Bruce: We got frustrated

Last updated : 18 November 2002 By Brian Cartlidge
Fulham were reduced to nine men after having Rufus Brevett sent-off in the first half and then Steve Marlet after the break, but Blues couldn't break down the Cottagers rearguard.

Stern John shot tamely at Van Der Saar with the penalty that came about from Brevett's dismissal for diliberate handball on the goal-line in the 37th minute and more chances came and went after this.

"Even as early as the fifth minute, when Geoff Horsfield beat a couple of players, put in a left-footed shot and Edwin Van der Sar saved it, I wondered if it was going to be our day," said the Blues boss

"If we had scored the penalty, it was game over but we missed it. It made it a frustrating time for us because we had three or four really good chances but didn't take them. If you don't score, you don't win.

"We missed that bit of quality, that bit of cutting edge. We lacked that somebody with a bit of craft. I thought at times we got frustrated, the crowd got frustrated. We needed to be a bit more composed and a bit more patient.

"I think this was the only game I have seen where our goalkeeper has not had a decent shot to save."

FULHAM MATCH REPORT




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