Cech Howler Almost Gifts the Cottagers

It was Chelsea who made all the running in the early stages. Robben caused all sorts of problems for the Fulham full-back Leacock. Crespo was close to opening the scoring and another fine ball across Fulham's six yard box couldn't find a Blue boot. But on three minutes from a Lampard corner, Huth rose highest and the ball found its way to Gallas, who gleefully passed the ball into the net. It was Gallas' first League goal for thirteen months and his opponents then.... Fulham!

Cech had to save bravely from Helguson. McBride was forced to go off for lengthy treatment for a head injury and during this time, Super Lampard from twenty-five yards, via a deflection from Legwinski put the Champions 2-0 up.

No sooner had McBride returned to the pitch, he was in immediate action. Boa Morte swung in a Fulham free-kick on the Chelsea right, the ball deceived Cech who allowed it to pass through his hands and legs and there was McBride to sweep it into the net. With four minutes to go the break, Crespo found Wright-Phillips with a diagonal ball and the tricky winger forced Crossley to turn his shot away with his legs.

That was Wright-Phillips' only significant contribution to the action and Eider Gudjohnsen replaced him at the start of the second-half. Within a couple of minutes a Gudjohnsen volley saw Crossley make a good save by tipping the effort over the bar.

Chelsea were not getting it all their own way including a claim for a penalty when Fulham's Zat Knight appeared to have handled the ball before the ball had crossed the line for a Chelsea corner which came to nothing. Up the other end, McBride forced Cech into a fine save but moments later Fulham broke down their left. The ball found its way to McBride and with Joe Cole trying to defend he caught McBride's legs and referee Poll awarded Fulham a penalty.

Cole was booked and now misses Chelsea's clash at West Ham next Monday. Up stepped Helguson and equalised for Fulham. For the second time this season Chelsea had thrown away a two goal lead.

On came Drogba. Chelses went four up front and on seventy five minutes were rewarded when Joe Cole received the ball on the Fulham left, sent in a cross which Crespo depatched on the volley past the diving Tony Warner. Goal of the Season. Tony Warner had replaced an injured Mark Crossley only a few minutes earlier.

Chelsea had a goal disallowed when Crespo was adjudged offside as Lampard tapped-in. Fulham had claims for a second penalty denied when the ball clearly struck Terry's arm as he dived to cover. Ref Poll deemed ball to hand.

Crespo was withdrawn for Geremi immediately after scoring. There were a couple more nervous moments for the Chelsea defence as Fulham looked for another equaliser but Chelsea hung on and the relief was clear when the final whistle went.

40 YEARS A BLUE!