By Chris Wright

Both Fulham and Stoke secured themselves a spot in the Europa League play-off stages with second-leg victories over RNK Split and Banana Hajduk Split respectively last night.

Coming into the game on the back of a goalless draw in Croatia, a near-post Andy Johnson header and the now-mandatory Danny Murphy penalty saw Fulham emerge victorious by two goals to nil at the Cottage and maintain their unbeaten run in the preliminary stages in the process.

By Chris Wright

Both Fulham and Stoke secured themselves a spot in the Europa League play-off stages with second-leg victories over RNK Split and Banana Hajduk Split respectively last night.

Coming into the game on the back of a goalless draw in Croatia, a near-post Andy Johnson header and the now-mandatory Danny Murphy penalty saw Fulham emerge victorious by two goals to nil at the Cottage and maintain their unbeaten run in the preliminary stages in the process.

By Chris Wright

Both Fulham and Stoke secured themselves a spot in the Europa League play-off stages with second-leg victories over RNK Split and Banana Hajduk Split respectively last night.

Coming into the game on the back of a goalless draw in Croatia, a near-post Andy Johnson header and the now-mandatory Danny Murphy penalty saw Fulham emerge victorious by two goals to nil at the Cottage and maintain their unbeaten run in the preliminary stages in the process.

By Chris Wright

PSV breezed past SV Ried in the Europa League last night, whooping the Austrians 5-0, with Jeremain Lens scoring the goal of the night.

After nipping past the charging Thomas Gebauer, Lens then proceeded to 'banana' a shot in from the corner with the outside of his foot before the SV 'keeper could make it back to his goal.

We are exactly three-quarters through the MLS season. Forget adding, subtracting and dividing the number of games your favorite side has played; it's good enough to know that Week 24 just passed in a 32-week season.

So, let the gloriously mean season of meaningful table watching and scoreboard tracking officially begin!

I have been told by someone who'd know that Blackburn have not ruled out coming back to actually complete a deal for George John in January. It's just my hunch, but I still think "Mr. Manager" could soon be looking for a job at the banana stand - and that's why this folded. Or maybe I've just spent too many consecutive days with my head in the silly season and I'm dizzy.