David McGoldrick came off the bench to score the decisive goal as Town beat Fulham 2-1 in their opening day fixture at Portman Road. McGoldrick added to Daryl Murphy’s first-half goal in the 61st minute with Tim Hoogland pulling one back late on for the visitors.

Mick McCarthy handed Hungarian frontman Bajner his debut alongside Murphy, while Elliott Hewitt was at right midfield with Jay Tabb on the left and Luke Hyam and Cole Skuse in the centre.

At the back, skipper Luke Chambers retained his right-back position with Tyrone Mings at left-back and Tommy Smith and Christophe Berra at the centre of the backline. Dean Gerken was in goal.

McCarthy named no defenders on a bench which included strikers David McGoldrick, Frank Nouble and Jack Marriott.

Fulham included eight debutants in their starting line-up, including £11 million striker Ross McCormack.

Despite the Cottagers enjoying most of the early possession, the Blues were first to threaten in the fifth minute. A freekick on the left was played short to Mings, who whipped over a cross but Fulham debutant keeper Jesse Joronen superbly tipped over.

After the resultant corner had been cleared, Skuse left the ball to Hyam, who hit a low shot across the face of goal and wide.

Chris David wasted a good opportunity for the visitors in the 11th minute when he scraped well wide of the post from the edge of the box after Hoogland had broken strongly from the back.

The Blues went close again in the 17th minute when Hewitt aimed a long throw from the right towards Bajner. The ball defected out to Skuse on the edge of the box and the former Bristol City man smashed a shot only just over Joronen’s bar.

There was a big scare for the Blues in the 25th minute when Gerken spilled David’s 20-yard shot. But, having made the initial error, the keeper reacted brilliantly to block Moussa Dembele’s close-range rebound.

Fulham continued to enjoy significantly more of the ball but just after the half hour Skuse again went close, this time with a looping 25-yard effort which went a couple of yards beyond Joronen’s right post.

And two minutes later the Blues went in front. Hyam won the ball and burst through the middle before finding Murphy, who left Whites centre-half Shaun Hutchinson standing as he took the ball into the area and hit a right-foot strike which beat Joronen.

Soon after the restart goalscorer Murphy curled another effort wide after good work Mings. On 37 Hyam got his name in referee Stephen Martin’s book for a late tackle on Dembele.

As the half moved into its final five minutes Town continued to threaten, the previously quiet Bajner winning a couple of Hewitt’s dangerous long throws into the area.

On 42 Emerson Hyndman misjudged a long ball down the middle, causing Hutchinson to make a desperate clearance which cannoned off Bajner which, fortunately for the home side, flew through to Joronen.

Two minutes later, after David had shot over for the Cottagers, Bajner was replaced by McGoldrick, returning to competitive action for the first time since suffering a knee injury in February.

Fulham will have counted themselves unfortunate to have gone in behind after a half which they had controlled for the most part.

However, aside from Dembele’s opportunity handed to them by Gerken’s error, the visitors hadn’t created too many chances.

Prior to Murphy’s well-taken goal, only an excellent save from Joronen had prevented Berra from opening the scoring, while Skuse and Hyam might have done better with efforts from the edge of the box.

Fulham replaced midfielder David with Thomas Eisfeld, a summer signing from Arsenal, ahead of the second half.

Late first-half sub McGoldrick was quickly into the thick of the action, cleverly finding himself space on the edge of the area but Hutchinson blocked his shot.

On 48 Hewitt blazed high from distance, having been found by Hyam, when feeding Chambers to his right would have been a better option.

Three minutes later, Fulham left back Konstantinos Stafylidis hammered a powerful strike just over Gerken’s bar, the Blues having made heavy weather of getting the ball out of their final third following an earlier attack.

The game returned to the pattern of the first half with the visitors having most of the ball but without particularly threatening Town’s lead. McGoldrick’s introduction had improved the Blues’ quality on the ball.

Three minutes before the hour mark the largely peripheral McCormack was replaced to chants of ‘what a waste of money’ from the home fans.

McGoldrick felt he ought to have been awarded a penalty in the 59th minute when he appeared to be hauled back as he looked to beat two defenders and break into the area on the left, but referee Martin was unimpressed with his appeals. A minute later, the Blues striker lashed a freekick from distance well over.

But the 26-year-old only had to wait another minute for his first goal since his return from injury.

