Fulham too strong for Amkar
Johnson, Dempsey and Zamora on target in 3-1 win over RussiansFulham took control of their Europa League play-off tie against Amkar Perm with a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
Andy Johnson fired Fulham in front after just four minutes and Clint Dempsey made it 2-0 early in the second half.
Bobby Zamora added a third in the 75th minute but Vitali Grishin netted an away goal for Amkar to give them hope ahead of next week's return leg in Russia.Johnson also gave Fulham an injury scare when he was sent sprawling by an outrageous body-check and had to be replaced, while Damien Duff came on to make his debut.
Early goal
Only four minutes were on the clock when Fulham took the lead through Johnson, though an inspired pass from Zamora was the highlight of the move.Dempsey put Zamora into space down the left where he delivered a perfect curling ball to the onrushing Johnson who pounced on the simple tap-in.Amkar captain Martin Kushev missed a solid chance amid some encouraging play from the Russian visitors, who were content to keep possession for long spells.
Harried at every turn, Fulham had little space to operate in and were being pinned back for long spells.
In a carbon copy of the opening goal, Zamora threaded a long, accurate pass to Johnson but this time defender Dmitry Belorukov reacted in time and was able to intercept.
Only last-gasp intervention from Zakhary Sirakov prevented the Cottagers from extending their lead as he athletically headed a goalbound Dempsey effort over the crossbar.
Second period
Kushev took advantage of confusion in Fulham's defence to produce a sharp save from Mark Schwarzer shortly after the interval.
It was a rare dangerous moment from the Russians, who slipped further behind in the 51st minute following a magnificent strike from Dempsey.
The American was given too much room on the edge of the area and he was able to pick his spot and curl a shot into the top left corner.
The goal failed to dampen Amkar's spirits as they peppered Fulham's penalty area with balls and then forced the departure of Johnson.
Duff was brought on and had an immediate impact, crossing to substitute Erik Nevland to instigate Fulham's third.
The Norway striker back headed into the path of Zamora who buried the ball with a blistering shot that gave Narubin no chance.But Grishin then drove home a hard left foot shot to pull one back for Amkar to claim a crucial away goal.
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