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Fulham are back in the Premier League after two goals in extra time from Joe Bryan

Joe Bryan of Fulham celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Brentford and Fulham at Wembley Stadium on August 04, 2020 in London, England.  - GETTY IMAGES
Joe Bryan of Fulham celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Brentford and Fulham at Wembley Stadium on August 04, 2020 in London, England. - GETTY IMAGES

The desperate battle for the last place in the Premier League in the year that Covid threatened to destroy the game, and it all came down to a glorious trick free-kick from Joe Bryan that went in one way while everyone bar the Fulham full-back was looking in the other direction.

There were two extra-time goals from Bryan that launched Fulham back into the Premier League at the expense of Brentford, here to disrupt the Championship but just one win short of the promised land. Spoiler alert: this was a terrible game, but it came alive when Bryan deceived the Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and possibly everyone else in Wembley bar his manager with a disguised free-kick that crept in at the near post in extra-time of the play-off final.

A great moment for Bryan who added a second at the end of the game - he had only scored one all season before this - just before Brentford’s Henrik Dalsgaard claimed his side’s only goal when it was all too late. This was a triumph for Scott Parker, the young Fulham manager who led England as captain at Wembley in 2012 and has always seemed destined to be a coach. Now he finds himself catapulted into the big league and from the midpoint of next month is up against the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, and his old team-mate Frank Lampard.

Afterwards, there was a stoic determination from the Fulham manager not to allow the emotion to carry him away as his players collectively lost it with champagne and trophy. Ever since he juggled a football as the child prodigy on the McDonalds advert there has been something very serious about Parker when it came to football and really – what a career. As a player and as a manager he has been an overachiever and although he was in situ when Fulham were relegated from the Premier League one year earlier, now he has earned his place.

There will be no glorious end to the 73-year top-flight absence of Fulham’s west London rivals Brentford who must say goodbye to Griffin Park next season and move into their new home without a place in the Premier League. Brentford came so close but they were undone by some remarkable quick thinking by Bryan and a perfect execution.

It had, all told, been a dreadful game when at the end of the first period of extra-time, Bryan sized up a free-kick in the left channel at around 40 yards out. His body-shape and the pattern of the players lining up on the edge of the box suggested another cross – and that was at least what Brentford goalkeeper Raya expected. Instead, Bryan aimed for Raya’s right post and bent his left-foot shot inside it just before the goalkeeper could rush across to make the save.

Bryan would later say that it had all been practised and that Parker had called him over in the moments that preceded the free-kick to tell him that Raya was too far off his line. It was hard to argue with that. Bryan’s second goal came after a breakaway and an exchange with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham’s big-earning, Championship top-goalscoring striker who had started the game on the bench. The Serb came on at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, still not fully recovered from a hamstring injury.

Bryan’s second meant that the best of the west had been decided – the two sides from west London locked together in an exhausting Championship play-off final that may be remembered for little else other than the full-back’s first goal. The great threat that has been posed by Brentford this season, especially from Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma just never materialised. This inventive, breakout Championship side who had come out of lockdown at an electrifying pace just did not play to their potential.

On both sides there were precious few chances and two managers who were unwilling to take many risks in the game that was worth as much as £160 million for Brentford and just £30 million less for Fulham, the last ride out of the Covid-afflicted Championship. By the end of the regulation 90 minutes the statistics demonstrated the cautiousness of the two sides: just two attempts on target each.

It had been a long season, 368 days since the gruelling Championship had first begun, and it showed in everything these two sides did. Both sides played a solid midfield base and directed attacks wide. Michael Hector and Tim Ream were particularly strong in the centre of the Fulham defence. As for Brentford, Thomas Frank’s team – the Championship’s top goalscorers - looked sluggish and after the stronger start found themselves under pressure once again.

Fulham's Tom Cairney lifts the trophy as he celebrates promotion to the premier league with teammates after winning the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease. - REUTERS
Fulham's Tom Cairney lifts the trophy as he celebrates promotion to the premier league with teammates after winning the match, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease. - REUTERS

The only notable moment of the first half was a wild challenge by the Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed just before the half hour. The 25-year-old on loan from Southampton undoubtedly caught the Dane Christian Norgaard on the ankle and there was a strong case to be made that the force was excessive. Without recourse to a video assistant there was more than a suggestion that referee Martin Atkinson decided to play this one safe and reached for the yellow instead of the red.

