Fulham Find Battling Spirit to Toast Hodgson's Arrival

If things had turned out differently a few weeks ago, a match involving Alex McLeish and Roy Hodgson could have been Scotland against Finland in Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland.

But the fact both countries narrowly failed to qualify has resulted in McLeish and Hodgson accepting instead the challenge of keeping two of England's less glamorous clubs in the Premier League.

Hodgson has reportedly been offered a £1million bonus if he can manage to lift Fulham out of a relegation position come the end of the season. He will need to sort out their's chronic travel sickness first. This was the 27th consecutive League game they have failed to win away from home, despite taking the lead and generally matching their opponents. At least by avoiding defeat they did not lose any more ground to relegation rivals who would have opened up a potentially decisive seven-point gap if they had won.

Hodgson did not officially assume control until after this match but was in the stands to watch a team chosen by Ray Lewington, the caretaker since Lawrie Sanchez was sacked a couple of days before Christmas, one that contained five changes from the one beaten 5-1 at Tottenham on Boxing Day.

It certainly appeared a few boots to backsides had been applied by Lewington. Or perhaps it was just a determination to impress the new manager. Whatever, Fulham started as brightly as they have done for a long time, displaying some slick football that will have cheered up owner Mohamed Fayed, who had been critical of Sanchez's direct style of football.

Indeed, they could have been ahead within 10 seconds had David Healy's shot not curled narrowly wide. It appeared that they would regret that three minutes later when Birmingham's Gary McSheffrey ran on to Mikael Forssell's through ball and raced clear, only for him to lift the ball over the bar from eight yards.

The Birmingham defense had their own reason to feel guilty in the eighth minute when they all seemed to go missing as Carlos Bocanegra was allowed to steal in unchallenged to meet Simon Davies' corner and head the ball into the net.

McLeish, who has made such a positive impression here since replacing Steve Bruce last month, was growing increasingly frustrated as the number of misplaced passes mounted and Fulham continued to press forward in a manner few are accustomed to seeing away from Craven Cottage.

The boos that greeted half time demonstrated the home fans, never among the most patient even when things are going well, shared McLeish's frustration at the lack of opportunities created by their side.Fortune smiled on them 10 minutes after the interval, though. Fabrice Muamba showed great vision to spot Sebastian Larsson galloping through the middle and then had the accuracy to deliver the ball into his path. Elliot Omozusi displayed commendable speed to close down the Swede but could not prevent the ball going past the outstretched leg of Fulham keeper Antti Niemi.

McLeish too had promised to make Birmingham a more attractive side and their willingness to keep the ball on the floor in the second half certainly made them more of a threat. Buoyed by the goal, they twice went closing to taking the lead.

First, in the 58th minute, substitute Mehdi Nafti hit a shot that narrowly failed to dip under the bar and then eight minutes later Franck Queudrue drew a stunning save out of Niemi after volleying from 15 yards following Fulham's failure to clear a McSheffrey free-kick.

It was a familiar tale for Fulham's fans, who have become accustomed to seeing their side tail off towards the end of matches. However, they did defend stoically for the last 12 minutes after having Hameur Bouazza harshly sent off for a second yellow card.

The aim of both McLeish and Hodgson next June will be being able to watch Euro 2008 knowing that they will start next season in the Premier League.