Wigan held 1-1 at home by Fulham

By WALTER SIMON
STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) – Clint Dempsey’s penalty earned Fulham a 1-1 draw
against Wigan in a mediocre mid-table clash at the DW Stadium.

Dempsey converted his spot-kick to cancel out Emmerson Boyce’s
opener after the United States international had been bundled
over by Titus Bramble.

In front of the lowest Premier League crowd of the season of
16,172 neither side seized the initiative to claim all three
points but Fulham boss Roy Hodgson emerged the happier of the
two managers.

Hodgson said: "I am pleased with the point because we had to dig
deep today for the point.

“Many a team would have crumbled and think the gods were against
us but we stuck at our task and got the reward.

“Wigan are a good team with gifted players and are always
putting you on the back foot.

“The defences and the goalkeepers are the ones that will take
the plaudits from a game that could have easily had been 3-3.

“The international break cannot come soon enough for us as it
enables us to get some players back and gives the fit players a
rest.”

Following their Europa League disappointment at the hands of
Roma in midweek Fulham began cautiously, allowing Wigan’s
passing game onto them and asking them to break down their
sturdy back-line.

But on the break the much maligned Bobby Zamora crafted the
first genuine chance of the game as his lofted pass found Erik
Nevland but the Norwegian striker’s header came back off the
upright.

Frustrated Wigan refused to ditch their passing principles and
were rewarded for their patience by taking the lead on 13
minutes with an uncharacteristically direct method.

Paul Scharner headed a long free-kick back across goal for Boyce
to bring the ball down with his first touch and slam a finish
past Mark Schwarzer.

The Australian goalkeeper was more aware two minutes later when
he was at full stretch to keep out Charles N’Zogbia’s curling
drive but Wigan were growing in stature and Fulham losing their
shape.

Hugo Rodallega threatened for the hosts and Scharner’s physical
presence saw him head a narrow chance just over the crossbar.

With Wigan pressing for a second Fulham equalised moments before
the break as Bramble whipped away the legs of Dempsey as he
attempted to turn inside the penalty area.

Dempsey’s slammed in his third goal in as many games and as the
half-time whistle arrived the game was finely poised.

Dempsey tested Chris Kirkland ten minutes into the second half
with a well-flighted free-kick and at the other end Schwarzer
kept out Scharner and Henry Thomas, who should have done better
with his header.

The influential Dempsey continued to look Fulham’s best chance
of stealing a winner as Wigan wilted but the American had a late
effort saved and both sides played out a fair draw.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: "You cannot be pleased as you
always want to win but Fulham are a very strong, disciplined and
well organised side who have been playing together for a long
time.

“The difference between 1-1 and three points was Mark
Schwarzer’s performance who kept them in the game.

“It is a great compliment for the way we played that their
goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch.”

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