Fulham 3-2 Blackburn

Bobby Zamora, almost fatefully, came to the rescue on Saturday afternoon in what was a tantalising game at Craven Cottage.

Blackburn, however, can be considered as starting the brighter, with Jason Roberts causing problems early on. The Jamaican turned Aaron Hughes in the area and subsequently stung the palms of Mark Schwarzwer with a raging shot.

Fulham rightfully responded, however, and it was striker Andy Johnson causing most of the problems. A decent cross from Damien Duff was met by Johnson at the near post but he was unable to finish clinically at the narrowest of angles.

Fulham continued to pile on the pressure, and their persistence was justly rewarded on the 37 minute mark. Former Rovers man, Damien Duff, scored a fantastic goal with a left footed strike that proved too much for opposition goalie, Paul Robinson.

Steve Kean's side responded immediately, though. A fortuitous goal brought the game back on level terms when Grant Henley's chip deflected off the back of Brede Hangeland's head and past a hapless Schwarzer.

The second half began more brightly for Fulham. Christopher Samba almost bagged himself an own goal, before Damien Duff punished his former club once more. Moussa Dembele teed up the Irishmen, who struck a crisp shot past a Robinson from the edge of the area.

Rovers tried to peg back the deficit and would have done so had it not been for the ever-resilient Chris Baird. Mame-Biram Diouf's header was astutely cleared off the line by the Northern-Irish defender.

However, all this was in vain as the Lancashire side scored again to bring the game to 2-2. A fantastic volley from Canadian David Hoilett left Schwarzer with no chance, and the visitors re-energised. 

Target man Bobby Zamora then entered the fray and immediately made his presence known, while Moussa Dembele made way for Chelsea loanee Gael Kakuta. Mark Hughes clearly wanted to take the 3 points.

And, Sparky's determination was accredited when Aaron Hughes was fouled in the opposition penalty area and Fulham were awarded a penalty. On 89 minutes, Bobby Zamora stepped up and smashed the ball home. 6th place, as Hughes said post match, is well in sight (albeit unlikely.)