Neither manager quite trusted themselves to commit much to the few attacks that they launched. Bryan Mbeumo did not go much past the hour until he was replaced. Bobby Decordova-Reid had one fleeting chance from a Neeskens Kebano cross that came from Fulham’s best move of the first half. Later Watkins would have a powerful hit saved by the Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

There was an unwillingness from either side to commit players forward and even the introduction of Mitrovic was a straight swap for Decordova-Reid. The quality of the Wembley pitch also seemed to have an effect on the standard of the action and there was not much that was typical of the average Championship game when risks are taken and mistakes made.

For Fulham there was a strong bench and Parker also called upon another play-off veteran in Anthony Knockaert in the closing stages of the 90 minutes. They went on to extra-time with everything at stake and the future of their respective clubs on the line. Then came Bryan’s free-kick, the game’s one true moment of creativity, and his second to seal the win. The header from Dalsgaard just came too late and Brentford could not turn it around – their ninth play-off campaign, none of which have yielded a promotion.


09:39 PM

That's all from us this evening

More reaction across Telegraph Sport.


09:32 PM

What a night to do it!


09:29 PM

Joe Bryan deserves all the plaudits he gets


09:27 PM

What a special night for Scott Parker!

His first full season as a manager, and he has led Fulham back to the promised land!

Here comes the trophy lift!


09:24 PM

Fulham deserved to win tonight

They were the better side. Brentford, who have been superb since the restart, just could not quite get it together tonight.

Fulham are back after just one year away!


09:23 PM

Play-off final experts!


09:22 PM

Joe Bryan is the hero!

Two superb goals in extra time for the left back. What a night for him!


09:20 PM

FULL TIME: Brentford 1 Fulham 2

FULHAM ARE BACK IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE!


09:19 PM

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL! DALSGAARD Brentford 1 Fulham 2

Dalsgaard finds space in the box and heads into the corner! Is there enough time for another?


09:18 PM

ET 30+3 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2

The free kicks fall to the floor in the box and is scrambled away. Fulham counter and should score. Knockaert breaks forward but his pass goes straight to Raya instead of his teammate.


09:17 PM

ET 30+2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2

Four minutes of added time! Brentford attack again. Cavaleiro stops the attack abruptly, earning a booking.


09:15 PM

ET 30 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 2

Brentford come again. A cross is dinked into the box but Dalsgaard heads it over the bar.


09:13 PM

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! BRYAN Brentford 0 Fulham 2

Fulham are there! Bryan breaks forward into the box, beautiful one-two and he slides it past the keeper with his right foot! Brilliant goal.


09:12 PM

ET 27 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

Rodak is down with cramp, it is that time of the match. Not sure the keeper was the best player to go down with it, but oh well.

Pinnock shoots from the edge of the box, but the attempt is very gentle and easily claimed.


09:09 PM

ET 24 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

Canos is fouled on the edge of the box in very dangerous position. 25 yards out, to the left hand side.

Benrahma stands over it. He fires it into the wall. Poor attempt in all honesty. Brentford come again, Norgaard fires in a dangerous low ball but Rodak beats Watkins to the ball.


09:07 PM

ET 22 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

Brentford attack, Fulham counter - and repeat. Watkins finds some space down the left but Christie does well to intercept the ball and put it out.


09:06 PM

ET 20 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

Emiliano shoots from 40 yards, well wide. What was he thinking, still over 10 minutes to go!

Odoi off for Christie, LeMarchand on for Onomah. Fulham are going to a back five.


09:04 PM

ET 18 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

Fulham are understandably sitting deep, allowing Brentford to attack.

Knockaert is then unleashed down the left, he gets in behind but his low cross is intercepted by Raya.


09:02 PM

Here is the remarkable goal!


09:01 PM

ET 16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

Fulham are 15 minutes away from the Premier League!

Cavaleiro on for Fulham,  Dervisoglu for Brentford.


