Bakary Sako scores twice as Wolverhampton Wanderers cruise past Fulham

Bakary Sako was instrumental as Wolverhampton Wanderers cruised to a 3-0 victory over Fulham at Molineux this evening, scoring twice and setting up another for the playoff hopefuls.

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The hosts were ahead after just 10 minutes when Danny Batth rose highest in the penalty area to nod home Sako's corner from close range.

Fulham had started the better and looked for an instant response when Seko Fofana found space inside the box to shoot, only to drag his effort wide.

Fofana threatened throughout the first half for the visitors, drilling one effort narrowly wide and drawing a save from Tomasz Kuszczak after Benik Afobe had stung the palms of Marcus Bettinelli at the other end.

The visitors' best chance of the half fell to Ross McCormack, however, with the striker only able to shoot straight at the keeper when he should have done better.

Wolves made the most of that let-off and were two up with five minutes of the half remaining as Sako fired an effort into the bottom corner following a slick team move.

The powerful striker doubled his personal tally in stoppage time of the opening period, driving into the Fulham box before finishing between the keeper's legs to put his side in total control.

The hosts took their foot off the pedal in the second half, with a long-range Nouha Dicko effort the most notable event of the opening moments.

Afobe did have a chance to add a fourth with 20 minutes remaining, however, as he cut inside and drew a save from Bettinelli after being found by a fine ball from Jack Price.

Wolves controlled the ball for much of the closing stages as they saw out a comfortable victory that keeps them in the playoff hunt.