KENYA BROWN - Sunday, August 6, 2017
The season started in England's lower leagues over the weekend, with Tim Ream and Fulham sharing the points in their game against Norwich City.
Fulham 1-1 Norwich City
A goal from substitute Nelson Oliveira ensured that Norwich City escaped Craven Cottage with a point as both teams kicked off their Championship campaigns.
Tim Ream started in defense for the Cottagers and played the entire game.
After failing in their promotion bid last season following a tough two-leg semifinal loss to Reading in the playoffs, Fulham was looking to start the new season off on a positive note.
And the host opened the scoring in the 25th minute thanks in part to Norwich defender Russell Martin. Floyd Ayite made a run into the area on the left and crossed the ball towards the six-yard box. It then took a deflection off Martin and trickled into the goal.
Fulham had several chances to double their lead, but all of their efforts were for naught.
Norwich then found the equalizer they were looking for in the 88th minute when Wes Hoolahan chipped the ball over Fulham's defense, allowing Oliveira to bring it down with his chest and fire a shot past goalkeeper David Button.
Fulham starts the season in 11th place in the standings.
Notes
Eric Lichaj watched from the bench as Nottingham Forest slipped past Millwall with a 1-0 win.
Lynden Gooch watched from the bench in Sunderland's 1-1 tie with Derby County.
Duane Holmes came off the bench for Scunthorpe United in their 1-1 tie with AFC Wimbledon.