Southampton have defeated Fulham 3-0 away from home in the Premier League.
The Saints dominated possession in the first few minutes at Craven Cottage, but struggled to create a decent chance.
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Fulham then saw Dan Burn's header drop onto the roof of the net, before Steve Sidwell almost sliced an inswinging cross into his own goal, but Maarten Stekelenburg parried the bobbling ball away to safety.
The home side were a threat, however, particularly down the right, from where Sascha Riether was able to put in teasing crosses.
Scott Parker and Sidwell then dragged their efforts wide of the post, before the home players and fans appealed for a penalty when the ball hit the arm of Maya Yoshida. However, the referee waved away the appeals.
Artur Boruc had to be alert to claw the ball to safety after Brede Hangeland had met a corner with a thumping header.
The Southampton goalkeeper then made two fantastic saves. Darren Bent latched onto a Parker pass and saw his volley tipped away, but the ball came straight back and the striker hit a low effort at Boruc.
Jay Rodriguez then met Calum Chambers's cross, but he mistimed his jump and his header wasn't powerful enough.
Saints began the second half strongly and Morgan Schneiderlin fired an overhead kick over the bar.
Their good work then produced the first goal of the game. Rickie Lambert sent Adam Lallana clear, and the midfielder kept his composure to drill a low finish across the face of goal.
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It was 2-0 five minutes later. Nathaniel Clyne played a one-two on the right wing and crossed low into the centre of the box. Rodriguez stepped over the ball and Lambert slammed it in.
Southampton confirmed the win with the best goal of the game. Lambert delivered a 70-yard ball into the path of Rodriguez, who stepped inside Hangeland and fired in a shot inside the far post from 20 yards.
Gary Peters
