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Fulham logo
Premier League
Sep 28, 2013 at 3pm UK
 
Cardiff City logo

1-2

Ruiz (45')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Caulker (12'), Mutch (90')

Live Commentary: Fulham 1-2 Cardiff City - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole coverage of the Premier League clash between Fulham and Cardiff City.
2

Fulham welcomed Cardiff City to Craven Cottage as both teams went in search of an important victory on Saturday afternoon.

Cardiff took an early lead when Steven Caulker headed in the opener but Fulham were back on level terms before the break thanks to a curled effort from Bryan Ruiz.

It looked like the two teams would have to settle for a point until Jordon Mutch secured a 2-1 victory for Cardiff with a goal in stoppage time.

Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.


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Good afternoon everyone. It may only be September but this match is an important one for both sides. Both teams need points. It's going to be an intriguing day in London.

The team news will arrive shortly and there's plenty of questions to be answered. Fulham won in midweek, while Cardiff were knocked out of the Capital One Cup by West Ham.

Fulham head into the match in 18th position, with Cardiff a point better off in 16th. Both sides will fancy their chances of picking something up today but you'd say a point would be a good result for Cardiff.

CARDIFF XI: Marshall; Theophile-Catherine, Turner, Caulker (C), Taylor; Medel, Gunnarsson, Odemwingie, Whittingham, Kim; Campbell

SUBSTITUTES: Lewis; Hudson, Noone, Mutch, Cowie, Maynard, Bellamy


No place for Craig Bellamy in the Cardiff team but Peter Odemwingie, Fraizer Campbell and Peter Whittingam all provide an attacking threat for the visitors.

Fulham are keeping us waiting a little bit longer this afternoon. Will Darren Bent start following his heroics in midweek? Is there room in this team for both him and Dimitar Berbatov?

BREAKING NEWS: Bent and Berbatov both start for Fulham in attack. Full team news to follow.

FULHAM XI: Stockdale; Riether, Hangeland, Amorebieta, Richardson; Kacaniklic, Sidwell, Parker, Kasami; Berbatov, Bent

That looks like a very attacking side from Jol. Pajtim Kasami has impressed in the early stages of the season and the way he links with Bent and Berbatov today will be crucial.

I don't think Cardiff will sit back this afternoon and that makes this contest even more interesting. We could see some goals today.

Odemwingie has finally found a home. We know the forward can finish, he showed that during his time with West Bromwich Albion. His attitude has often been questioned but he's the kind of player who could earn priceless points this season.

Just 20 minutes before the action begins at Craven Cottage. You can find coverage of the other Premier League games taking place this afternoon on the homepages.

PREDICTION: It's time for me to make a fool of myself. I think Cardiff will come at the hosts today but I fancy Fulham to snatch a 2-1 win.

Both teams can take a big step up the table if results go their way this afternoon. A promoted side like Cardiff need to get as far away from the relegation zone as possible at the start of the season because the pressure is always on after Christmas.

The players have headed back inside at Craven Cottage. Just the final preparations to be made and then we'll be ready for some action.

The players are making their way out onto the pitch now. We're put through the routine of the pre-match handshakes and kick off is a little bit closer.

Fulham are going to get things underway.

Cardiff have started brightly and they look busy in midfield in the first couple of minutes.

First chance to shine for Bent, who break away on the right before firing a low cross straight into Marshall's arms.

Fulham are pressing high up the pitch in an attempt to force the visiting defence into a mistake. No mix-ups yet though.

Berbatov delivers a superb ball over the top to cause confusion in the Cardiff defence. Taylor manages to clear the danger under big pressure from Bent.

SUBSTITUTION: Bad news for Fulham fans. Parker has reportedly been struggling with a calf injury in recent days and he's decided he can't continue. Giorgos Karagounis replaces him in midfield.

Berbatov is very close to finding himself in a great position when Hangeland launches the ball forward but the Bulgarian can't control inside the box.

Moment of brilliance from Berbatov when he controls the ball superbly but his pass shortly after is poor and Cardiff have a goal kick.

GOAL! FULHAM 0-1 CARDIFF (CAULKER)

Cardiff win a corner. Whittingham delivers a decent cross and Caulker is allowed plenty of space to head home the first goal of the match. Big breakthrough for the visitors.

