Clever Clarets Earn Replay
put Burnley in front
By Matt Lond & J Bateman
February 17 2003
Burnley played there hearts out and were unlucky not to go through against Premier League Fulham but they have another crack on putting the Cottagers out.
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Burnley deservedly held Fulham to secure a replay in their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Loftus Road. Clarets forward Alan Moore had given the Division One team an early lead with a superbly-taken goal, only for Fulham to equalize through Steed Malbranque shortly before half-time.
The Cottagers created most of the game's few good chances but can hardly complain at being held by a team who defended well and asked questions of the Fulham defence at every possible opportunity.
Alan Moore's goal came after just four minutes when he got on the end of a misplaced pass in midfield and ran towards goal as the Fulham defence backed off, before slipping the ball past Maik Taylor.
Fulham almost immediately equalized, but Facundo Sava's shot over the crossbar, and Saha wasted an even better opportunity to level.
Fulham equalised as it looked set to be one-nil at half time to the Clarets.
Ian Cox's clearance dropped to Malbranque, who had time to control the ball on his chest before striking home on the half-volley in the top corner.
Both teams played positively at the start of the second half, with Saha once again shooting over after making a diagonal run across the Burnley defence.
Steve Marlet also went close twice in a matter of minutes, but Burnley on the other hand, continued to cause Fulham problems with their style and Lee Briscoe forced Maik Taylor into action with a shot from 12 yards out.
They then fought the remainder of the game out to take Fulham back to Turf Moor.