Fulham notched up only their second Premiership win on Sunday, thanks to a double strike from midfielder Steed Malbranque.

The Frenchman's two goals secured three valuable points for the Whites against a Southampton side who are still trying to present new manager Gordon Strachan with a win.

But it was Fulham's first league win for two months and Malbranque opened the scoring early following good work from the busy Barry Hayles. Both players proved a handful for the Saints back four all afternoon.

The visitors equalised against the run of play when El-Khalej's diagonal through ball fell to James Bettie, who finished in a confident manner.

But the Saints were on level terms for just one minute. Steve Finnan whipped in a raking ball from the right, the Saints defence could not clear it and Malbranque put an unstoppable drive into the net.

Manager Jean Tigana sent on Louis Saha in the second half for the disappointing Steve Marlet, but he blasted the ball over from a good position following goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar's long clearance.

Luis Boa Morte also went close with a rasping drive, then bent a free kick onto an upright.

The visitors clawed their way back in the last 20 minutes and Fulham were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Rufus Brevett appeared to handle a Beattie cross.

The Whites will be hoping for a hat-trick when they travel to West Ham this Saturday.

Fulham Ladies beat Charlton 5-1 in the second round of the League Cup on Sunday.

November 6, 2001 10:00