Fulham attack immediately but it's Cardiff who come even closer on the break when Richardson is forced to clear an inviting cross from Whittingham.

Chance! Taylor heads the ball towards the goal when Hangeland fails to clear but Sidwell does enough to prevent a second for Cardiff.

It's Fulham's turn to apply some pressure as they win a number of corners. Cardiff defend well though to prevent a chance being created for the hosts.

It's been a frustrating afternoon for the Fulham forwards so far. Berbatov enjoys dropping deep but Jol won't enjoy seeing Bent picking up the ball in midfield. Kasami needs to see more of the ball.

Berbatov can't get the ball down in the box but Cardiff only half-clear. Richardson arrives on the edge of the area to slice his effort wide.

Medel crosses towards Campbell, who can't get his head on the ball. Taylor should keep the move going but his poor touch gifts a goal kick to the hosts.

Much better in the last few minutes from Fulham but their final delivery hasn't been good enough. Kasami and Riether both waste good positions with poor crosses.

Ki is threatening on the left now and he wins his side a free kick when Kasami hauls him down.

SAVE! Whittingham picks out Turner with the free kick and the centre back forces Stockdale into a very good save.

Berbatov is left wincing in pain when Medel dispossesses the forward with a firm sliding tackle. I think he'll be fine to continue.

Caulker has the ball in the back of the net again but it's disallowed due to a foul on Stockdale by Turner. Fulham are really struggling at the back.

I might be tempting fate but I think it's fair to say that the Cardiff defence are very comfortable against the double threat of Bent and Berbatov. Fulham need a spark from somewhere.

YELLOW CARD! Theophile is the first player to go into the book when he brings down Sidwell as Fulham threatened to break away.

CHANCE! Caulker once again wins a header from a set piece but Campbell can't turn the ball in from close range with an acrobatic effort.

Cardiff are looking very good in possession. Odemwingie tricks past a couple of defenders before picking out Taylor, who fires in a cross which is deflected wide.

CHANCE! Whittingham is the creator of another move but it's Gunnarsson who gets the opportunity when he heads wide from 12 yards.

Fulham are preparing to make the second substitution. It might be Kasami who is struggling but it's definitely Bryan Ruiz coming on.

SHOT! Kim finds himself in some space and attempts a cheeky chip but gets it wrong from distance.

SUBSTITUTION: It's not Kasami but instead Kacaniklic who comes off following a poor display. I think it might be an injury but it's not clear what the problem is to be honest. Ruiz is on.

I've heard that the Ruiz introduction was a tactical change, so Jol clearly isn't very happy and I'm not surprised. Bent nearly breaks through but he can't catch the ball inside the box.

CHANCE! Campbell heads wide when Theophile delivers a lovely cross from the right.

GOAL! FULHAM 1-1 CARDIFF (RUIZ)

The change has worked! Moment of magic from Ruiz as he picks the ball up just outside the box before curling the ball into the top corner with a brilliant left foot effort.

Odemwingie creates some space in a crowded penalty are but his low strike is blocked by a Fulham leg as the interval approaches.

HALF TIME: FULHAM 1-1 CARDIFF

That Ruiz goal is a big, big moment in this game. Fulham have been very poor this afternoon and to be level at the break is a bonus for Jol's side.

Cardiff will be furious to not be ahead. They've been the superior side and deserve to be in the lead. How will they respond to the setback?

Make sure you find that Ruiz goal somewhere this evening. It really is a stunning effort from the substitute.

I think the big concern for Fulham will be the amount of aerial battles they have lost in the first half. Hangeland hasn't looked anywhere near his best in defence. Caulker and Turner are threatening every time they come up for set pieces.

The players are heading back out onto the pitch now. I wonder if Fulham will be slightly more confident at the start of the second half. Cardiff need to keep playing the way they were before the equaliser.

Cardiff get the action back underway at Craven Cottage.

Cardiff enjoy a good spell of possession but some impressive work is ruined when Turner gives away the ball in a good position.

SHOT! Cardiff manage to keep the move alive when a corner is delivered deep into the box. The ball finds its way to Medel, who curls an effort high over the crossbar.

