NEIL ETHERIDGE and FULHAM out of the UEFA Europa Cup

MATCH REPORT: Neil Etheridge/Fulham FC/Barclay's Premier League, UK(1st Tier)

Dec 15 2011 Fulham  2-2  Odense BK

It's Neil Etheridges debut for Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Europa League match was a must win game for Fulham but as they drew the game and combined with Wisla Krakow’s victory over Twente, guaranteed an exit for the Whites.

Fulham completely controlled the first half, with a jittery Etheridge manning the net. As the game went on in the first half, the rookie starting GK began to relax and was effective especially after they went ahead with a goal by American national Clint Dempsey(27') and another quick strike at the 31st minute. 2-0 for the home team and an impeding rout.

Unfortunately, a completely different attitude permeated the Fulham side as the possession control, confidence and aggressiveness of the home team disappeared to be replaced by a seemingly disinterested group of players. Arguably the rookie keeper was the only one playing with heart, yet it is still a team game. With a great curling shot from a free kick, Odense found the back of the net at the 64th minute. As Odense attacked relentlessly aiming to tie the game, Fulham was pushed to the limit with no answer to stop the Danish club punishing offense. With exactly 6 seconds from the end of injury time a combination of a great lob into the box, a defense caught flat footed and a goal keeper left on his own, a soul crushing header extinguished the hope for a Europa League Cup for the Whites.

Neil Etheridge's first start for the team received mixed reviews, but after his initial jitters he played very well and showed his high level goal keeping skills.

Next fixture: Dec 17 2011 a home game against the Bolton Wanderers, currently in 20th and last place.