08:58 PM

ET HALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 1

What a goal, what a moment. Such a bold choice. Can Brentford fight their way back!


08:56 PM

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL! BRYAN Brentford 0 Fulham 1

What a goal! Bryan, from 40 yards out, has curled in a free kick! Raya was expecting a cross, and was stood on the right hand side of the goal. Bryan decides to shoot and finds the left hand corner! I've never seen anything like it!

Poor from Raya, inspired from Bryan.


08:55 PM

ET 13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Shock! Mitrovic is booked for pushing his marker to the ground. The free kick will still be taken.


08:54 PM

ET 13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Dalsgaard sends in a long throws-in. The ball is claimed and set long. Raya is caught 40 yards off his line, his clearance falls to Onomah who has fouled as he is about to shoot. Yellow for Norgaard. A very, very good yellow from a Brentford point of view.


08:52 PM

ET 12 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Knockaert is now booked, giving away a free kick on the edge of the box. Benrahma stands over it.

His cross is headed away by Bryan for a throw-in. 


08:51 PM

ET 10 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The game has opened up in extra time, both sides determined not to let this chance slip by. Kamara sends a low cross out for a goal kick.


08:49 PM

ET 8 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Hector is booked for a challenge on Norgaard - not a great attempt that!


08:48 PM

ET 7 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Scott Parker is pacing furiously up and down the sideline, his hair still immaculate despite the situation.

Brentford break into Fulham's box, a low cross is met in the middle but the shot is blocked. Fulham counter but Raya is off his line to snuff out any chance. Better from Brentford.


08:45 PM

ET 5 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham send it forward, more in hope than expectation. Nothing comes off it. It was a low quality second half, it might just take one moment of magic.

Another ball forward draws out Raya to clear. His clearance falls to Kamara who fires from long range, comfortable save.


08:42 PM

ET 2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Huge chance! A low cross come into Watkins in the box, Hector just gets his foot in the way and it goes wide for a goal kick.


08:40 PM

Here we go - extra time!

Can Mitrovic make the difference?


08:36 PM

FULL TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham lump the ball forward and that's that. We are heading to extra time!


08:34 PM

90+2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Hector fouls Watkins, chance for a ball to be put into the box here. Benrahma puts far too much on it and it goes straight out for a goal kick. Poor delivery.

Mitrovic is on for De Cordova-Reid.


08:32 PM

90 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

We are headed to added time, and quite possibly extra time! 

Three added minutes.


08:31 PM

89 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Watkins and Canos link up nicely. They then lose the ball and Fulham counter. Knockaert goes in behind and is brought down by Jensen who is shown a yellow.

Brentford survive, a good tactical foul in the end.


08:29 PM

86 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Onomah spins away from Pinnock, spinning and hitting a half-volley from outside the box. It goes over the bar, decent strike but no danger of going in.


08:26 PM

84 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The ball falls to Dalsgaard on the edge of the Fulham box but his shot is over the bar. Canos on for Dasilva.

At the other end Kamara has a chance, he breaks down the left, cuts onto his right but he doesn't pull the trigger. He looks for a pass instead and Knockaert is offside. Shame.


08:23 PM

81 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Free kick to Brentford. A poor ball in is hacked clear. And here comes Knockaert for Kebano - who has been industrious this evening.

No Mitrovic yet, although he has warmed up.


08:21 PM

79 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Here we go. Ten minutes away from the Premier League, can someone can be the hero? Who wants the ball?

Benrahma drives forward but loses it, Kamara carries it back up the pitch for Fulham. No clear cut chances are coming for either side.


08:19 PM

77 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Pinnock drives forward. Brentford are now keeping the ball, patiently attacking as a side in unison.

They are camped in Fulham's half. Brentford then lose it, allowing Fulham to counter. Kebano sends in a cross but it is claimed by Raya.


08:16 PM

74 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Kamara does well down the right, he holds up play before finding Reed in the middle. He sends his shot very high though. Speculative from the 30 plus yards out.

Cairney gives away another foul, minutes after being booked. No second booking is given.


