Fulham went into their final-day clash against Crystal Palace knowing that Championship football was already waiting for them next season, while Tony Pulis and his men visited Craven Cottage knowing that they were already safe from the drop.
Fulham dominated the possessional stats, but Dwight Gayle gave Palace a 1-0 half-time lead as he poked home in the 28th minute following a shot from Joel Ward.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser after the break, but were wasteful as Hugo Rodallega crashed a header onto a post. However, youngster Cauley Woodrow brought them level with a fine curling effort in the 61st minute.
Palace's Gayle grabbed a brace seven minutes from time, but it wasn't enough as Chris David scored a standout effort having cut in from the right with just a few seconds to play.
You can find out how all of the action developed by reading our minute-by-minute updates below.
Good afternoon everyone and thank you for joining Sports Mole on the final day of the Premier League season. This tie might seem like a bit of a dead rubber, what with Fulham already relegated and Crystal Palace confirming their survival weeks ago, but there's still plenty to play for as each team bids to leave their fans with something to smile about before next season gets underway.
For those of you that had kept an eye on these two sides around the Christmas period, this afternoon's game may have seemed like a mouth-watering fixture, with this battle potentially deciding the fate of both teams in the relegation dogfight. However, such a narrative failed to develop as Fulham's season capitulated and Palace went on a marvelous run to guarantee safety with weeks to spare.
It's been a rather odd campaign for west Londoners Fulham, with things seeming like they might come together following that memorable draw away at Old Trafford. Yet whenever it has seemed like the going has been good, both Martin Jol and Magath's sides have conceded poor late goals that have changed the whole outcome of a number of important games.
At the other end of the spectrum, Palace have been unable to put a foot wrong since Tony Pulis stepped into the brink. Since arriving at the club, the former Stoke City boss has helped to lead Palace to collect more wins this season than ever before in a single Premier League campaign, with the club notching 13 victories.
Pulis and his team will be going into today's game with confidence peaking as Palace have managed to win their last three away league matches. What with Fulham already down, this could be an exciting afternoon for the away side.
Some team news for you now...
Fulham starting XI: Stockdale; Zverotic, Heitinga, Hangeland, Amorebieta; Kacaniklic, Sidwell, Parker, Richardson; Rodallega, Woodrow
Fulham substitutes: Joronen, Kasami, Mitroglou, Tunnicliffe, Dejagah, David, Williams
Crystal Palace starting XI: Hennessey; Mariappa, Dann, Delaney, Ward, Bolasie, Jedinak, Ledley, Ince, Chamakh, Gayle
Crystal Palace substitutes: Speroni, Gabbidon, Dikgacoi, O'Keefe, Puncheon, Murray, Jerome
Fulham's fate this season is practically summed up given the number of goals they have conceded: 83 this campaign. That's 11 more than any other top-flight team. The only other side to have conceded more in a 38-game season are Derby County in 2007-08.
Both Jol and Magath found it difficult to stem the flow of goals their sides have ended up conceding, with Fulham habouring the worst goal difference in the league, with theirs standing at minus 45.
Perhaps one component behind their downfall this season, much like Manchester United's, has been a lack of consistency in their starting XI. Fulham have used 38 different players in the domestic competition this season, more than any team in any previous Premier League campaign.
Such a poor showing this time around is summarised in the fact that despite the outcome of this afternoon's contest, this will be Fulham's lowest points tally in a Premier League season.
Before we move on to look at Palace and with today's fixture in mind, Fulham's tally of 24 league defeats is the worst in the Premier League, with the club having lost five of their last eight home matches.
Palace have shown real resilience when required since Pulis arrived at the club. One such proponent of their never-say-die attitude is Mile Jedinak. The industrious midfielder is the only player to have reached triple figures in terms of tackles and interceptions in the Premier League, having made 131 and 137 respectively.
Such is their determination under Pulis, the team has won five of their last seven league matches.
One place Fulham might look to exploit this afternoon's visitors is their inability to get back into games have gone behind. Palace have actually lost 17 of the 20 games where they have conceded the first goal.
