Fulham beat Championship play-off hopefuls Sunderland to set up a tie against Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round.
Harry Wilson’s early goal turned the tide for the Fulham side on the fourth-round replay, the winger curling his effort into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot after being narrowly tackled by Carlos Vincius.
Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira combined for Fulham’s second goal just before the hour mark, when the Serbian striker did well to keep the ball on the byline and tap it in for his fellow substitute. touch back
Sunderland were given hope of a comeback inside the final 15 minutes when Jack Clarke curled a superb strike into the far corner following a pass from Ajibola Allis.
But Layvin Kurzawa restored Fulham’s two-goal lead in the 82nd minute, firing into the roof of the net after Shane Duffy’s knockdown.
With stoppage time approaching, substitute Jewison Bennett coolly lifted in the corner to reduce the deficit, but the Black Cats fell short despite a valiant effort.
Fulham boss Marco Silva, watching from the stands because of the touchline ban, said: “We are working hard to get to this level and develop a winning mentality.
“I knew before the game it wouldn’t be the best, I made nine changes, but we’re happy.”
Fulham substitute sealed the deal.
Throughout the match, Sunderland showed why they are aiming for a return to the Premier League and are just two points off the Championship play-off places as they put Fulham under intense pressure.
Imad Diallo was the bright spark for the home side, his low shot cleared off the line by Duffy as he cut inside and fired a strike towards goal.
Patrick Roberts’ effort deflected off Duffy and forced Marek Roddick into a great save as Sunderland showed their attacking prowess despite missing striker Ross Stewart.
Wilson had two more chances for Fulham in the first half, but Anthony Pietersen had an effort saved after a fine solo run and then sent his shot wide of the post after being dispatched by captain Tom Cairney.
Silva’s decision to bring on Mitrovic and Pereira saw the visitors increase in intensity after the break and they showed the quality that has seen them climb to sixth in the top flight.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said after the game: “I think the supporters deserve a lot of credit for keeping the players going. We’re fighting for the people who come to support us.
“We started a bit tentatively but we pushed them and they finished with a really strong team which I think is a credit to us.”
