Fulham will play Brentford within the Championship play-off ultimate after edging previous Cardiff regardless of defeat within the second leg at Craven Cottage.
Cardiff had been aiming to develop into the primary aspect in Championship historical past to overturn a two-goal deficit from a semi-final first leg, they usually went near doing simply that with a 2-1 win on Thursday evening, however finally succumbed to a 3-2 combination defeat.
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Curtis Nelson scored early to offer Cardiff hope, however they conceded a leveller on the evening inside a minute as Neeskens Kebano struck – including to his spectacular free-kick on the finish of the primary leg that proved so very important on this tie.
Lee Tomlin then put the Bluebirds again to inside a objective of parity, however Fulham held on to seal their spot at Wembley, the place they’ll face their fierce west London rivals Brentford on Tuesday evening – live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm (kick-off 7.45pm).
Fulham triumph regardless of defeat on the Cottage
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Cardiff would have been dreaming of a vibrant begin to give themselves some hope within the tie, they usually obtained simply that after eight minutes. Fulham didn’t take care of a nook into the guts of their space, and Nelson rose to nod residence.
Their optimism would final lower than a minute, nonetheless. Simply 24 seconds after the restart and Fulham restored their two-goal benefit on this semi-final. Bobby Decordova-Reid was afforded far an excessive amount of area in the suitable channel to cross low for Kebano, who continued his glorious current type with a low strike previous Alex Smithies.
Neil Harris reacted at half-time to try to get Cardiff again into the sport, throwing on Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Tomlin, and instantly the pair mixed to get Cardiff to inside a objective of Fulham once more. With 47 minutes on the clock the house aspect didn’t take care of one other lengthy throw, Mendez-Laing then noticed a header saved, however Michael Hector’s failed try at a clearance fell completely for Tomlin to volley in from shut vary.
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Cardiff pushed for an equaliser and went so near getting it on 72 minutes. Fulham had Marek Rodak to avoid wasting as he denied Mendez-Laing from point-blank vary, earlier than reacting rapidly to tip over a stinging Will Vaulks volley.
However there could be no comeback ultimately, as Fulham held on to achieve the ultimate and maintain their dream of an instantaneous return to the Premier League alive.
What’s subsequent?
Fulham will tackle Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley on Tuesday, August 4. Protection begins at 7pm on Sky Sports activities Soccer, forward of a 7.45pm kick-off.