Fulham boss makes Birmingham City claim + talks about daily reminder to his players

Scott Parker reckoned his Fulham side were deserving victors yesterday and claimed that Birmingham City only came to Craven Cottage for a point.

Josh Onomah’s goal in the five minute of second-half stoppage time secured back-to-back wins for the Whites, who moved up to fourth in the Championship table.

“It’s a sense of relief really because we had missed a couple of big chances before that,” said Parker. “Anthony Knockaert at the back post and their keeper pulls off an amazing double save from Joe Bryan and Bobby [Decordova-Reid]. You wonder if it is not your day.

“We came up against a team that is was very evident early on had come to play for a draw and nearly the whole game was played in their half.

“We needed to be patient. The way they set up it was always going to be a game not full of massive chances and when they came we needed to take them. We had to stick in there and deservedly we won the game.”

Fulham are nine points clear of seventh-placed Derby County but face fellow promotion rivals Forest and Cardiff City next.

“We have got to the point of the season – whether it is a normal one or this situation – that is the nitty-gritty,” said Parker. “Either the season can peter away and it is one to forget or where people really put their foot to the floor and make statements. That’s the challenge for my players that I give them on a daily basis – let’s make this season something we look back on.”

PICTURES BY KEITH GILLARD