08:14 PM

72 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Watkins finds space on the edge of the box, he fires a shot but it is straight at Rodak who tips it over the bar. The corner is easily dealt with.

That was Watkins only chance so far.


08:12 PM

70 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Thomas Frank very animated at the break, as expected. Fulham still the better side so far.

Can someone find a goal?


08:10 PM

68 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The second corner is much flatter, and it hits Hector in the six-yard box. The ball is cleared. Benrahma brings it back and he is chopped down by Cairney, who is booked. Free kick 25 yards out.

Emiliano puts it into the empty stands. DRINKS BREAK


08:08 PM

66 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Kebano breaks forward but a lack of support forces him to turn back.  

Brentford win it, send the ball long and Benrahma draws a corner. Pinnock heads it back across goal but Bryan gets their first, nodding it behind for another.


08:05 PM

63 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Kamara finds space down the left, but Jansson gets across well, putting the ball out for a throw-in.

Fulham win a corner. Bryan puts in a cracking ball but Hector's header goes out for a goal kick.


08:03 PM

61 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Brentford build nicely, but Mbeumo miscontrols it. And he's off, Emiliano on for Mbeumo. Not his best night despite an excellent season.


08:01 PM

59 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Odoi crosses in, the ball falls to De Cordova-Reid but he hammers the half-volley high and wide. Not an easy chance, but a chance.


08:00 PM

57 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Brentford are starting to look dangerous, counter opportunities are starting to emerge. Changes coming.


07:57 PM

55 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Mbeumo fouls Kamara. Fulham loses the ball, Brentford counter. Mbeumo breaks into the box, he finds Dasilva but the chance is lost.

Neither sides are being clinical here, the wrong option was taken yet again.


07:55 PM

53 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham are on top, just as they were in the first half - but no goals to show for it.

Benrahma breaks into the box after beating two defenders. He fires at goal but it is blocked - appeals for hand ball are ignored. That was better from the Bees. Benrahma has been too deep, too often this match.


07:53 PM

51 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Dasilva goes down but no free kick awarded. Correct decision, no contact from Bryan. Goal kick.

Fulham then play out from deep, the ball finds its way to Kebano but Jansson wins the ball and clears it away.


07:51 PM

49 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Kebano curls it toward goal but can only find the side netting. Surprised he missed given his recent form... decent effort in fairness.

Fulham attack again but Onomah is tackled as he bursts forward.


07:49 PM

47 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

One half away from the Premier League, time for these two sides to empty their tanks. There is no tomorrow.

Kebano breaks down the right, finds De Cordova-Reid in the middle who is fouled. Kebano stands over it.


07:47 PM

The second half is underway

Brentford get us restarted.


07:44 PM

Who will seize control of the match?

Onomah was star of the show in the first half. Brentford's BMW were kept quiet for the most part.


07:40 PM

An accurate summary...


07:33 PM

The half-time analysis we all need


07:32 PM

HALF TIME: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

One minute of added time. 

Fulham have been the better side, but both teams ran out of steam a touch towards the end of the half.

Big team talk required by Thomas Frank.


07:30 PM

45 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Hector whips in a cross, but it is deflected into the hands of Raya. Ream looks to switch the play to the right but his ball to Kebano has too much on it.


07:28 PM

43 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The game has become a touch scrappy, after a very intense opening half hour.

Onomah takes too long on the ball, a chance of a counter is ended as he is dispossessed.


07:25 PM

40 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Jansson lumps it forward towards Watkins but Hector beats him to it.

Odoi has a chance to roll the ball into the box, instead he cuts inside and shoots. Poor option. Fulham keep finding space.


07:23 PM

38 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham continue their dominance, forcing Brentford to defend deep. This is not what Thomas Frank would have wanted. They need to keep some possession.


07:20 PM

35 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

A header towards goal is challenged by Watkins as Rodak goes to catch it. Clear foul.

At the other end, Kebano does well to bring the ball down in the box, but nothing comes of it.


07:18 PM

33 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham spread the ball around neatly. Hector then offers a poor pass which Watkins almost intercepts. He is looking sharp tonight.


07:15 PM

31 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The free kick in is dealt with, despite Jansson's best efforts to get there.