If you were to look at the sides' previous history when predicting an outcome this afternoon, time would tell us that Fulham are favourites having won five of the last six meetings between the teams.
The reverse fixture last year saw Fulham come from behind to win 4-1 in a game which was to be Ian Holloway's last in charge of Palace.
London derbies are always an exciting prospect, regardless of when they come in a season, however both these sides have performed poorly in local clashes this campaign. Both sides have the worst records in London derbies this season, with Fulham averaging 0.67 points per game and Palace notching one point per game.
I suppose it's time to give a prediction, then... To be honest, I can't see too far beyond Palace grabbing all three points. Fulham will surely be feeling flat after their fate was confirmed last weekend. Some of the players who will undoubtedly be moved on in the summer may already have their minds on their holidays. As for Palace, they'll be chuffed with how things have turned out and will be looking to cap things off with a positive performance for their travelling support. I'm fancying a 3-1 away victory.
It may not be all doom and gloom for Fulham, however, as pundit Mark Lawrenson recently stated: "Fulham have an exciting crop of young players who lost to Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup final this week, and they have started coming through into the first team. They will get more opportunities in the Championship too. So there are reasons for Fulham fans to be optimistic, and I think they will make the play-offs next season at the very least."
It will be interesting to see what Fulham decide to do with John Heitinga after this game, will this be his last? Similar questions could also be asked for the likes of Giorgos Karagounis, Mahamadou Diarra and John Arne Riise, who have all be omitted from today's match-day squad.
Here we go then, the teams are now emerging onto the pitch as we await the start of the final day of the Premier League season...
KICK OFF! Fulham get us underway, kicking from left to right in their white home strip.
Some neat passing from the hosts early on as Parker and Sidwell spray the ball across the middle of the park. The home side give it away cheaply, though, leaving Sidwell to bring down Ince with a nasty challenge.
CLOSE! Ince is fed the free kick and he advances towards goal from the right. His curling shot beats the Fulham defence and narrowly flies past the far post with Stockdale looking helpless.
Bolasie is causing all sorts of problems down the left already. This time the winger beats Zverotic with a piece of neat skill, but his cross is cleared by the first man with Gayle lurking in the box.
Richardson has managed to find himself some space down the left flank for Fulham. He receives the ball from Sidwell who plays it out from the centre. However, Mariappa is alert to the danger and he makes his way across to force the ball out for a Fulham corner.
SAVE! The resulting corner is turned into the box and the knock-down falls to Kacaniklic on the left side of six-yard area. The midfielder connects well with a volley which looks headed towards the bottom left corner, however Hennessey stands firm to deflect the ball away for another corner kick.
The home side are starting to settle into this encounter and are dominating the early possession. Apart from that shot from Kacaniklic, however, Fulham are yet to really threaten. Palace are doing well enough to shift across and keep their shape when required.
Chamakh shows his frustration at Fulham's dominance as he comes across to flatten Kacaniklic, who lands rather awkwardly on his right shoulder. He's back up on his feet now, though, as the game gets back underway.
The flanks look to be opening up a little for Fulham, with a ball from the centre of the park from Sidwell or Parker looking on almost every time they receive possession. Palace need to press a little more in midfield.
CLOSE! Fulham's young striker Woodrow almost gets his first senior goal for the club. The chance comes as Richardson delivers a ball from the left, which is only half cleared to the hosts' striker, yet his shot is blocked on its way to goal. It's coming...
Hangeland shows his class as he rises to head away a dangerous free kick from Ince. If only the centre-back had been that commanding all season Fulham might have been looking at a different outcome.
The game has simmered down into a little bit of scrappy contest now. Both teams are needlessly giving the ball away when trying to force an attacking move. Palace look most dangerous from set-plays. Fulham appear threatening down the flanks.
As I say that, Ince leads a dangerous breakaway for Palace. He drops his shoulder before forcing a shot, which is blokced on its way to goal. Ledley wins the loose ball and feeds Bolasie, however his effort is again dealt with by a Fulham body.
