FULHAM 2 SOUTHAMPTON 1

"The better team won." Never can newly-appointed Saints manager Gordon Strachan have spoken a truer word, writes Natalie Ward.

After disappointing starts to the season for Fulham and their south coast visitors, both teams needed the points going begging at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Within just a few minutes Fulham's pace forced two corners which, although they came to nothing, let their opponents know this was to be no easy ride.

Tigana's men were by far the hungrier, making sure of their starter after 25 minutes when midfielder Steed Malbranque hit the back of the net.

James Beattie netting his sixth goal of the season put Southampton level seven minutes later, but even as the travelling fans were still celebrating up galloped Fulham's trusty Steed who leapt on a cross from Steve Finnan and fired the ball past Paul Jones.

The celebrations were shortlived, however. Quick off the break, Steve Finnan's cross landed at the feet of Malbranque who crashed the ball into the back of the net for what was to be the winner.

After the break, it was clear which players had taken more notice of their manager's half-time talks. Tigana's decision to bring on their top scorer Louis Saha gave the Cottagers even more pace. The French striker looked menacing within minutes when he unleashed a ferocious shot. Unfortunately fans at the top of the stand were more troubled than Jones, who nonetheless was forced to make several lightning saves during the afternoon.

Saints' old boy Luis Boa Morte, sold to Fulham for £2m this summer, also caused his former teammates a few problems. After his controversial sending off at Ipswich a week earlier, he was in fine form, his best attempt on goal coming in the 87th minute when he sent a curling shot just wide.

But they did come close to finding the equaliser courtesy of a Svennson strike which rattled the crossbar and a quickly-dismissed appeal for handball against man of the match, defender Rufus Brevett - in the box.

Although Fulham will have been only too happy to win their second game of the season and see themselves in 14th place, assistant manager Christian Damiano spoke of frustration at his team's inability to convert so many chances into goals.

n Fulham travel to West Ham tomorrow (Saturday).

November 6, 2001 15:00