By David Brenchley at Craven Cottage
Fulham will take a slender lead into their Europa Cup second leg tie in Ukraine after a 2-1 victory over holders Shakhtar Donetsk.
A stunning 25-yard strike from in-form striker Bobby Zamora clinched the victory in a cracking European tie.
Picking up a wonderful pass from Zoltan Gera, Zamora's only thought was to shoot and the ball caught the underside of the crossbar as it flew into the net.
It was Gera who got Fulham off to the perfect start as Zamora provided an intelligent pass for the Hungarian to squeeze the ball under Donetsk goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov with just three minutes on the clock.
With Craven Cottage rocking under the floodlights, the home side started positively as they looked to get a stranglehold on proceedings.
Brede Hangeland forced an early Danny Murphy corner goalwards but Pyatov was equal to the task. Captain Murphy himself went close with a free kick and Shakhtar had trouble getting into the game.
When they did find their way, though, they were a joy to behold and the Brazilian flair created the equaliser on the half hour mark. An excellent through ball from playmaker Ilsinho put Luiz Adriano through as he sprung the offside trap and rounded Mark Schwarzer to slot home.
The Ukrainians then created a host of chances before half time. A rasping Darijo Srna drive had Schwarzer scrambling and Jadson went close soon after.
Fulham began the second period with purpose, much as they had in the opening exchanges, but Shakhtar had the first decent chance of the half.
Zamora was caught in possession, dallying on the ball and the holders swiftly turned defence into attack but the home defence dealt with the threat.
Zamora's striker came just past the hour mark and sent the Cottagers into a frenzy. The game was far from over, though, as Shakhtar got themselves back into the match.
Australian Schwarzer had to be alert with seconds on the clock as another of Donetsk's Brazilians, Fernandinho, made himself space and curled a shot in looking for the far corner.
After the game, Fulham's players acknowledged that the holders gave them a tough match. Centre-back Hangeland said: "I thought we played a really good side tonight.
"You could see why they are the holders of the cup but we defended well and managed to score two goals so it is fairly open for the second leg," he added.
The game is tantalisingly poised going into the next game and Simon Davies believes that it will not be an easy match.
"They are one of the best teams I have ever played against. They kept the ball as good as anyone and made it hard for us," he said
"We go there with a slight advantage and if we nick a goal they are going to have to score three to get past us so that is good ," Davies added.
Source: DSG
