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Woeful Fulham stumbles again

Source: AFP | September 21, 2014, Sunday | Online Edition

FULHAM'S miserable start to the season shows no signs of improving after the sacking of Felix Magath as the Championship's bottom club lost 1-0 against Blackburn on Saturday.

Magath was axed by Fulham owner Shahid Khan in midweek to bring an abrupt halt to the German's abysmal eight-month reign which included relegation from the Premier League and six defeats in seven league games this season.

But caretaker manager Kit Symons, who has gone public with his desire to take the job on a permanent basis, couldn't inspire an instant response to the crisis, with Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes bagging the 58th minute winner after Fulham's Shaun Hutchinson was sent off in first half stoppage-time at Craven Cottage.

Blackburn capitalised on their numerical advantage when a Corry Evans shot fell for Rhodes and the Scotland international converted to leave Fulham rooted to the foot of the table with one point from eight matches.

"There is a lot of stuff we need to work on and I am going to be a busy boy in training, but the attitude and the response in the two days I've taken over has been brilliant from the boys," Symons said.

"If we keep getting that, we will work our way up the league very soon."

At the top of the table, leaders Nottingham Forest failed to score for the first time this season in a 0-0 draw against Millwall.

Stuart Pearce's side had put five past Fulham to end Magath's reign on Wednesday, but they found it impossible to breach the Lions' rearguard at The Den.

Forest striker Britt Assombalonga spurned a great chance with a header in the closing moments, while goalkeeper Karl Darlow had to deny Millwall forward Mathias Ranegie from close range.

"Millwall generated a bit of momentum with the fans and we had to show a defensive display and get blocks in. I have got to be happy with a point and a clean sheet on the road," Pearce said.

- Superb comeback -

Cameron Jerome scored twice against his old club as second placed Norwich staged another superb second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with Birmingham at Carrow Road.

For the second weekend running the Canaries found themselves 2-0 down at the break, with goals from Callum Reilly and Demarai Gray giving visitors Birmingham a flattering lead.

Norwich, who won at Cardiff after trailing last weekend, quickly got back on level terms thanks to a brace from Jerome to leave them one point behind Forest.

"Obviously I am pleased with the way the lads fought back from being 2-0 down, but at the same time I am disappointed we didn't go on to win the game," Norwich manager Neil Adams said.

Nouha Dicko's third goal of the season helped third placed Wolves extend their 100 per cent home record with a 1-0 win over Bolton at Molineux.

Defender Craig Cathcart was fourth placed Watford's unlikely saviour with a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Middlesbrough climbed into the top five with a 4-0 mauling of Brentford at the Riverside Stadium.

Stevie May's late goal gave Sheffield Wednesday their first home league victory of the season as they beat Reading 1-0.

Elsewhere, managerless Cardiff drew 2-2 at Derby, Leeds beat Huddersfield 3-0, Rotherham, drew 1-1 with Charlton and Brighton shared a goalless draw with winless Blackpool.

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