Hughes hails Dempsey influence

Fulham boss Mark Hughes lauded the performance of Clint Dempsey, whose brace helped his side to a 2-0 win over Stoke at Craven Cottage.

The 27-year-old striker scored a goal in each half to help put valuable breathing space between Fulham and the relegation zone, and Hughes was delighted with both the result and the contribution of the American.

“Sometimes you think Clint’s not having an impact on the game, but he’s had a positive influence in virtually every game he’s played, with goals created or scored,” Hughes said.

“It was a great finish for the first, and a great touch to create the penalty by himself. He always has a positive impact.”

“It was a good win today – pretty straightforward in all fairness.”

“We got the ball down, played our stuff and got the goals at good times. It was quite comfortable.”

“We just knew we had to get over a period where results didn’t quite go for us. We just needed to get key personnel back, firing.”

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was left to lament the decision to send off defender Ryan Shawcross for a foul on Dempsey that led to a penalty the striker duly converted.

The referee had little choice but to dismiss the 23-year-old, but Pulis believes the further two-match ban the defender will incur is too hard a punishment.

“I’m looking at it and it’s two bodies coming together. He’s been sent off, we’ve been penalised with them scoring the second goal and now he misses another two games,” Pulis told Sky Sports.

“I think it’s a harsh thing to have to accept when it looks as though the kid’s almost on the way down waiting to be touched.”

“It’s not only that it’s the two games (ban) as well. It’s desperately disappointing for us. I do think at times people will have to look at (the rule).”

When asked about the result, the Welshman was pragmatic – believing they were beaten by a better side on the day.

“I’ve not really any complaints. I think the penalty decision obviously changed the game,” Pulis said.

“First half I’d say Fulham were the better team although we’ve had four or five great opportunities today without really playing well. Obviously the penalty and the sending off then kills you.”