Andy Lonergan admitted Fulham got away with it in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Blackburn.
A second-half effort from Rovers’ Grant Hanley did cross the line only to be scooped away by James O’Hara, whose torso obscured assistant and referee’s view. Note video, and apologies for the quality.
There’s no goal-line technology in the Championship, so all three points went to Lonergan and co.
The keeper was also a key factor in elevating Fulham to a heady 11th. One save in particular, as the former Bolton custodian denied Ben Marshall, was twin to the famous Gordon Banks save against Pele in World Cup 1970.
All in a day’s work, shrugged the modest gloveman.
“When you play teams like Blackburn, the balls come into the box a lot,” he said. “It was pretty intense. I think the last time I had a game like that was when Rory Delap was playing for Stoke, so a long time ago.
“I am happy to contribute whatever way I can.
“I knew it (Hanley’s effort) was a goal. I looked and was amazed that they did not give it.”
For all that, Lonergan reckoned justice evened itself out when Jordan Rhodes converted a penalty after the Rovers forward was adjudged shoved in the back by Whites left-back James Husband.
“I don’t think it was a penalty, so it evens itself out,” added the keeper.
“In the first half I thought we were absolutely outstanding. You will probably struggle to see a better display of football. Everyone wanted the ball and it was brilliant. They went longer in the second half and we found that difficult to cope with.
“Anyone watching that first half will think Fulham are a serious team.”
