgson's side had given themselves a two-goal advantage to take to Perm, and had looked comfortable up until the tense finale. The Amkar skipper powerfully headed in Georgi Peev's cross and then the home side passed up a great chance to win the tie with the last kick of the game but substitute Nikolay Zhilyaev shot over from eight yards.Relieved boss Hodgson said: 'Amkar played particularly well and made life difficult for us. 'And the very late goal made the final minutes extra exciting.'They are a very good quality team and they have stretched us to the limit in order to get our qualification.' Fulham were without Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Danny Murphy and Paul Konchesky due to injuries and the hosts dominated the first half but created few opportunities. Late scare: Amkar's Martin Kouchev pokes the ball past Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer setting up a frantic finishThe best chance of the half fell to Amkar's Jean Carlos after good work by Georgi Peev. His close-range shot was well saved by Mark Schwarzer, who scrambled the ball away. In the 50th minute Peev's cross found Kushev in space but the Bulgarian fired wide with the goal at his mercy. Battle to the end: Fulham's John Pantsil wins a last-ditch challenge with Amkar ace Edin JunuzovicAmkar broke quickly in the 72nd minute and stretched Fulham but John Pantsil managed to make a fine recovery to block Vitaly Grishin's shot.   Fulham 3 Amkar Perm 1: Late strike means Hodgson might smell troubleAmkar say sorry to Fulham after Perm fans offer Cottagers grim welcomeFULHAM FC

Source: Daily_Mail