Fulham pulled themselves up from the doom and gloom that surrounds them these days with a stunning 1-0 win over high-flying Everton at Craven Cottage on Saturday last. The win gives Fulham some hope although they are not out of the relegation zone as yet.

Everton's Champions League aspirations were dealt a severe blow by this defeat, which sees them trail Liverpool by three points with just 8 games to go before the Premiership season ends. The game began at a sedate note at Craven Cottage.

Fulham made all the early moves in search of the first goal. Jimmy Bullard fired a shot from 20 yards out, but was unable to test Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. The situation with the Toffees got worse in the 13th minute when Tony Hibbert came on for Andrew Johnson, who appeared to be struggling with an ankle injury. The rest of the half was a tale of dull football with chances few and far between.

After the break, Fulham began a series of attacks on the Everton penalty area, but their lack of finishing was proving to be costly. It was only in the 67th minute that some life was injected into the game when Fulham captain Brian McBride latched onto a Kevin Davies cross to head home.

The goal meant Fulham had a chance to win for the first time since they beat Aston Villa at Craven Cottage way back in February. Although Everton tried to hit back, they were never going to threaten the Cottagers with just Yakubu upfront.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson felt his side needed to win eight more games to stay alive. Fulham next visit Newcastle, while Everton take on West Ham.