Murphy did well to hold off Hutchinson on the left before cutting across the edge of the six-yard box towards Tabb. The ball was stabbed away from the midfielder but only as far as McGoldrick, who confidently hit a low shot into the net from 18 yards before hopping away in away in celebration.

Joronen claimed Tabb's header from the edge of the box on 69, a corner having been half-cleared to the midfielder on the edge of the box. A minute later, Anthony Wordsworth replaced Skuse in the Town midfield.

Town had been well on top since scoring their second goal but the visitors threatened to pull one back in the 78th minute when sub Patrick Roberts found Eisfeld with a clever pass, but Chambers did well to block.

Wordsworth should have made it 3-0 in the 80th minute after Chambers had tricked his way into space in which to cross from the right. The Town skipper sent over the perfect cross, but Wordsworth headed over from six yards.

Mings was booked for a foul on 81 and from the resultant freekick taken by Stafylidis the Blues’ left-back blocked from sub Cauley Woodrow. Moments later, Hyam made way for Kevin Bru, Town’s second debutant of the day.

The Mauritian international was quickly involved in the game but was caught in possession as he looked to pass as the Blues broke after a Fulham corner.

In the 85th minute, Tabb found McGoldrick with a quickly taken freekick on the left but the striker’s shot failed to trouble Joronen.

A minute later, the visitors pulled a goal back. Hoogland cut in from the right and hit a shot which deflected off Smith, past Gerken and into the net. Not long after, Berra picked up Town’s third booking of the afternoon.

The Cottagers continued to press in the closing stages with the Blues failing to settle after their substitutions. Lively sub Roberts first shot wide, then as the game moved into its penultimate scheduled minute hit an effort which fortunately for Town deflected to Gerken.

Fulham kept pushing for the equaliser during four minutes of injury time but the Blues weren’t to be denied an opening day victory.

While the visitors had had most of the ball for the much of the game, Town had created more of the game’s better chances with Murphy and McGoldrick both confidently taking their best opportunities.

Once the Blues had gone 2-0 in front, the match looked to be over - Wordsworth ought to have made it three - until Fulham’s late rally and Hoogland’s goal. But Town dug in and claimed their first three-point haul of the campaign.

Town: Gerken, Chambers (c), Mings, Berra, Smith, Skuse (Wordsworth 70), Hyam (Bru 81), Tabb, Hewitt, Bajner (McGoldrick 44), Murphy. Subs: Bialkowski, Henshall, Marriott, Nouble.

Fulham: Joronen, Hoogland, Stafylidis, Hutchinson (Roberts 74), Bodurov, Parker (c), Dembele, Hyndman, David (Eisfeld 46), Burgess, McCormack (Woodrow 57). Subs: Bettinelli, Rodallega. Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire). Att: 17,218 (Fulham: 1,539).

Photo: Action Images

bluelodgeblue added 20:06 - Aug 9 already in the playoffs??
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bohslegend added 20:08 - Aug 9 @battyblue bit harsh to say MM bringing Bru on nearly cost us. I like Wordsworth but actually he should have put the game beyond doubt with his header. Fact is the oft-berated Skuse/Hyam partnership (plus Tabb and Hewitt) were excellent while on together, so your finger pointing at both MM and the new boy Bru is incorrect.
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bring_back_Wickham added 20:09 - Aug 9 Am I the only one who thought Tabb wasn't that good?
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EssexTractor added 20:10 - Aug 9 For 20 minutes it appeared that only Scott Parker was allowed to have the ball. Still classy and able to find space but by the 90th minute he was reduced to short passes lacking penetration, but for that the blame must be attributed to his colleagues who as an attacking force were bereft of ideas, guile and enthusiasm apart from the last 5 minutes when they just sniffed the possibility of a draw. That would have been unjust. For the better team won on the day. Because Itfc played as a team. Very spirited, tireless, with the rocks aka Berra/Smith outstanding again , with Tabb playing as though his very life depended on it, with Murphy showing what a great team player he is. Our real class arrived on pitch in the 41st minute, and when McGoldrick drove in the second goal, big smiles appeared all round. Hopefully this promising start will not be a false dawn. I am more confident than 12 months ago that MMs tenacity is now being absorbed by his troops. Not quite time for cartwheels, but maybe a little skip is warranted tonight.

