Jol bemoans wasted opportunity

Martin Jol blamed missed chances after Fulham were held 1-1 at home to Twente in Europa League Group K.

The English Premier League hosts led 1-0 through Andy Johnson’s goal 19 minutes into the match at Craven Cottage.

Eredivisie side Twente levelled through a Mark Schwarzer own-goal four minutes before half time.

The Australia goalkeeper was left helpless when Luuk de Jong’s shot deflected off the bar, onto his head and into the net.

Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele both missed good chances during the first half, leaving Jol frustrated at only collecting a point.

“In the first half we should have been two or three up,” Jol said.

“Of course they’re a good team but when you put them under that sort of pressure you should be winning.”

“We still wanted to play with four forward players but if you don’t put the goals away you get frustrated and put pressure on yourself.”

“The only thing now is that we have to put the chances away.”

Goal-scorer Johnson shared his manager’s disappointment.

The centre-forward missed Fulham’s losing appearance in the 2010 final and is hoping to make up for lost time after sitting out much of last season due to injury.

“We started well and played well enough to come away with the points so I think we’re disappointed, but it’s a long slog and to get a point early on is pleasing,” Johnson said.

“I missed out on being in the final and I played in the early games last season, so I’m delighted to be fit now and scoring goals, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Fulham are third in the Group, behind Twente and leaders Odense of Denmark, who they visit on September 29.