Gary Caldwell will need a second-half comeback from his side to avoid defeat in his first match in charge of Wigan Athletic, after they fell 2-1 behind in the first half against Fulham at Craven Cottage this evening.
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The home side needed just a couple of minutes to open the scoring as Sean Kavanagh pulled the ball back for Ross McCormack to curl into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, beating the diving Scott Carson.
Kim Bo-kyung tried to create something down the other end to get the visitors back on level terms, but his curling delivery into the box was quickly dealt with by the Fulham defenders.
The visitors were level midway through the opening period though when Wigan were awarded a free kick after Scott Parker fouled James McClean, leaving Jermaine Pennant to fire into the top left direct from the set piece.
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The Cottagers were on the attack again before the break looking to restore their advantage, but McCormack saw his finish blocked before Matt Smith headed wide from a Jack Grimmer cross.
However, the hosts were back in front a few minutes later when Ryan Tunnicliffe floated a high ball to Smith, who hit it at the first time of asking from 30 yards out, lobbing it over Carson to leave Fulham with the lead at half time.
Sian Cowper
