Fulham FC V Derby: 0 - 0

Our third game in six days was played in intense heat with a 10 man defence from Derby; resulting in a draining game for players and supporters alike. The stewards gave out water to the hot supporters, and I saw two people carried off after fainting. At the beginning of the game it reminded me of one of those perfect Cup Final days, unfortunately it turned into a pretty boring game.

After the game Derby Boss, Jim Smith, was pleased with the 0-0 draw. The Fulham fans were not, chanting "boring, boring Derby..." as the payers left the pitch at full time.

Fulham were still missing Boa Morte and Lee Clarke, while striker Fabrizio Ravanelli and goalkeeper Mart Poom were missing from Derbys selection.

After about 15 minutes Goma was replaced by Symons after landing awkwardly. In the second half Colins & Goldbaek went off looking very tired after 65 minutes and Harley & new the signing Legwinski came on and looked good. Unfortunately, he also looks like Steed and Collins, so more confusion for the fans ! Quick tip, John tends to keep his shirt tucked in, and Steed doesn't, we'll have to wait and see what characterises Legwinski!

Fulham were much the better side and dominated much of the game, Derby made few chances, instead preferring to play for a draw, or to take lumps out of our boys. Derby came for a point and got it. Fulham were shown a lot of respect today, and I would guess that we'll get that a lot at the cottage, with teams defending resolutely for much of the game. We'll need to take the few chances we do get, and to attack these boring sides when away from home.

Now we've played 3, lost one, won one and drawn one. 4 points from 9, 4 goals for and three against. Currently 7th in the Premiership.

The players
• Edwin Van der Sar,
• Rufus Brevett,
• Andy Melville,
• Alain Goma (Kit Symons 15),
• Steve Finnan,
• Steed Malbranque,
• John Collins (Jon Harley 65),
• Sean Davis,
• Bjarne Goldbaek (Sylvain Legwinski 65),
• Barry Hayles,
• Louis Saha.

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