Fulham kept their Europa Cup hopes alive with a tough 1-0 victory over CSKA Sofia at Craven Cottage.
Roy Hodgson's men made what should have been a routine win difficult for themselves at the end despite dominating proceedings.
The only goal of the game came as a consequence of Bjorn Helge Riise and Zoltan Gera's impressive midfield combination, which should have seen the Cottagers take advantage more than they eventually did.
- Fulham 1-0 CSKA Sofia
- Europa League results
It was Riise who delivered the cross for Gera to tap home after CSKA failed to deal with Simon Davies' corner after just 15 minutes.
The home side should, in truth, have been one goal up already and should have won the game by half-time.
Again Riise played Gera through with a clever ball before the Hungarian was clattered by Ivan Ivanov and the referee pointed to the spot.
Danny Murphy, usually so clinical from twelve yards, scuffed his spot-kick and sent the ball over the bar.
Bobby Zamora was the main culprit in front of goal. The former West Ham United striker was impressive holding the ball up for Hodgson's injury-ravaged team but coud not find the end product.
Davies and captain Danny Murphy combined well soon after but Zamora could only blaze over from all of six yards out.
In the end, Fulham's failure to see the game out could have cost them dear had the Bulgarians been more clinical in front of Mark Schwarzer's goal.
Luboslav Penev's side came to life in the second period and would have been on level terms late on were it not for Damien Duff's clearance off the goal line.
Directly beforehand CSKA had a shout for a penalty, which would have been harsh on the home side.
Spas Delev and Yordan Minev also went close for the visitors but Fulham managed to hold on for the win which leaves them needing a victory over FC Basle in Switzerland to qualify for the knockout stages.
Hodgson was happy that their hopes were in their hands, saying: "We came into this game knowing that we needed two wins from the last two games to qualify.
"We played well in the first half, although it was foolish to miss the penalty. We had some good chances and the game could have been dead and buried [by the interval]."
With Riise and Gera linking up so well, the former Internazionale boss was happy with the contributions of his fringe players.
"Riise came in [to the team] and made the goal; Gera scored so we are happy these players who have come in," he said.
Brede Hangeland was replaced at half time while Davies came off late on after seemingly twisting his leg in a tangle with Minev.
Hodgson said: "[Hangeland] was planned. We wanted them [Hangeland and Hughes] to play one half each.
"Davies is being assessed; there are no problems with his knee or ankle so we think he has some muscular damage."
- by David Brenchley at Craven Cottage
Source: DSG