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StochesStotasBlewe added 20:12 - Aug 9 Chuffed to bits tonight. Thought we worked very hard, played some good stuff at times. Thought Skuse & Hyam were very good, Tabb in 2nd half. Murphy once again ran himself ragged. Mings looked a bit indecisive but should get better with games. Worrying though if any injuries (Hyam, Skuse) turn out to be more than a knock as we are still a bit thin on the ground squad wise. All in all though a great way to start the season.

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rendoblue added 20:15 - Aug 9 Superb effort for first game, looked slightly overrun down the left but didn't help that tab had to come inside to pick up an extra in the Fulham midfield quite often. Berra and smith solid and mings will only get better. Missed scuse and hyam when they unfortunately had to come off. Would like to see a couple of new faces still to strengthen the side, a creative midfielder is a must and maybe another forward to play off murphy should we need to rest mcgoldrick now and again. Enjoyable afternoon, COYB. Ps I think tab must be the only player who's shorts are bigger than his shirt is.

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TimmyH added 20:16 - Aug 9 @Len_Brennan - agree with your post, to me Mick's tactics were no different. Hewitt and Tabb played fairly tight in (defensively) the difference was when we had the ball the players seemed to have more energy to get up and down the pitch. I though Hewitt had a good energetic game in midfield and Hyam was far more decisive in what he did which hasn't always been the way. Defensively pretty good although Mings does look to have the odd mistake in him but hopefully he'll get better with experience. The real acid test (although only 1 game) is when we play teams who have less of the ball and it us who have to break them down. Very happy start to the season.

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blueherts added 20:19 - Aug 9 If ever a game summed up the Championship this was it and it was a tough baptism for Fulham ! We were terrific from start to finish and really should have finished them off when Wordy missed his header Back to front superb and delighted to see some real fizz in Hyam , Murph and especially HewItt Even better to think that we were missing Anderson , Parr , Stewart and Hunt all of whom will add to the squad Great start and delighted for Didsy Oh and I think Fulham are not a bad side and will cause teams problem def got some talented footballers but as I said this is the Championship and they need abit more steel in there Their Manager is as Crazy as a Unicorn Well done to MM and all !!! PS Anyone travelling back to Worcester area after the Norwich game - I need a lift - will pay !

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Pip50 added 20:27 - Aug 9 Good result probably a good time to hit Fulham. Appreciate MM down to earth approach being from up North but what prat on sky tv !!
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irishtim added 20:28 - Aug 9 Hopefully this is the start to give us confidence. Maybe the critics of mm will back off and get behind the team. As for Tabby well done Jay Tabb. Think Mings looks the weak link. He will learn. Thanks MM TC and All ITFC players for a great win.
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michaeldownunder added 20:31 - Aug 9 Great result 11 mill pound striker taken off because our two c/backs shut him out of the game. This league is going to be tight again this season. Murphy seems a diff player since Didz got injured and now he is back to add a bit of class to the side. I would like a wide player in the team, Stewart or Henshall to add pace and attacking flair but cannot see MM changing from a solid midfield 4.

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76blue added 20:36 - Aug 9 Good solid start to the season tabb got stuck in, so did most the lads with crunching tackles great to see. Also good to see murph and mcgoldrick back to scoring ways looking positive #COYB!!!
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warktheline added 20:48 - Aug 9 Some impressive performances today, Tabb and Hyam to name just two. Murphy gives everything for the shirt. Wordy please take your next chance.....with self belief you could go a long way.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 20:49 - Aug 9 Good performance - we are not going to get Burley, Robson esq performances anymore, but at least we show some guile and strength against a good Fulham side. Berra, Hyam and Murphy stood out for me.
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 20:51 - Aug 9 Good performance - we are not going to get Burley, Robson esq performances anymore, but at least we showed some guile and strength against a good Fulham side. Berra, Hyam and Murphy stood out for me…and WE WON ON SKY!!!!!
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StowTractorBoy added 20:53 - Aug 9 Make no mistake this was a fantastic result and we may have got Fulham at the right time. Although they had a lot of the ball they created very few chances but I think once they adapt to the Championship they will be up there. I am sure it is the same for supporters all over the Country but my goodness I was suffering in the last 5 minutes of normal time and surely more than 4 minutes of added on time. Hyam was my man of the match and when he and Skuse had to go off with cramp and a knock we were too open in the middle of the park. I never rated Hewitt as a full back but he played really well tonight and his throw ins could become very useful in the future. Mings will get better but again gave away a stupid free kick on the edge of the box near the end. The other three members of the back four were excellent and up top Murphy and McGoldrick will not be easy to contend with in future games. Two great goals and three great points well done MM and the lads.

