Fulham 2 – 0 Blackburn
Fulham again strengthened their grip on top spot in the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-0 win over Blackburn saw them climb 11 points clear of second-placed Huddersfield.
Neeskens Kebano got the Whites up and running at Craven Cottage with a close-range finish following Rovers goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski’s error (25), before a cool finish from Harry Wilson doubled the lead (35).
Blackburn’s Sam Gallagher later had a goal disallowed, before Fulham’s Liverpool loanee Neco Williams almost wrapped the points when his shot from just beyond halfway rattled the crossbar.
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Fulham’s Neco Williams hits the bar from long range against Blackburn at Craven Cottage
As they did prior to kick-off, the two teams remain in the first and fourth in the table ahead of the remainder of Saturday’s action, with a comfortable 12-point cushion between the hosts and the teams outside the play-off spots.
Blackburn remain five points outside the automatic promotion places with 11 games to play.
Neeskens Kebano and Harry Wilson scored the goals for Fulham in their 2-0 win over Blackburn
How Fulham took another step towards a Premier League return
The pre-match narrative focused on whether or not Blackburn could avenge the 7-0 defeat to Fulham in November – the heaviest defeat they have ever suffered at Ewood Park – and while the hosts dominated to begin with, they were somewhat stifled and unable to get into their usual rhythm, for a time, at least.
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Neeskens Kebano gives Fulham the lead against Blackburn at Craven Cottage
With 13 minutes gone, Aleksandar Mitrovic was denied a penalty after going down under the challenge of Darragh Lenihan, but 12 minutes later, Fulham took the lead in fortuitous circumstances, as Kebano tapped in when Thomas Kaminski spilled Williams’ shot into his path.
It was not long before they added a second, which was also disappointing from a Rovers perspective. Tosin Adarabioyo’s low ball from defence made its way through to Wilson, who made a menacing dash into the box and lifted the ball over Kaminski and over the line.
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Fulham’s Harry Wilson makes it 2-0 against Blackburn at Craven Cottage
Tony Mowbray demanded improvement from his side after the break and introduced Sam Gallagher, in place of Reda Khadra, who led the high press and prodded in to spark what he thought was the comeback, though it was soon chalked off after the officials agreed that Bradley Johnson had strayed offside in the build-up.
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Sam Gallagher has his goal against Fulham ruled out for offside
Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak made two important saves to deny Ryan Giles, before Williams came within inches of a goal of the season contender, when he spotted Kaminski off his line and launched a shot at goal from just beyond halfway, with the crossbar coming to the visitors’ rescue.
Man of the match – Harry Wilson
What’s next?
Both teams are back in action at 7.45pm on Tuesday, March 8. Fulham travel to the Swansea.com Stadium to face Swansea, while Blackburn host Millwall at Ewood Park, in a game live on Sky Sports Football Red Button.
