Fulham once again got that sinking feeling in the north-west - a region they always seem to return from empty-handed.
The Whites were hoping to build on two home wins with a first away point at least at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. But they succumbed to an 84th minute strike from Matt Derbyshire.
Fulham, who are back in this neck of the woods for a Carling Cup tie against Burnley tomorrow night (Tuesday) were unlucky not to score.
Twice Andy Johnson forced Brad Friedel to make great saves to keep him out.
Roy Hodgson says he is not worried by Johnson's failure to get in the scoresheet, while acknowledging that his big summer signing is eager to get off the mark.
"He is a proven scorer and if he gets the opportunities, I'm sure he will score plenty of goals," the Fulham boss said.
"It will take time for he and Bobby Zamora to get their relationship right, but I am sure they will."