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buddsterblue added 20:55 - Aug 9 I was a tabb doubter (not hater) to be honest, mick was right I was wrong, tabb ran his socks off and deserves his plaudits, however as a long term answer? Doesn't get forward and offers little in attack, sometimes someone gets so many negative comments just having a mediocre game gets everyone excited. He gave the ball away a lot and I thought played very narrow leaving Mings quite a lot to do which he isn't quite up too just yet. Rather than batter Mings who did struggle a little, tabb should have guided him through, we looked vulnerable down the left and obviously this is where we conceded. Murphy hyam were a pleasure to watch as was Berra who just seems to have a knack of stretching out a leg at the right time, every time!;)

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Hanser added 20:56 - Aug 9 William Hill announced they are no longer taking bets on promotion to Premiership
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Stato added 21:01 - Aug 9 I am not a fan of the MM style of football but have to give him credit for rinsing every once of effort out of our lads. Gerken the weak link in a very strong defence but focusing on the positives I thought that Murph was outstanding and scored his best goal in a town shirt and Hewitt had his best ever town performance by a mile.
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tractorlegend added 21:02 - Aug 9 Great start to the season. Gerken was solid apart from the one fumble which he brilliantly recovered from. Back four solid although though Mings was a bit rash at times still learning. In midfield Hyam was excellent great positive run for first girl Skuse protected the back four brilliantly and we missed him when he went off. Hewitt best obstetrician first half quiet second. Tabb had best game for Town was everywhere. Bajner was ineffective when on up front. Murphy worked tirelessly and great finish for goal. McGoldrick did what he does best. Score! COYB....

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BwoodBlue added 21:06 - Aug 9 Good solid start - impressed with the whole team in the most part - Mings looked a little erratic at times but clearly has big potential
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jas0999 added 21:23 - Aug 9 Delighted with three points against Fulham, particularly with a patched up team. Thought we thoroughly deserved it after a typically hard working performance. I won't pretend to be pleased with the midfield selection, although appreciate we have injuries. I'm afraid I disagree with many on here ... Tabb was poor in my opinion, whilst Hewitt is not a winger. He looked lost at times. For me, despite this great victory, we need to work on the midfield and feel we need better wide players. Hyam was however the stand out midfield player and almost MOM for me. Defence looked good, although Mings and Gerken shaky at times. Up front, Murphy produce two moments of quality, including a superb finish. McGoldrick was the stand out for me. The only player we have who oozes quality. Boy, we missed him. Not sure why we signed the other striker, looked worse than Nouble and completely out of his depth. Overall, a pleasing start, but with more injuries, size of squad a concern. Well done to all.

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Superblue95 added 21:27 - Aug 9 Fantastic start to the season. Hyam outstanding today brilliant to see him be more positive and forward thinking as well as getting stuck in as he usually does. Chambers Berra hewitt Murphy and didsy were all superb. Bajner and Bru didn't look overly impressive but they need time to settle in. Also got to say fair play to Tabb, first half he was absolutely dreadful hiding away from the action and giving the ball away when he did have it but second half he was outstanding getting stuck in and doing everything expected of him. Great day COYB!!

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delias_cheesy_flaps added 21:30 - Aug 9 I'm very pleased we got the win. I really do worry about the amount of space and time we give the opposition to play in our own half. We didn't deserve to concede today as Fulham where fortunately very poor in the final third despite the time and space we allowed them, a better team would have punished us and this is something we need to sort out quickly if we want to progress.

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IvorFeeling added 21:42 - Aug 9 solid 7 out of 10 for today. Plus side was our work ethic and our defending, murphy and didds scoring which bodes well. On the down side was our ball retention although second half we were much better (barring last 10 mins) and for me Tabb and Mings didn't work. First half Tabb was non-existent but was much better in the second half although he and Mings were both to blame for their goal and were again all at sea 1 minute later and Fulham could have scored a second. Overall a great 3 points but cant help thinking this was a good time to play Fulham. Did anyone else think McCormack was a bit tubby?

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