Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth
by Dom Smith
at Craven Cottage

WHAT do the rickety wooden chairs in Craven Cottage’s Johnny Haynes Stand and the brand new plastic ones in the Riverside Stand have in common? Both were barely occupied when Dominic Solanke sent a cushioned volley flying past Bernd Leno a minute and four seconds into this: the Scott Parker-less Scott Parker derby.

Bournemouth arrived in west London on the back of a five-game unbeaten run. So strong is their recent form that many of their fans have been calling for caretaker manager Gary O’Neil to be handed the reins full-time. Marco Silva’s Fulham were also promoted from the Championship last season but despite a strong start, they had only won one of their last four league games.

With Bournemouth flying and the Cottagers slumping of late, perhaps it was no surprise that the away fans in the Putney End were first to lift themselves from their seats with delight. With little over a minute on the clock, Marcus Tavernier crossed early for Solanke, who approached the box, fed Billing, and waited for the Dane’s pullback to land in his path. When it did, he volleyed home with confidence.