Kanoute strike sinks Fulham

Kanoute (centre) handles against Fulham

Fulham 0-1 West Ham
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Fulham's slide towards the Premiership basement continued as West Ham inflicted the third consecutive home defeat on Jean Tigana's men.

In a game of precious few chances, Frederic Kanoute's header on the stroke of half-time was enough to separate the London rivals.

Fulham produced plenty of neat football, but their cutting edge was practically non-existent.

We've missed too many goals and that's been our weak point

Fulham assistant boss Christian Damiano

Jon Harley's 80th-minute header was as close as the Cottagers came as they slumped to a defeat which leaves an instant return to Division One as a distinct possibility.

Louis Saha returned to Fulham's starting line-up after being left on the bench in Saturday's draw at Southampton.

  Key moments:

24 mins: Hammers' Vladimir Labant forced off through injury

45 mins: Freddie Kanoute heads West Ham in front

66 mins: Di Canio storms down tunnel after being substituted

But it was his strike partner Barry Hayles who had the first clear chance, his shot parried by the legs of David James after he was put clean through.

Sylvain Legwinski blasted the rebound over the top.

Fulham enjoyed the brighter start, and West Ham barely made an impact during the opening 15 minutes.

But Glenn Roeder's side slowly began to claw their way into the match, although chances were at a premium.

After the Hammers' Vladimir Labant was forced off through injury, Paolo di Canio saw his attempted pass to Trevor Sinclair go astray.

We were much more dogged today and did what we had to do

Glenn Roeder

At the other end, Steed Malbranque could not quite reach Saha's cross.

But as the half seemed destined for a goalless conclusion, Kanoute scored with West Ham's first real opportunity of the half.

The Frenchman nodded home Sinclair's cross on the stroke of half-time to put the Hammers ahead.

Malbranque curled a free-kick over David James bar early in the second half.

Di Canio anger

A frustrated Jean Tigana made changes on the hour, replacing John Collins and Saha with Steve Marlet and Luis Boa Morte.

But inspiration was in short supply. One man who might have provided the spark, Di Canio was replaced in the 66th minute by John Moncur.

Only then did the Italian produce the fireworks which had been so absent from his game, as he grabbed his jacket and stormed straight down the tunnel.

Fulham finally fashioned a decent chance with 10 minutes remaining, Harley's header producing a fine save from David James.

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Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Goma, Brevett, Collins (Marlet 59), Malbranque, Legwinski, Davis (Harley 79), Saha (Boa Morte 59), Hayles.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Knight.
Booked: Finnan.

West Ham: James, Schemmel, Dailly, Repka, Labant (Pearce 23), Sinclair, Cole, Carrick, Lomas, Kanoute (Defoe 84), Di Canio (Moncur 66).
Subs Not Used: Hislop, Courtois.
Booked: Dailly.

Att: 19,416

Referee: M Halsey (Welwyn Garden City).