Wigan held 1-1 at home by Fulham

By WALTER SIMON STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Clint Dempsey’s penalty earned Fulham a 1-1 draw against Wigan in a mediocre mid-table clash at the DW Stadium.

Dempsey converted his spot-kick to cancel out Emmerson Boyce’s opener after the United States international had been bundled over by Titus Bramble.

In front of the lowest Premier League crowd of the season of 16,172 neither side seized the initiative to claim all three points but Fulham boss Roy Hodgson emerged the happier of the two managers.

Hodgson said: “I am pleased with the point because we had to dig deep today for the point.

“Many a team would have crumbled and think the gods were against us but we stuck at our task and got the reward.

“Wigan are a good team with gifted players and are always putting you on the back foot.

“The defences and the goalkeepers are the ones that will take the plaudits from a game that could have easily had been 3-3.

“The international break cannot come soon enough for us as it enables us to get some players back and gives the fit players a rest.”

Following their Europa League disappointment at the hands of Roma in midweek Fulham began cautiously, allowing Wigan’s passing game onto them and asking them to break down their sturdy back-line.

But on the break the much maligned Bobby Zamora crafted the first genuine chance of the game as his lofted pass found Erik Nevland but the Norwegian striker’s header came back off the upright.

Frustrated Wigan refused to ditch their passing principles and were rewarded for their patience by taking the lead on 13 minutes with an uncharacteristically direct method.

Paul Scharner headed a long free-kick back across goal for Boyce to bring the ball down with his first touch and slam a finish past Mark Schwarzer.

The Australian goalkeeper was more aware two minutes later when he was at full stretch to keep out Charles N’Zogbia’s curling drive but Wigan were growing in stature and Fulham losing their shape.

Hugo Rodallega threatened for the hosts and Scharner’s physical presence saw him head a narrow chance just over the crossbar.

With Wigan pressing for a second Fulham equalised moments before the break as Bramble whipped away the legs of Dempsey as he attempted to turn inside the penalty area.

Dempsey’s slammed in his third goal in as many games and as the half-time whistle arrived the game was finely poised.

Dempsey tested Chris Kirkland ten minutes into the second half with a well-flighted free-kick and at the other end Schwarzer kept out Scharner and Henry Thomas, who should have done better with his header.

The influential Dempsey continued to look Fulham’s best chance of stealing a winner as Wigan wilted but the American had a late effort saved and both sides played out a fair draw.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez said: “You cannot be pleased as you always want to win but Fulham are a very strong, disciplined and well organised side who have been playing together for a long time.

“The difference between 1-1 and three points was Mark Schwarzer’s performance who kept them in the game.

“It is a great compliment for the way we played that their goalkeeper was the best player on the pitch.”