Malbranque sees off Leeds

Lee Bowyer and Rufus Brevett get acquainted

Leeds 0-1 Fulham
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Steed Malbranque gave Fulham their first win at Elland Road since 1966 and all but guaranteed Fulham's Premiership status in the process.

The Belgian-born French Under 21 international rifled home a low drive seven minutes into the second half to deal Leeds' Champions League hopes a crushing blow.

Leeds had the better of the first half and were unlucky to have a Robbie Fowler strike ruled out for a Lee Bowyer foul on Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar.

It's the result of the season for us, which has been an unlucky one in many respects

Fulham assistant boss
Christian Damiano

But the hosts never looked entirely convincing and Fulham took full advantage after the interval to clinch their third league away win of the season.

The game started slowly and although Leeds enjoyed more possession they struggled to create any clear-cut openings.

Danny Mills had the first chance but dragged his shot wide before Sean Davis shot over for Fulham from long range.

Keane spurned a chance on 20 minutes as the game continued to meander along but two minutes later the home side managed to get the ball in the back of the net from Ian Harte's cross.

Bowyer goes flying over Edwin van der Sar

Fowler, back in the side courtesy of Mark Viduka's injury in training on Friday, stabbed it home, but referee Rob Styles disallowed it for Bowyer's foul on Van der Sar.

The incident lifted the hosts and they should have taken the lead five minutes later.

Harte found Republic of Ireland team-mate Keane with a dinked ball to the far post but the striker's attempted finish was appalling.

Louis Saha created Fulham's best chance when he played a neat one-two with Davis before letting fly at Nigel Martyn in the Leeds goal.

Failed

As half-time approached Keane got goal-side of Andy Melville and found himself one-on-one with Van der Sar, but once again failed to hit the target.

Fowler then forced a save from Van der Sar with a diving header.

The visitors picked up their tempo after the break and took the lead through Malbranque's low drive on 52 minutes after Leeds failed to clear a corner.

To be honest I will be delighted when this season is over

Leeds manager
David O'Leary

Leeds could have hit back almost immediately when Fowler played in Keane, but Van der Sar blocked well, and Keane and Fowler then both missed good chances for Leeds.

Alan Smith drove a shot across the area but neither Keane or Eirik Bakke could get a touch, and when Fowler blazed over from 10 yards Leeds sensed the game was up.

The defeat leaves them seven points behind fourth-placed Newcastle and with only two games left to play their Champions League hopes are over.

Fulham may be at the other end of the table but they are now seven points clear of the relegation zone on 40 points and look certain to maintain their Premiership status.

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Leeds: Martyn, Mills, Ferdinand, Matteo, Harte, Smith, Bakke, Batty, Bowyer, Fowler, Keane.
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Kelly, Wilcox, Johnson, Richardson.
Booked: Bowyer, Matteo.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Goma, Brevett, Davis (Ouaddou 87), Malbranque, Boa Morte (Goldbaek 9), Legwinski, Saha (Hayles 77), Marlet.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Knight.
Booked: Goma, Van der Sar, Legwinski.

Attendance: 39,111

Referee: R Styles (Waterlooville).