Some really nice play from Palace sees them lead on the counter again. Ince picks the ball up just in front of his own box and he exchanges a number of one-twos with his fellow midfielders. The ball is eventually worked to Ward, where the move breaks down as he gives away a foul trying to reclaim the ball.
MISS! How on earth has that happened? Some nice interchanging from Woodrow and David sees a ball delieverd across the face of goal. Rodallega is there but he somehow manages to get himself in a twist and misses the ball completely. The chance is wasted yet, though, as Sidwell is given time to shoot. Fortunately for the visitors, the ball is blocked before Hennessey has to move.
GOAL! GOAL! Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace (Dwight Gale)
Well, Dwight Gale grabs his sixth Premier League goal and it's a real fortunate one. Fulham don't deserve to be behind really, but some poor defending sees them trailing. It comes as Ward tries a speculative effort from distance, which takes a knock on its way to goal. Fulham try to push out but Gayle is left unmarked to latch onto the initial shot and prod home. The Fulham defence have their hands up appealing, but Gayle is onside and the goal stands.
Fulham have responded to that goal in a spirited fashion. They're not exactly pushing forward, but have allowed Palace to press and are looking to counter their opponents now. The plan almost comes good as Zverotic feeds Rodallega, but Delaney gets across to make a great challenge in the far corner.
CHANCE! Fulham win a dubious free kick, which is delivered towards Woodrow. The young forward wins the knock-down, which falls to Richardson, who can only flash his boot through the air as he completely misses the ball on the edge of the box. A decent chance wasted there.
The hosts win another free kick in a great position on the edge of the area. Richardson squares up to it, but delivers a horrible effort which flies into the stands. Perhaps the story of Fulham's season?
SAVE! Ince puts in a telling ball for Dann at the back post, he does well to leap highest and head towards goal, however Stockdale pulls off a remarkable reaction save down to his right to deny the defender. Palace should be two up now really...
The scrappy play continues around the Palace box, with Fulham's chances mainly coming from knock-downs or poor clearances. This time the ball drops out of the sky to Sidwell, who busts a gut to get into the box. His effort isn't matched by any class, though, as his shot balloons over the crossbar.
SAVE! Fulham almost have their equaliser. It comes from a cross from the right by Zverotic who finds Amorebieta's head, leaving Hennessey to scramble across and tip the ball wide of goal.
HALF TIME: Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace
So, Gayle's goal gives Palace a slender lead this afternoon. Fulham have had plenty more chances, but have been wasteful. It was poor defending for the Palace goal, but the visitors were clinical.
Fulham have only really got themselves to blame. They haven't been particularly enterprising, but Magath's side seem to be getting to the second ball quicker than the hosts. It's just a shame they haven't matched their tenacity with quality. Richardson has had a few good chances and has failed to deliver. Hennessey has also been impressive, though, making a number of good saves to keep the visitors in the lead.
The hosts will need to be careful in the second half, as Palace have been dangerous on the counter. Ince's pace has caused a few problems so far, while the industry of Bolasie has kept Zverotic on the back foot.
Fulham have had the majority of possession at 71 per cent, however they've been unable to convert their chances.
Palace still have a lot more to give and that might be a worry for Fulham given the one-goal deficit already. If Fulham are looking to push for an equaliser, Palace might be more than happy to sit back and try to pick them off on the counter attack. The hosts might want to be a little less forceful when going forward; given that their attacks are breaking down at the final stages when they look for a pass which is never really on.
Chamakh needs to be a little more careful in the second period. He's walking a slender tightrope having already been booked. There were a number of incidents in the first half where another referee may have decided to show him a second yellow. I'm sure Pulis will be having words during the interval...
Crystal Palace get us back going again then...
The ball is sent straight down into the right corner towards the Fulham goal, where Bolasie twists and turns in the box before being dispossessed and the ball is cleared into touch.
Zverotic lets out a loud scream after he goes down from a Bolasie tackle. He's down for a while, but gets back to his feet and the game moves on.
Substitution: Fulham make a rather oddly timed sub, as Zverotic is replaced by Dejagah.
CLOSE! Gayle gets a shot away from a tight angle as he is closed down in the box. It looks as though Stockdale has it covered though, as the ball squeezes past the wrong side of the post.
