Steve Sidwell's deflected strike has given Fulham a deserved half-time lead over Newcastle United at Craven Cottage tonight.
© PA Photos
The central midfielder's shot wrong-footed Tim Krul via a diversion off Mike Williamson and ended Fulham's 5 hour and 17 minute wait for a Premier League goal.
Dimitar Berbatov had two brilliant chances to add to the score during a half in which the ball was cleared off the line three times.
Moments after the Bulgarian had been foiled by a fantastic Krul save, he was denied by a stretching Danny Simpson boot two yards from goal.
Sascha Reither was the Fulham hero at the other end, twice heading the ball away from underneath his crossbar.
Fabricio Coloccini and Demba Ba were those denied by the German defender, whose awareness ensured that the Cottagers entered the break ahead.
Joe Fish
