Cottagers' fine run continues

Roy Hodgson's side climbed to eighth in the Barclays Premier League with goals from Jimmy Bullard, Danny Murphy (penalty) and Clint Dempsey.

It stretched Fulham's unbeaten run to seven games but kept Middlesbrough on the edge of the relegation zone.

In the 26th minute later Murphy found Andrew Johnson inside the Middlesbrough penalty area but the Fulham striker took too long and the chance was lost.

But Middlesbrough were still dangerous and it needed a double save from Mark Schwarzer to deny both Jeremie Aliadiere and Adam Johnson.

A minute later Arca was lucky not be red-carded for a dreadful over the top lunge on Andrew Johnson. But Arca's challenge was forgotten in the 41st minute when Fulham got the breakthrough.

John Pantsil's cross eluded Andrew Johnson but not Bobby Zamora on the edge of the six-yard box. His shot on the turn was superbly saved by Ross Turnbull but the fleet-footed Bullard nipped in to the fire the loose ball into the net.

Tuncay Sanli wasted a chance to equalise in the 50th minute when Aliadiere head the ball back to him inside the penalty area.

Referee Keith Stroud was at the centre of yet more controversy in the 54th minute when Fulham were awarded a penalty for handball against Tony McMahon. Murphy stepped up to score from the spot.

But Dempsey made it three as Fulham tore Middlesbrough apart. Johnson collected the ball on the left flank and fed the waiting Murphy who in turn sent Dempsey clear with a perfectly weighted pass. Dempsey slotted the ball beyond the advancing Turnbull who then saved superbly to deny the impressive Johnson in the 81st minute.