Fulham kept their European dreams alive with a comfortable 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.

Danny Murphy put the Cottagers in front from the penalty spot after James Milner was adjudged to have fouled Diomansy Kamara.

Ashley Young levelled for the visitors but Kamara struck twice in the second half to give Roy Hodgson's side yet another home win.

Fulham made a dream start when Murphy slotted the ball past Brad Friedel after Milner fouled the lively Kamara after just seven minutes.

Erik Nevland should have made it two in the 11th minute when the ball rebounded kindly to him from the feet of Paul Konchesky - however the striker curled the ball over the crossbar from just inside the penalty area.

Villa were level in the 14th minute when a cross from Milner eluded the home defence and Ashley Young provided the finish at the far post.

But the home side almost regained the lead in the 31st minute when Kamara's shot was deflected over the crossbar by Stiliyan Petrov.

Murphy's free-kick found Nevland in the penalty area but the Fulham striker headed the ball straight at Friedel, then Ashley Young forced Schwarzer into a fine save at his near post with the last good chance of the first half.

The home side regained the lead in the 46th minute when Luke Young's attempted clearance was charged down by Kamara and the striker despatched an angled drive beyond Friedel from 18 yards.

On the hour the points were safe when a corner from Murphy was headed down by Brede Hangeland and Kamara supplied the finish with a cheeky backheel inside the six-yard box.