Berbatov’s goal gives Fulham vital win

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Fulham 2 West Ham 1

Dimitar Berbatov scored the winner as Fulham secured a crucial victory over 10-man West Ham.

The Bulgarian, making his return from injury, tapped home at the far post in the second-half after Kevin Nolan was sent off just before half-time.

The Hammers captain appeared to kick-out at Fernando Amorebieta in a clash off the ball and was shown a straight red card by Mark Clattenburg.

Steve Sidwell had cancelled out Mohamed Diame’s early opener when he headed in Damien Duff’s corner.

Fulham responded to the 6-0 thrashing at Hull with their third Premier League victory under Rene Meulensteen.

Berbatov’s return was one of seven changes made by the new manager, but they were behind when Diame controlled Jussi Jaaskelainen’s long free-kick forward and coolly slotted home from inside the box.

Sidwell grabbed the Whites’ deserved equaliser and they could have been ahead before Nolan’s sending-off, with Adel Taarabt hitting the post and Fernando Amorebieta having a header cleared off the line.

Taarabt had another shot tipped onto the post by Jaaskelainen in the second half, and he fluffed an easy rebound over the bar.

But Berbatov was on hand to make sure Fulham lifted themselves out of the relegation zone.

Fulham (4-2-2):Stockdale; Riether, Amorebieta, Senderos, Riise; Duff (Kasami 78), Parker, Sidwell, Richardson (Kacaniklic 56); Taarabt (Bent 69), Berbatov.
Subs not used: Hughes, Dejagah, Bettinelli, Dembele.

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