07:14 PM

28 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Will there be any tactical tweaks after the drinks break?

Benrahma picks the ball up deep, plays it Dasilva but his ball to Watkins is intercepted.

Reed is booked for an challenge on Norgaard - that was at least a yellow! The ball was in between the players and Reed dived in, catching Norgaard nastily. 


07:11 PM

Onomah has been very impressive so far

Fulham have been on top so far, but Brentford have had their moments too!


07:10 PM

25 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Henry whips in a dangerous cross, Mbeumo meets it but his header loops to Rodak who collects with ease.

The Bees come again, a wicked ball is put into the box and Hector heads it behind for a corner. Important intervention! Mbeumo was lurking behind him.

The corner is put straight out. DRINKS BREAK


07:08 PM

23 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The corner is rolled short to Kebano, his cross earns another corner. Bryan will take the second attempt.

The ball is headed away. Brentford counter, Mbeumo is found in space on the right but he plays the ball back, allowing his side to move up the pitch as one.


07:05 PM

20 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham are looking really dangerous now. Brentford need to get their foot on the ball, slow the game down and build.

Odoi bursts forward. He rolls the ball to De Cordova-Reid who fires a speculative shot from range. It is deflected out for a corner.


07:02 PM

18 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham come close! Cairney plays a deft pass to Onomah in the box who fires a shot low to the left of Raya, the keeper pushes it back into the box and Brentford scramble it clear. Good save!


07:01 PM

16 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Watkins is caught offside trying to get in behind. Brentford win back the ball and Benrahma tries to find Henry down the left but overcooks his pass.


07:00 PM

15 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

The corner is headed away - Fulham have come back into this nicely, starting to settle after a nervous start.


06:58 PM

13 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham attack down the right, Odoi fires in a low cross which finds its way to Onomah but a loose touch sees the chance vanish. Onomah has been lively so far, getting in good positions and breaking forward with purpose.

Kebano wins a corner.


06:55 PM

10 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Chance for Fulham! Raya takes a poor touch and Fulham pinch it off the goal keeper in the box. Onomah looks for a pass which is intercepted - he should have pulled the trigger, despite the tight angle!


06:53 PM

9 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Mbeumo fires the free kick into the wall, not a great effort. Brentford have started the match brightly here, playing with confidence. Fulham looks a tad more nervy. 


06:52 PM

7 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Benrahma gets his first touch, nutmegging a defender, of course. A ball over the top finds Watkins who does well to stop the ball rolling out for a goal kick.

Brentford hold the play up, allowing support to arrive. Brentford attack again, a long ball falls to Benrahma who is tripped by Hector. Free kick in a dangerous position.


06:49 PM

4 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Brentford spread the ball around the back nicely. Fulham then pinch the ball in midfield through the impressive Reed.

Fulham break forward and Onomah unleashes a strike from distance, he catches it nicely, forcing a solid save.


06:47 PM

2 mins: Brentford 0 Fulham 0

Fulham send the ball down the left, looking for Kamara but the balls rolls out of play.

De Cordova-Reid is on the left, Kamara down the middle in the opening minutes. Although that could change.


06:45 PM

Here we go!

Fulham get us underway.


06:44 PM

Who is your money on?

These two sides are so well matched!


06:41 PM

The players are out onto the pitch!

Still so odd to see Wembley empty for these huge occasions...


06:39 PM

Saïd Benrahma has proven his class this season. Can he do it on the biggest stage?

Saïd Benrahma has been directly involved in all three of Brentford's goals against Fulham in the Championship this season (one goal and two assists) – indeed, no player had a hand in more league goals against Fulham than Benrahma during the regular season.

He certainly likes playing against Fulham...


06:35 PM

Just 10 minutes until kick-off!

Brentford just one match away from ending a 73 year absence from the top flight. Few nerves around now...


06:29 PM

Thomas Frank ahead of kick-off

On how the players are feeling: "Calm, full of energy, who can't wait to start the game."

And his final message to the players: 

"Be cool, be brave, be us, be Brentford. Lets attack."

Not bad words those...


