Fulham hold Saints

Steve Marlet put Fulham into an early lead

Southampton 1-1 Fulham
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Fulham halted their run of six successive defeats with an uninspiring draw against Southampton.

The Londoners took the lead early on after Steve Marlet pounced on a mistake by Paul Jones in the Saints goal.

But Rory Delap, back from suspension, equalised with a stunning half-volley before the St Mary's clash turned into an increasingly drab contest.

Fulham could and should have helped their Premiership plight and put the game out of reach by half-time, but the Cottagers strikers failed to convert some simple chances.

  St Mary's goals

7 mins: Steve Marlet pounces on Paul Jones error.

22mins: Superb Rory Delap half-volley levels the scores.

As a result, they continue their unimpressive record in Southampton, where they have not won in 67 years of trying.

The game had promised so much from the seventh minute following an absolute howler by Jones.

A nondescript cross by Sylvain Legwinski was knocked over the top of the back four, which Jones came out to collect, but somehow dived completely over the ball.

In front of a stunned St Mary's, the ball rolled on for Marlet who calmly slotted it into the net.

Jones partially made amends when he halted two seemingly unmissable chances by Barry Hayles.

We have drawn games recently that we should have won and, had we done so, we would be in a lot healthier position

Southampton boss Gordon Strachan

The first he blocked with his legs after just 10 minutes, the second, an even likelier goal, Jones once again got the better of Hayles in a one-on-one situation.

Southampton had their own opportunities to level the scores, Marian Pahars failing to make the most of an appalling error from Andy Melville.

The Welsh international's backpass cleared the way for Pahars but Edwin van der Sar got himself in the way, the ball knocking his shoulder to go out for a corner.

Van der Sar had no chance in the 22nd minute when Delap, back from suspension, smashed the ball past the Dutch keeper.

Delap scored on his return from suspension

Put through the inside right flank by Jason Dodd, Delap controlled the ball with his right foot and unleashed a superb half-volley with his left.

Fulham, who are still battling to avoid the drop and were in greater need of the three points than Southampton, failed to capitalise on their early dominance.

In fact, their promising attacking style of the first half seemed to vanish after the interval as the Londoners looked content to hold on for a point.

Saints, to their credit, continued to push and were the far more adventurous. But their ability to score was curtailed by a period of ineffective passing.

I think we are safe when we have 41 points

Fulham assistant boss Christian Damiano

They came closest to winning the game 10 minutes from time but Kevin Davies hit the upright and Brett Ormerod smashed the ball into the crowd as it rebounded.

Marlet nearly bagged his second in the last minute but the final shot eluded him while substitute Louis Saha shaved Jones' right-hand post.

Fulham move to 13th in the Premiership but remain just three points off the relegation zone.

Southampton, likewise, are yet to assure their future in the top flight.

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Southampton: Jones, Dodd, Lundekvam, Williams, Bridge, Delap, Oakley, Telfer, Svensson (Tessem 73), Pahars (Davies 74), Ormerod.
Subs not used: Moss, Fernandes, Monk.
Booked: Delap

Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Goma, Melville, Brevett, Collins (Harley 84), Davis (Saha 71), Legwinski, Malbranque, Hayles (Boa Morte 72), Marlet.
Subs not used: Taylor, Knight.
Booked: Brevett

Att: 31,616

Ref: J Winter (Stockton-on-Tees)