FULHAM 1 - WATFORD 2.

The scene was set, writes Mark Caswell. it was a bright sunny afternoon, a bumper gate and the pitch in perfect playing condition. This was a game, Fulham had to win in order to guarantee a place in the play offs. Regrettably, on the day, Fulham were well below par and Watford ran out worthy winners.

From the kick off the home side attacked and, for a short while, looked as though they were going to overrun the visitors and went close to taking the lead.

It did not last, however, and the Watford defence settled down and took control.

The home side resorted to the long ball game which Watford, being a big and physical side, were quite happy to deal with.

As well as being well organised at the back the visitors were dangerous on the break and soon began to show the flaws in the home defence, despite the sound play of Chris Coleman in the heart of the Fulham defence.

In the 35th minute following a break down the right, Gifton Noel-Williams found himself in front of goal with just a tap in to score.

In the 65th minute the veteran Peter Beardsley equalised with a stunning 20-yard drive which left the visitors' goalkeeper a mere spectator.

Watford then stepped up a gear and went near a couple of times before the troublesome Jason Lee scored from close range.

On this performance Fulham will do well to gain promotion by way of the playoffs, they have to overcome Grimsby over two legs to reach the final.

If they persist in playing the long ball game with the diminutive Paul Peschisolido up front then they will not progress.

The first leg is on Sunday, May 10, at Craven Cottage and Ray Wilkins will have to work hard with his players to ensure progress.

Over the season they have proved that they can beat the best but the combination and the style must be right to get Fulham into Division One of the Nationwide League. The loyal fans deserve success.

Ray Wilkins attended a lively press conference after the game and fielded some interesting and direct questions.

He had to admit that the team did not perform on the day, in fact he suggested that they only really played for 10 minutes of the 90.

He is, however, confident that his players can play much better and that they will go through.

When asked about the future Ray expressed his confidence in the club's youth and in his view Fulham will bring on its own youngsters and the quality of his young players augers well for the future.

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