Coleman lifts Fulham as Toon subside

Fulham 2 Newcastle United 1

Having shuffled into Loftus Road more sombrely than usual because of the week's depressing off-field goings-on, the Fulham faithful skipped home following yesterday's on-field events. Indeed, results here and at the Reebok stadium have all but ensured that Fulham will be in the Premiership next season.

This hard-fought win, coupled with West Ham's defeat by Bolton, has lifted the gloom at Fulham. In contrast, Newcastle have now lost three on the trot, and their hopes of Champions' League football next season are beginning to slip away. "That's them safe now," said the visitors' manager, Sir Bobby Robson, who managed Fulham before Chris Coleman, the present incumbent, was born.

The circumstances surrounding Jean Tigana's sudden departure on Thursday may have left a bitter taste in the mouths of most players, but they still did their caretaker manager, Coleman, proud. "They were superb," he said after the game. "They gave it their all and can be very proud of themselves."

Fulham's victory may mean that Tigana is quickly forgotten, but no one should under-estimate what the French- man achieved. During his three-year reign, the Cottagers reached the Premiership, played in an FA Cup semi-final and had their first taste of Uefa Cup football. "Jean can be very proud of his time at the club," Coleman insisted. But off the field, Fulham have found themselves homeless, managerless and perhaps soon, chairmanless, too.

Coleman, who does not want the job permanently, resisted making wholesale changes. The only one of yesterday's starters not favoured by Tigana was Maik Taylor, and the veteran goalkeeper had to be at his elastic best to get a firm wrist to Craig Bellamy's 14th-minute shot.

Fulham had been warned of the little Welshman's pace, but were again caught out moments later when he skipped past Martin Djetou before being brought down by the Frenchman. It was a blatant penalty, but the referee waved play on. "A terrible decision," was Robson's verdict.

Then came Elvis's first chance to make headlines again. Having come on for the injured Louis Saha after 18 minutes, Elvis Hammond got on the end of Jon Harley's 25th minute cross, but his powerful header could not quite beat Shay Given. That, though, was that in terms of chances from the home side, and as the half wore on Newcastle looked more dangerous. It came as no surprise, then, when Alan Shearer's sent one of his trademark bullet headers into the roof of Taylor's net, following Hugo Viana's inch-perfect 38th-minute corner.

No doubt buoyed by the news that Bolton were leading West Ham, Fulham emerged from the break hungrier for the win. In truth, even a goal would have been something to cheer for a side who had not scored for three games. The problem was that Fulham's hunger often spilled into desperation, as attack after attack ended with a wild shot or a misplaced pass. No one could fault the enthusiasm of Coleman's charges, but class and composure were desperately needed.

The two did eventually come just after the hour, but not in the order expected. Indeed, the composure – or lack of it – was down to Newcastle's Andy Griffin, who got himself sent off for a second bookable offence on Luis Boa Morte. "I had warned him at half-time," an angry Robson said. "It turned the game." The class, meanwhile, was supplied by Fulham's Sylvain Legwinski, whose 35-yard screamer beat Given and rebounded in off the post on 67 minutes.

The goal did more than just give Fulham the point they craved; it also made them believe they could win the match. They eventually broke Newcastle's resistance five minutes from time. Barry Hayles, on as a substitute for his first appearance since November, shielded the ball on the edge of the box before teeing up the onrushing Lee Clark. The Newcastle-born midfielder's right-foot finish was as emphatic as the cheers that greeted the final whistle. Fulham's Premiership dream lives on.

Fulham 2
Legwinski 69, Clark 86

Newcastle United 1
Shearer 39

Half-time: 0-1 Attendance: 17,900