Duff´s late strike earns Fulham share of the spoils

Fulham salvaged a share of the spoils against Bolton as Damien Duff’s late equaliser earned a 1-1 draw against Bolton on Saturday.

Roy Hodgson’s team fell behind to Ivan Klasnic’s first half strike at Craven Cottage, but Duff struck with 15 minutes to play to extend the west Londonders’ unbeaten run at home to six matches.

Bolton remain in the relegation zone after a fourth successive league game without a win.

Fulham almost went in front in the 16th minute but a superb goal-line clearance from Gretar Steinsson prevented Erik Nevland scoring from six yards.

Nevland almost supplied the perfect pass for Zoltan Gera moments later but again Steinsson read the danger before the former Manchester United striker could finish.

Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening briefly caused alarm in the Bolton defence with a surging run and shot.

Greening was in the thick of it again when he was booked for a foul on Tamir Cohen, even though replays showed that the Bolton man had dived.

After being pushed back for long periods, Gary Megson’s struggling side took the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute.

Croatia striker Klasnic collected a header from Gary Cahill, turned Brede Hangeland six yards fron goal and fired past Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

It was only Bolton’s second goal in four games and they were soon under the cosh again at the start of the second half.

Steinsson was in the right place to deny Fulham with another goal-line clearance as the right-back blocked a header from Clint Dempsey.

Gera flashed a volley wide of a post as Fulham pressed for the equaliser before Duff was thwarted by a diving save from Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Jaaskelainen made a superb stop to keep out Nevland’s shot but the pressure finally told as Duff levelled in the 75th minute.

Duff collected a pass from Nevland and the Republic of Ireland winger drilled his shot into the bottom corner of the net.

There was still time for Duff to go close to a winner in the 84th minute when his 20-yard drive flashed past a post.