Fulham's Hodgson takes heart in Bullard's return despite FA Cup loss

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Roy Hodgson's miserable start as Fulham boss continued after League One outfit Bristol Rovers beat them 5-3 on penalties in an FA Cup 3rd round replay.

Despite the defeat taking Fulham's run of games without a win to 13, Hodgson said that he had taken "enormous comfort" from the return to the pitch of Jimmy Bullard after a long-term injury.

Bullard had his spot-kick saved by Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips to allow substitute Craig Disley to seal a memorable victory for Paul Trollope's side, who now travel to Barnet in the fourth round on Saturday.

But Hodgson did not blame Bullard, especially as the former Wigan man was making his first start since suffering a serious knee injury in September 2006.

Hodgson said: "Jimmy Bullard's...