Matej Vydra's late second-half strike has denied Felix Magath a win in his first game as Fulham manager, as the Cottagers drew 1-1 with West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League this afternoon.
© Getty Images
Fulham were the first to threaten as Lewis Holtby pinged in a corner, only for Johnny Heitinga to direct his header over the bar, having found himself in a good position in front of goal.
The Baggies looked to respond to the early effort, with Saido Berahino flashing his right-footed shot from the left side of the box high and wide of the keeper's goal.
The visitors could have taken the lead had Steve Sidwell kept his nerve, but he fired over from the centre of the box after being picked out by Dejagah's cross.
Young West Brom striker Thievy Bifouma looked to get in on the action with a right-footed shot from outside the box, but Maarten Stekelenburg did well to make the save.
Relegation strugglers Fulham took the lead in the 28th minute when Ashkan Dejagah lashed home an effort into the bottom corner, having been found by a ball from Kieran Richardson.
The visitors might have found themselves 2-0 ahead before the break, but Hugo Rodallega's effort was tipped away from the top corner by Ben Foster.
Pepe Mel's men did their best to force a route back into the game after half time, as Chris Brunt and Victor Anichebe both saw long-range efforts saved.
Gareth McAuley should have found their equaliser 20 minutes from time, but he headed wide after being picked out from Brunt's corner.
It looked as though Fulham would escape with all three points, but Vydra struck home in the 86th minute to grab a vital point for the Baggies.
Christopher Dodd
