Browne gutted by Fulham's late leveller

Alan Browne admitted Fulham's last-gasp equaliser was his most frustrating moment in football.
Alan BrowneAlan Browne
Alan Browne

Alan Browne admitted Fulham’s last-gasp equaliser was his most frustrating moment in football.

PNE led 2-0 at Craven Cottage with Jordan Hugill and Sean Maguire on target during a fine first-half display.

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The hosts found a way back into the game in the second period however, Oliver Norwood reducing the arrears from the penalty spot on 74 minutes.

North End battled hard defensively in the closing stages but there was to be a grandstand finish with Denis Odoi profiting on a Chris Maxwell error to level things up at 2-2 in the 96th minute.

“Obviously we’re massively disappointed,” said Browne.

“It’s probably the most frustrated I’ve been in football. I’ve never experienced it literally being the last kick of the game before.

“It was great performance, especially in the first half, the second half not so much.

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“It was a different game in the second half. You knew they were going to come out, they had to go for it.

“We had to slightly change our game plan and sit off them and almost invite pressure and try to soak it up.

“Unfortunately they managed to break us down and it’s just a sickener to concede so late like that.”

Browne was one of a number of man of the match candidates, the Irishman at the heart of a high-pressing display that unsettled the usually free-flowing Fulham.

“The gaffer had it drilled into us,” said the 22-year-old.

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“We knew what we had to do, it was up to us to execute it and I think we did it excellently all first half.

“They’re not a team that revert to going long. I don’t think they have that option.

“We knew they’d play out from the back and that’s why we pressed high up to create chances.”

It wasn’t to be a third straight away win though, Odoi tucking home well in the game’s last act after a rare Maxwell error, the Welshman having commanded his area well and made a couple of crucial stops up until that point.

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“He came in and he apologised but he’s been excellent for us, not just today but all season,” said Browne.

“I don’t think anyone’s going to be too harsh on him because of his performances all season. He’ll pick himself up and go again.”