Last-gasp header by Tom Cairney rescues a point for Fulham against Bolton

Posted Sunday, October 29, 2017 by PA

Tom Cairney's injury-time strike earned Fulham a point and denied Bolton a first away win of the season in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

Former Newcastle man Sammy Ameobi had put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute after latching on to a long punt by Ben Alnwick.

The visitors defended bravely to hold on to their advantage but Cairney headed home Kevin McDonald's cross in the third of six additional minutes to secure his side a share of the spoils.

The result leaves Wanderers bottom of the league, but stretches their unbeaten run to three games. As for Fulham, the London side remain within sight of the top six but have still won just once at home this term.

Fulham dominated the early stages, with captain Cairney, making his first start since August following a knee injury, conducting the proceedings. Floyd Ayite thought he had put the hosts in front in the 14th minute when he slotted home Cairney's neat pass, but his effort was ruled out by the assistant referee.

Somewhat against the run of play, Bolton went in front. A huge kick from goalkeeper Alnwick fell into Ameobi's path and the forward bundled his way past three Fulham players before sending a left-footed shot low into the far corner from just inside the area. It was only the second league goal Bolton have scored on their travels this season and their first on the road since mid-August.

Fulham should have been level in the 38th minute when Cairney sent Kamara clear but the Frenchman opted to chip the outrushing Alnwick and saw his effort clip the outside of the near post.

The half-time whistle produced boos from the home support and their mood was not improved in the early stages of the second period when David Button was forced to palm an Adam Armstrong effort behind.

Substitute Neeskens Kebano blazed over on the hour mark with his first touch of the game after a great run and cross down the right flank by Ryan Fredericks.

Fulham were insistent on playing out from the back and Button could have been punished when he sent a pass straight to the feet of Armstrong only for the Bolton man to send his first-time shot wide from 30 yards in the 69th minute.

Kebano squandered a great chance to equalise when he went through with 13 minutes left but saw his shot blocked bravely by Alnwick.

It looked as if the Trotters would hold on for a vital win but Cairney had other ideas, meeting McDonald's cross from the left and heading past Alnwick to secure the hosts a last-gasp point.