Fulham revived their flagging survival hopes by claiming three vital points with a 2-0 win over fellow strugglers Reading in their Premiership encounter on Saturday.

It was an improved performance from Fulham who took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute through Brian McBride. The hosts could have easily scored more in the second half, hitting the bar three times before finally putting the result beyond doubt in the final minute through Erik Nevland.

Desperately needing a win to remain in with a chance to avoid the drop, Fulham started the game in an attacking fashion as Jimmy Bullard went close early on with his shot just missing the target. After a fairly quiet opening to the game, Fulham took the lead in the 23rd minute with their first real chance of the match.

Simon Davies found himself in possession on the left flank and his low cross was thumped home from close range by Brian McBride to put his side in the lead. Reading almost equalized 10 minutes before half time when Nicky Shorey released a dangerous looking cross into the penalty area but some great defending by Fulham prevented Bikey from converting the chance.

Reading's best chance of the match fell to Kevin Doyle in the first half but the striker failed to convert his header from close range. The hosts failed to step up the pressure at the start of the second half and it was Fulham who looked likely to score.

McBride, Brede Hangeland and Bullard all hit the post in the second half before Nevland made sure that Fulham registered their first away win in over two years by slotting home in the final minute of the match.