Jol frustrated by missed opportunities
FULHAM (1) vs FC TWENTE (1)
FULHAM manager Martin Jol rued his side’s failure to make the most of their chances as they were held to a frustrating draw by FC Twente in their opening Europa League Group K clash at Craven Cottage.
Andrew Johnson took advantage of a defensive error to put the Cottagers in front after 19 minutes but despite much pressure they could not add a second, and Luuk de Jong’s header bounced against the post and in off goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for a 41st-minute equaliser.
Jol said: “In the first half we should have been two or three up. Of course they’re a good team but when you put them under that sort of pressure you should be winning.
“We still wanted to play with four forward players but if you don’t put the goals away you get frustrated and put pressure on yourself. The only thing now is that we have to put the chances away.”
Goalscorer Johnson (left) also underlined his disappointment at failing to bag the points but said the draw would stand his side in good stead for the remainder of the group campaign.
He said: “We started well and played well enough to come away with the points so I think we’re disappointed, but it’s a long slog and to get a point early on is pleasing. I missed out on being in the final two years ago so I’m delighted to be fit now and scoring.”
Stoke denied by late Kiev strike
STOKE were prevented from making a winning start to their Europa League Group E campaign by Dynamo Kiev’s late equaliser. The Potters took the lead 10 minutes into the second half through Cameron Jerome, but Ognjen Vukojevic made it 1-1 in stoppage time. Birmingham, meanwhile, were beaten 3-1 at home by last year’s runners-up Braga and Celtic lost 2-0 away against Atletico Madrid.