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Brentford 0 - Fulham 2: Slavisa Jokanovic won’t discuss Cottagers promotion hopes
SLAVISA JOKANOVIC insists it is too early to talk up Fulham’s promotion prospects after a second successive win moved the club to the fringe of the play-off places.
Slavisa Jokanovic celebrates Fulham's win
A comfortable victory in the west London derby at near neighbours Brentford – secured with goals from Sone Aluko and Tom Cairney - maintained the progress made in last weekend’s crushing of Huddersfield.
Jokanovic’s side moved level on points with sixth spot ahead of today’s games but the manager is refusing to look too far ahead.
He said: “I am very happy with my team. I am happier the last few weeks. I am trying to think about short steps and believe we can be better, more competitive and more solid.
Sone Aluko celebrates scoring against Brentford
“I know what is the ambition of the club is but I prefer to think about what is in the present and that is now the international break and the next game against Sheffield Wednesday.”
Aluko struck in the 40th minute, scoring from close range after Brentford keeper Daniel Bentley had saved his first effort.
Brentford had won at QPR seven days previously but offered little until a second half rally finally gave them hope of an equaliser that was snuffed by Cairney’s breakaway effort in added time.
Tom Cairney (right) in action for Fulham against Brentford
I am very happy with my team. I am happier the last few weeks
Jokanovic added: “Tom is a very important player. I have said many times he is Premier League player, but I don’t expect us to put him in the market in January.”
Brentford manager Dean Smith was frustrated his side failed to repeat their performance at Loftus Road last week.
He said: “Last week we had more players playing well but of you drop a level in this league you get punished. I think we played into their hands.”