Pakistan Today

Johnson bags treble as Fulham hit QPR for six

Andrew Johnson scored a hat-trick as Fulham demolished west London rivals QPR 6-0 to clinch their first Premier League win of the season at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Martin Jol’s side had gone six league matches without a victory, but they ended that barren run in spectacular fashion in their first meeting with QPR for 10 years. Johnson handed Fulham the lead after just 79 seconds and their strong start continued when Danny Murphy slotted home from the spot mid-way through the first period. Fulham had scored just four league goals since the start of the season but they matched that total by the 59th minute here as Johnson struck twice more to complete his hat-trick. Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora wrapped up the romp in the second half to leave QPR nursing a chastening defeat. The Cottagers were ahead in double-quick time as Moussa Dembele played a neat one-two with Zamora before unleashing a fierce drive that Paddy Kenny could only parry onto Johnson, who finished with ease. Dempsey saw a goalbound effort blocked by a last-gasp challenge by Bradley Orr and, as the home side’s onslaught continued, Johnson came agonisingly close to netting his second after firing a volley inches wide from a Zamora header in the 17th minute. Fulham did not have to wait long to score their second as Kenny upended Johnson in the box and referee Andre Marriner awarded a 20th-minute penalty, which skipper Murphy duly converted. Jol’s side increased their lead when Johnson turned home Zamora’s cross in the 38th munute and QPR looked shell-shocked as they trudged off at the break. Hoops boss Neil Warnock sent on DJ Campbell and T Smith for Taarabt and Derry at the break, but the changes made no difference. Kenny was forced to save from Zamora and Steve before Johnson notched his third goal with a neat finish from Murphy’s quick free-kick.

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