FFC 5-2 NUFC

The Jekyll and Hyde United rocked up at Craven Cottage yesterday as we dominated a very average Fulham side in the first half then capitulated to an invigorated Fulham in the second.

Leading 1-0 at half time through a Danny Guthrie goal, Pardew’s Mags managed to throw it all away in a spectacular fashion, conceding five goals in a half with only one Hatem Ben Arfa strike to comfort the blows.

United started with Ben Arfa replacing Ryan Taylor on the right on the midfield, and dominated a first half where the fluidity of passing and movement was only let down by poor finishing - Coloccini and Shola guilty of missing the worst of the opportunities before a spectacular strike from Guthrie sent United in deservedly ahead.

Whatever was said during the half-time break backfired in a monumental fashion, as the horrible little-footed shite Damien Duff won a pathetically weak penalty after a ‘push’ from Davide Santon. Murphy despatched the penalty, and from that moment on disaster followed for the forlorn Mags.

Dempsey added a fortunate second as Tim Krul’s save from Zamora’s shot hit him in the chest and over the line, and it was three minutes later, when Dempsey shot across Krul.

The fourth goal in 17 shambolic minutes came when another harsh decision, this time against Tim Krul, resulted in a second penalty, which was despatched down the middle by Bobby Zamora.

Hope was temporarily restored with another excellent strike from Hatem Ben Arfa, but Dempsey claimed his hat-trick when a simple ball over the top left Williamson and Colo looking like they were running in treacle, and the American slotted past Krul.

It was a bizarre game and a shocker of a result, but United are a stronger and more resolute side than they have been for many years - and all around the club will be expecting a response at the Amex Stadium in Brighton on Saturday in the FA Cup Fourth Round.