UNOFFICIAL FORUM FOR THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Fulham ended their 10-day tour of Sweden with a goalless draw at the Swedbank Stadion against Swedish side Malmo.

The Cottagers enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges, but Danny Murphy, known for his cool head from the penalty spot, missed from 12 yards after just five minutes on the clock, side-footing wide of Johan Dahlin’s goal.

The miss would see a swing in the game when just minutes later a threatening corner-kick almost led to an opening goal for the home side. Malmo failed to take advantage of a David Stockdale slip, however, with the goalkeeper close to a blunder on his fourth appearance of the pre-season campaign.

That moment seemed to inspire Malmo and further danger was created without worrying Stockdale, although the best chance would fall to Fulham on the 25 minute mark, with Dahlin quick off his line to save a close-range Zoltan Gera attempt with the Hungarian through on goal.

Fulham did eventually have the ball in the back of the net, but Bobby Zamora’s effort after 40 minutes was judged correctly as offside.

Paul Konchesky was then booked moments before Zamora slashed a close range effort over the crossbar, minutes before the half-time whistle was blown.

The ending to the half-time break saw the introduction of Chris Baird, Simon Davies, and David Elm, as Fulham continued the second half as they ended the first, Zamora producing an acrobatic save from Dahlin after 49 minutes.

Minutes later, substitute Baird saw a close range effort deflected off a defender for a corner, moments before the introduction of Jonathan Greening and Stephen Kelly.

The game eventually lost all fluidity, however, as both sides caused disruption with further substitutions, but Malmo dominated possession without creating any meaningful chances.

With 20 minutes of the game remaining, Fulham finally began to pressure Malmo, but the Swedish side remained resolute and defensively strong throughout.

Diomansy Kamara eventually replaced Zamora with just 10 minutes remaining, but the Senegalese forward was injured in a clash and had to leave the field of play.

Fulham ended their tour of Sweden as it began with an eventful draw, although the London side will be happy with the chances created and the football produced.

Fulham: Stockdale; Stoor (Kamara 76 (Smith 79)), Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky; Duff (Davies 45), Etuhu (Baird 45), Murphy (Kelly 63), Riise (Elm 45); Gera (Greening 63), Zamora (Johnson 76).