Fulham – Cardiff 1-2 (3-2 overall)
It will be Brentford or Fulham who join Leeds and West Bromwich from the Championship to the Premier League this season.
The teams meet in the promotion final at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Stefan Johansen and Fulham had two goals to go on in Thursday’s semi-final against Cardiff after winning the first match 2-0. However, Curtis Nelson made a spectacular save. The home crowd was not pleased with that one.
But Fulham responded immediately, after going straight into attack from kick-off. Neeskens Kabano was able to convert the post from Bobby Reid into goal during the minute after the setback goal.
The second half opened in the same way as the match, with a lead to Cardiff. Lee Tomlin, who came in at the break, was able to put in the 2-1 goal after the Welsh had pushed forward saves and poor clearance attempts. Fulham failed to get the ball away and did not respond with an immediate equalizer as in the first half.
It was a nervous end to the match for Fulham, but the London team defended themselves with everything they had and could cheer when the referee blew off five minutes into overtime.
Despite the loss on Thursday, Stefan Johansen’s team is thus moving on and still has the opportunity to move up. Cardiff were close a couple of times towards the end, but will have to play another season in the championship series.
In the promotion final to be played at Wembley on Tuesday 4 August, Fulham will play Brentford. If Fulham win that match, they will be promoted to the Premier League again on the first try. Opponent Brentford has not played at the top level in English football since 1947.
(© NTB)
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