06:22 PM

Nine Fulham players in the squad tonight were there two years ago, that experience can only help them


06:16 PM

Brentford are prolific in front of goal

The Bees scored 80 goals during the regular season, three more than both Leeds and West Brom (and 16 more than Fulham).

That has largely been down to an aggressive playing style and the attacking quality possessed by Saïd Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins. A phenomenal front three. All of them could end up playing in the Premier League next season, will it be for Brentford is the big question.


06:10 PM

Do not read this stat Brentford fans...


06:06 PM

Neeskens Kebano has been a man in form. Can he do it again today?

Kebano has scored five goals and at least once each in his last four appearances for Fulham, netting as many as he had over his previous 57 games in all competitions for the club.

Brentford do not want to concede a free kick in a dangerous area this evening.

Fulham's Neeskens Kebano celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship play-off match at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff. - PA

06:00 PM

Team news round-up

Fulham top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is only named on the bench.

The Serbia international missed the two-legged semi-final with Cardiff due to a hamstring injury and - despite boss Scott Parker insisting the striker was fully fit - he is only listed among the substitutes.

Denis Odoi and Aboubakar Kamara are recalled for Fulham from the side that lost 2-1 at Craven Cottage last Thursday with Cyrus Christie and Anthony Knockaert on the bench.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank makes just the one change from the team that saw off Swansea at Griffin Park with Josh Dasilva called into the starting XI in place of Emiliano Marcondes.


05:57 PM

More on Mitrovic's ommission

Yes, Mitrovic has been injured. Yes, Mitrovic is a bit of a loose cannon. But given the inescapable importance of this match, it is a brave move from Scott Parker. 26 goals so far this campaign...

No Knockaert in the starting line-up either. 


05:49 PM

Mitrovic is on the bench! Interesting move from Scott Parker


05:47 PM

Team news is in! Josh Dasilva returns for Brentford


05:39 PM

Two London teams in action tonight...

This will be just the second ever all London tie to grace the Championship play-off final, after Crystal Palace against West Ham in 2004 – the Eagles running out 1-0 winners thanks to a Neil Shipperley goal.

I suspect there may be more than one goal scored this evening.


05:33 PM

Fulham have arrived!


05:31 PM

A reminder of how well matched these two sides were over the course of the regular season


05:18 PM

Here are Thomas Frank's thoughts ahead of the match


03:06 PM

Good evening, here is a preview of tonight's huge fixture

Ahead of the play-off final, the richest game in football, Brentford manager Thomas Frank reiterated that his side have nothing to lose.

“We have everything to win and nothing to lose. We are in the Championship now and we will still be in the Championship next season if we lose. We can only win. It is important to know that. When we are done with the game, there will be no regrets whatsoever. No regrets.”

A good mind-set for Brentford, but it is simply not true. They have been outside the top-flight of English football for 73 years. A return to the Premier League is everything.

For Fulham, their absence has not been anywhere near as long. They were victorious in the 2018 play-off final, beating Aston Villa 1-0 at Wembley. In fact captain Tom Cairney and hot-headed striker Aleksandar Mitrovic were among nine players in the Fulham squad who played that day.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (R) of Fulham is challenged by Leon Balogun of Wigan Athletic during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Fulham at DW Stadium on July 22, 2020 in Wigan, England. - GETTY IMAGES

The experience of coming out on top in the match which leads to the promised land - and around £160 million pounds - could benefit Scott Parker’s side.

He was bullish in the week stating: “This game has been our focus for a year, it hasn’t just snuck up on us.

“Our aim was to get promoted, we could have gone up by finishing in the top two, if not we will go via Wembley. We knew that goal, we knew where this journey was going to put us. We have had laser focus. To get here is an achievement but this group of players started this journey on day one, they knew what was expected.

“I fully believe in what we are doing, I fully believe in my squad to get a result. That’s exactly how I see it panning out. We have shown this season when we’ve needed to get a result, we have done that. We have stood up when we’ve had to.”

However, they face a Brentford side who were in superb form following football’s restart. The attacking quality possessed by Saïd Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins is frightening. 

After 46 games, these two sides finished on the same amount of points. It is sure to be a close one this evening.