On this day 16 years ago we beat Crewe 3-0 ... and guess who got a goal, from a corner no less ... "Paul Bracewells men came flying out of the traps, and after Barry Hayles hit the woodwork in the first minute, it was no surprise when Fulham opened their account after just 9 minutes. Super Geoff latched onto a brilliant lay off from "Bazza" Hayles, and his right footed drive nestled in the bottom left corner of the net. The early goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Crewe, and they just rolled over and stopped competing. Fulham doubled their lead after 16 minutes when "Bazza" Hayles rose at the far post to a Lee Clark cross and sent a looping header over the stranded Kearton. Fulhams complete dominace in the first half was highlighted by Chris " Cookie" Coleman who spent large periods pulling the strings in central midfield. "Cookie" Coleman, had 3 efforts on goal in a 10 minute spell, that also saw chances for "Bazza" Hayles, and a magnificent reflex save from Kearton to deny Andy Melville. Rufus Brevett earned the only yellow card of the match, when obviously having a rush of blood to the head towards the end of the game, for an amazingly pointless two footed sliding tackle that saw him go from face up to face down in a brilliant syncronised swimming impression. Pedictably the third goal came from a set piece as Kit Symons rose unchallenged to head home Steve Haywards corner. That means that, despite Cookie's sterling display as a possible misfield general, Kit continues to show "Cookie" the way to goal. Come on Cookie show us your goal!! With the 3 points already in the bag, Fulham were able to take their foot off the pedal in a low key second half. The introduction of crowd favourite Gus Uhlenbeek and Stan "the Man" Collymore for Steve Finnan and the impressive "Bazza" Hayles, livened up proceedings briefly. Gus Uhlenbeek almost scored the goal of the season, with a thunderous 20 yard strike that flew an inch over the bar. Stan "the Man" Collymores biggest contribution was a weaving run past 3 defenders, but his tame finish was comfortably dealt with by Kearton ." Fulham: Taylor, Melville, Coleman, Symons, Finnan (Uhlenbeek 54), Trollope, Clark, Hayward (Davis 86), Brevett, Horsfield, Hayles (Collymore 65). Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Morgan. Booked: Brevett. Goals: Horsfield 9, Hayles 16, Symons 36
