Fifth spot for Toffees

24 May 2009 17:45
Everton clinched fifth place in the Premier League and warmed up for next week's FA Cup final with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Two goals from Leon Osman, one in each half, was enough to earn the Toffees all three points against a lacklustre Fulham. But the home side still ended the season on a high note as Tottenham's defeat at Liverpool enabled them to finish seventh and secure a place in the Europa League next season. Fulham's first real opportunity arrived in the 10th minute when a low cross from Erik Nevland just eluded Zoltan Gera at the far post. Five minutes later a lovely curling cross from Paul Konchesky was met at the far post by Gera but his header was well saved by Tim Howard. Everton hit back with Tim Cahill testing Mark Schwarzer from 20 yards but the Fulham goalkeeper dealt with the threat by diving low to his left. Former Fulham striker Louis Saha almost broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when his 18-yard shot looked destined for the corner of the net. However Schwarzer dived to his left to tip the ball around the post for a corner. Everton took the lead in the 45th minute when Pienaar's ball enabled Osman to beat the offside trap, round Schwarzer and place the ball into the empty net. Osman made sure of a fifth-place finish for the visitors when he cut inside and curled a 20-yard shot beyond Schwarzer in the 87th minute.

Source: Eurosport