Cardiff once again win the first ball from a set piece but Stockdale does just enough to punch away the danger inside the six yard box.

SHOT! Odemwingie cuts in off the left but he drags his low shot wide of the post and reacts in disgust.

Ruiz wins a corner on the left but a poor delivery is easily cleared by the Cardiff defence. Both sides looking for the control early in the second half.

CHANCE! Theophile-Catherine delivers another deep cross from the right. Whittingham meets the ball on the volley but he drills his shot wide.

Bent has had a difficult afternoon and it gets a little bit worse when he loses possession. The Fulham supporters greet the mistake with groans.

Berbatov delivers a dangerous cross with the outside of his boot but Caulker clears the danger inside the six yard box.

SUBSTITUTION: Cardiff make their first change as Kim comes off to be replaced by Jordon Mutch.

Fulham are on top now. Cardiff clear a couple of corners before Kasami causes chaos with an excellent cross from the right. Luckily for the visitors, they are awarded a free kick.

CHANCE! Cardiff definitely should be ahead. Campbell gets in front of Hangeland inside the box but he somehow hits the ball over the crossbar from close range. Superb delivery from Mutch. Poor miss.

SHOT! Kasami displays some good skill to earn himself some space but his powerful effort doesn't threaten the Cardiff goal. Berbatov can't believe he wasn't passed the ball. No surprise there.

SHOT! Whittingham is gifted far too much space 25 yards from goal but the midfielder slices his effort wide of the target. It's a very good game now at Craven Cottage.

CHANCE! Both sides are looking for the third goal and it's making for entertaining viewing. Riether crosses the ball to Berbatov, who heads wide under pressure at the back post.

YELLOW CARD! Theophile-Catherine goes down under a heavy challenge from Berbatov and the Bulgarian forward earns himself a booking.

It might take a moment of magic to win this game. Both teams are enjoying possession in advanced areas of the pitch but the chances are not being taken.

Poor football from both sides. Odemwingie loses possession in the middle of a promising move for Cardiff before Ruiz passes the ball to no one on the left wing.

SHOT! Ruiz picks out Kasami on the edge of the box. It's a good chance but the shot is weak and Marshall easily saves.

Odemwingie links up with a couple of teammates before drawing a foul from Kasami with a brilliant piece of footwork.

Whittingham fancies his chances from distance but he strikes the wall with a free kick from 30 yards out.

CHANCE! Big opportunity missed for Fulham. Berbatov picks out Bent, who delivers a weak pass to Ruiz. The substitute can't control the ball and an excellent position is wasted.

Ruiz delivers a brilliant cross from the right but Theophile-Catherine does just enough at the back post to head the ball away. Superb defending.

Fulham are just beginning to edge things at Craven Cottage. Cardiff have gone into their shell a bit and I wouldn't be surprised if Malky Mackay is thinking about another change.

The hosts are keeping the ball very well now. Cardiff are retreating and have most of their players sitting on the edge of their own box.

SHOT! Taylor's cross is slightly behind Mutch, who attempts an acrobatic finish but gets the execution wrong.

Rihcardson earns himself some space on the left but his cross is far too deep and the opportunity passes for the home side.

SUBSTITUTION: Odemwingie heads off to be replaced by Bellamy, who has just under 10 minutes to make an impact.

CHANCE! Kasami gets two chances to find a winner. The first effort is blocked and his second shot is too weak to trouble Marshall.

SUBSTITUTION: Adel Taarabt comes on for the final few moments to replace Bent.

Richardson uses his pace well to beat a couple of defenders but he can't pick out a teammate with a great cross into the six yard box.

GOAL! FULHAM 1-2 CARDIFF (MUTCH)

Mutch has surely won it for his team! The substitute picks up the ball 25 yards from goal and curls a wonderful effort into the top corner to leave Stockdale helpless. Amazing drama at Craven Cottage.

FULL TIME: FULHAM 1-2 CARDIFF

What a game. Both sides searched for victory and for long periods it looked like Fulham would nick the three points. However, Cardiff held firm and won the match in brilliant style.

Thanks for joining me on an enjoyable afternoon in the Premier League. Goodbye.

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Cardiff manager Malkay Mackay prior to kick-off in the match against Hull on September 14, 2013
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