Mitrović continues his fantastic goalscoring form as Fulham narrowly beat Cardiff City

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Serbian forward Aleksandar Mitrović continued his amazing goalscoring feats against Cardiff City as the impressive Fulham march on towards promotion.

Home boss Steve Morison made some surprising changes for this one, resting impressive young wing-back Joel Bagan and striker Isaak Davies as the duo made the substitutes bench. Young Wales star Rubin Colwill was introduced back to the starting line-up, with sickness in the Cardiff camp explaining some of the changes.

The visitors began with former Cardiff old boys Harry Wilson and Bobby Decordova-Reid in the side as manager Marco Silva was also able to call on the services of the most prolific striker in the country in the shape of Aleksandar Mitrović.

Fulham had been on a fantastic run of form as they bare down on promotion back to the Premier League, despite recent defeat by Huddersfield Town, who had also lowered Cardiff’s colours this week.

The Cottagers began in free-flowing style, with Wilson in the action from the off. The Welshman forced a corner on seven minutes and brought a smart save from Alex Smithies soon after.

From that incident, the Bluebirds broke swiftly and James Collins really should have done better than fire tamely at Marek Rodák in the visiting goalmouth. It was a golden chance to take the lead, which the Bluebirds would come to regret.

Despite these missed chances, it had been a bright opening 20 minutes, with the Welsh club in no mood to let the Cottagers have it all their own way.

Referee Leigh Doughty did not award a free-kick when Collins appeared to be deliberately held back which animated the home crowd who also reacted angrily when the official awarded a corner when Mitrović appeared to head over with no interference from any Cardiff player.

Exciting wing-back Cody Drameh whipped in a cross but Colwill could not quite take advantage as the home side showed occasional glimpses of their attacking prowess.

In an even contest though, neither side had really stamped their authority on the opening game. Skipper Tim Ream had led the visiting defence well as the American looking calm and assured throughout.

As half-time beckoned though, it was that man Mitrović, unmarked at the far post, who squeezed in a header to give the visitors the lead following a deep cross from Wilson.

The home side made a lively start after the interval thanks to a surging run from Drameh. Collins tucked the ball into the net skilfully, but before the home fans could start their celebrations, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Fulham were furious after Aden Flint blocked a cross with a combination of chest or arm, depending on how you saw it.

It remained an even contest, though the visitors looked capable of stretching their lead at any time. Cardiff’s goal threat was less prominent now and Morison replaced the hard-working Colwill with Davies just before the hour mark in an attempt to pep things up.

For all their hard work, Cardiff seemed unable to put their foot on the ball as the visitors looked in charge. Mitrović continued to offer a threat, heading an effort over from close range.

The home side did their best to force the issue and apply more pressure as Bagan was introduced for Alfie Doughty.

Davies brought a smart save from Rodák with 20 minutes remaining but the effort lacked power. More changes followed and Bagan almost nodded home for the Bluebirds but failed to do so.

Still, Cardiff could not force the issue sufficiently to trouble the scoreboard despite the hard work of Davies, Ryan Wintle and Tommy Doyle.

A hefty challenge from Mitrović on young Bagan led to a yellow card for the Serb as the home side continued their efforts in the closing stages, forcing the visitors to defend stubbornly. A string of late corners only led to Flint blasting a shot over the bar.

Fulham simply had no intention of surrendering their advantage though. They held out to retain their lead amidst angry final exchanges following a nasty looking clash between Perry Ng and Ivan Cavaleiro, the home defender appearing to catch the Portuguese forward with an elbow.

The Cottagers extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points as Cardiff dropped down to 20th, 13 points clear of the relegation zone.

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