Fulham fought back from two goals down against Roberto Mancini’s high-flying Manchester City side to claim a share of the spoils with some Craven Cottage industry on Sunday.
The exciting come-back provided the perfect end to a perfect day of first class Premiership entertainment in West London. The drinks had already been flowing before Danny Murphy’s deflected strike hit the back of the net with fifteen minutes remaining and the celebrations certainly kicked-off after the playmaker’s equaliser. City might lament the loss of two precious points, but even City fans in the plush Craven Cottage hospitality section had to concede that Fulham were well worth their point after forcing the England no.1 Joe Hart into a string of fine saves in the second half.
Before kick-off we joined a group of competition winners – courtesy of Fulham’s official car supplier, SEAT - in a special trip behind the scenes at Fulham’s unique stadium, which backs on to a scenic part of the Thames. Listening to the Lilywhites fascinating history in the Johnny Haynes stand, meeting World Cup winner George Cohen in his eponymously-named lounge and taking a pitch-side stroll were some of the many highlights we enjoyed before the action got underway - and the game certainly didn’t disappoint when it began.
It took City until the 18th minute to take the lead, when their latest high-profile signing Sergio Aguero continued his fine form to put the Northerners ahead, before doubling their lead just 12 seconds after the break. Yet as the drinks flowed in our executive lounge, Fulham mounted a stirring come-back, first through Bobby Zamora, who spun to half the deficit superbly mid-way through the second half. The stage was then set for an epic finale with Murphy’s leveller putting the icing on a fabulous day of top-class football at Craven Cottage.
Picture caption: Danny Murphy finds the back of the net to earn Fulham a point (Image: PA)