Fulham manager Felix Magath won’t mind his side picking up another boring 1-0 win over Derby County at Pride Park this weekend - much like they did nearly 13 years ago.
The game, while not a blockbuster, gave the Whites the perfect start to the year on January 2 in their first Premier League game of 2002.
It was a bitterly cold Wednesday night in the east midlands and the on-the-field action did little to warm the cockles of the 28,165 hardy souls packed into the stands.
Then Whites boss Jean Tigana was still reeling from a defeat to Manchester United three days earlier and decided to freshen things up for the trip to County.
Out went Louis Saha, who was on a dismal run of one goal in four months, and Luis Boa Morte and in came Steve Marlet to partner Barry Hayles up top.
Marlet had not started a game for months and was short of fitness but was the club’s record purchase at £11.5million from Lyon and had a reputation to rebuild.
The game never really got going until the second half.
Steve Davis set up Marlet for a decent chance but the Frenchman was unable to capitalise, while Malcolm Christie struggled to meet a Fabrizio Ravanelli chance at the other end.
Saha, who go on to join Manchester United in 2004 but was plagued by injuries throughout his time at Old Trafford and beyond, was given 25 minutes to find a goal from the bench.
It came seven minutes after his introduction.
Saha didn’t get the goal but he certainly forced it, with Derby defender Horacio Carbonari stretching to intercept a ball intended for the striker and turning it into his own net.
He had a chance to seal it as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes but Mart Poom was equal to his effort and it finished 1-0 to make the trip worthwhile for the visitors.
The defeat left Derby firmly stranded in the relegation zone with Fulham climbing into a comfortable mid-table position in the Premier League.
Whites fans might fancy a bit more action on Saturday but wouldn’t be disappointed if they were to pick up another scrappy triumph like this one.
