Robinson strikes as IBF beat Fulham

Fulham’s fast escape to the Sky Wager title was verified as West Brom overpowered the staff for a 1-0 win over the Hawthorns.

Callum Robinson’s 63rd-minute aim was a slim reward for a dominant efficiency from Pages, who received at dwelling for the primary time below new coach Steve Bruce.

Fulham’s defeat was solely their second in 14 matches within the event, and ended their 10-game away streak undefeated from 2 October 2023 after they misplaced 4-1 in Coventry.

The Cottages failed to attain for the primary time in 2023 – 14 league video games – and the final time they failed to attain within the event was December 20.

West Brom dominated the primary half a lot that they left the sector to a standing ovation from their supporters, and it was an identical story after the break.

Alternatives got here shortly and simply. Taylor Gardner Hickman met Conor Townsend’s deep cross and rebounded his header off Anthony Robinson.

Pages continued to threaten and Karlan Grant fired a low, angled shot into the aspect internet after Robinson snatched him behind the Fulham defence.

West Bromwich Albion threatened a extra direct trajectory as Darnell Furlong’s throw-in by Simi Ajayi fell into the arms of goalkeeper Marek Rudak.

A penalty enchantment for the hosts was canceled within the twenty eighth minute when Harrison Reed didn’t come into contact with a rebound however minimize Alex Mowat whereas attempting to regulate it.

West Brom continued to dominate the match and elevated his confidence which led to a succession of Rodak saves.

First, the Slovak goalkeeper blocked Grant’s shot along with his legs after a hooked move from Robinson, whose efforts went the identical approach after a minimize inside Tusin Adarabiou.

The half ended with Rodak hitting a cross from Townsend earlier than the whistle blew on the finish of the primary half.

West Bromwich Albion continued the place he left off, and began the second half with a header from Grant by Rodak.

Fulham’s first risk of any type didn’t come till the 56th minute when Fabio Carvalho minimize inside from the left and despatched a low effort curled extensive.

Harry Wilson curled extensive from contained in the penalty space as Fulham lastly began to come back into the sport.

However no matter momentum that they had was dashed when West Brom took the properly deserved lead.

Antonee Robinson carelessly gave the ball to Grant, who handed Callum Robinson to move Rodak from a decent nook.

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Nathaniel Chalubah despatched nice efforts to the guests nevertheless it wasn’t Fulham night time.

What did the managers say…

West Brom Steve Bruce: “We received seven factors out of 9 and now the stress is on us all in Bristol Metropolis on Saturday. Can we repeat that efficiency? Who is aware of?” There are in all probability quite a lot of groups chasing however we’ve to win at Bristol Stadium on Saturday earlier than the worldwide break.”

“There have been some exhausting details being stated. It wasn’t acceptable and I feel they realized that too with the efficiency towards Swansea. You possibly can take a beating however the way in which it is carried out is the job and since then it has been higher. Possibly that is a low level. I hope be anyway.”

Fulham Mark Silva: “It wasn’t ok. Within the first half we weren’t right here – it was simply our shirts on the pitch. I do not need to be unfair at West Bromwich Albion as a result of they have been the very best staff and so they deserved to win. We have been anticipating him, Marek (Rudak) stored us within the recreation.

“Within the second half it was just a little completely different. We had a terrific alternative with Metro the place we must always have equalised. I do not suppose the job is finished. I am positive the gamers do not suppose that approach.”