Richardson does well despite having a rather poor game thus far as he beats his man down the left flank. The cross isn't up to scratch, however, as Hennessey comes out to claim.
POST! The hosts might be kicking themselves come the final whistle as Rodallega wastes their best chance of the match. A cross is turned into the box, which is won by Amorebieta who heads towards the Colombian striker. He climbs highest, but can only head the ball across goal and onto a post despite being left totally unmarked. A real let off for Palace.
YELLOW CARD: Amorebieta, the Fulham man is given a yellow for catching Chamakh with a late arm.
GOAL! GOAL! Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace (Cauley Woodrow)
Well, they've had plenty of chances and they've finally managed to take one! It's not the easiest of them either as Cauley Woodrow bends a superb effort across the face of goal and into the far corner. The move comes as Rodallega brings the ball down in the box and instead of firing at goal, lays off for the youngster who takes a touch or two before curling beyond Hennessey.
CLOSE! Some poor work at the back gives Gayle the chance to square up on goal, but Parker gets across in time to deny the striker. The loose ball looks as though it will fall to the advancing Ince, but it runs out for a corner. Good fortune for Fulham!
Palace have responded well to the equaliser and are starting to apply some pressure on the Fulham defence. This time Ward finds himself with space in the box, but his shot is deflected away for a corner.
End to end now as Fulham break on the counter. Parker advances towards the box before feeding Heitinga down the right. The defender slightly shows his age, however, as he makes a mess of his cross as the ball goes out for a goal kick before he can manage to get a boot on it.
PENALTY SHOUT! David goes down inside the box after working his way past two defenders. The referee waves play on much to the dismay of the midfielder. Delaney is furious with the Fulham man as he accuses him of diving. Replays show that the defender is right. Great call from the referee, but he should have perhaps booked David for that one...
Fulham are enjoying some possession around the Palace box, but they can't make it count as cross after cross is seen away by the visiting defence.
Who will triumph with a winning goal then? It's too close to call at the moment. Fulham are showing more enterprising designs given their possessional stats, but Palace have been looking dangerous on the counter all afternoon. At the moment both sides seem to be cancelling each other out.
Fulham try to press for the winner as David makes a brilliant run into the box, he dodges past two defenders but is eventually hounded out of the box as Palace clear their lines.
CLOSE! Fulham keep the ball and feed it across to the other side of the pitch where David whips a cross into the box. Rodallega is the closest to the ball but can't make contact as Hennessey comes off his line to take control of the ball.
GOAL! Fulham 1-2 Crystal Palace (Dwight Gayle)
Gayle caps a wonderful afternoon with a superb free kick from the edge of the box. He gets enough power on it to leave Stockdale stranded, but it's also a shot laced with class to beat the Fulham wall. Fantastic goal from the youngster.
Palace are keeping the ball well in the Fulham half now and don't seem particularly fussed about going forward. The visitors win a free kick and attempt to keep the ball rolling.
POST! Palace catch Fulham out on the break as Murray moves clear of the Fulham defence, he collects a return pass inside the box but can only lash his effort against the post. The ball flies out and hits the incoming Gayle, but the rebound goes wide leaving the striker missing out on a hat-trick by a matter of inches.
We're going to have three minutes of additional time at Craven Cottage. Can Fulham salvage something from this final game?
GOAL! GOAL! Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace (Chris David)
What a strike to end the game. Fulham close their Premier League account with a special strike from David, who cuts inside from the right flank to launch a bullet of a strike that ends up in the top corner of the Palace goal. World-class from the Dutchman!
FULL TIME: Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace
Well, I'm rather chuffed with that outcome. Fulham never really deserved to come away empty handed. They had plenty of chances and only managed to take the harder ones. What a way to end a poor season, though, a simply wonderful strike from David. Palace will be disappointed, but I'm sure that feeling won't last too long as they go off on holiday knowing that they'll return to the Premier League for another term. As for Fulham, I have no doubt we'll be seeing them again soon enough. Thanks for joining us!
Written by
Christopher Dodd
Christopher Dodd
