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Friday 22 July 2011

Fulham Stroll Through

Strikers Andrew Johnson and Bobby Zamora were both on target for Fulham as the Cottagers completed an emphatic Europa League victory over Crusaders.Johnson opened the scoring with a neat finish to a sweeping team move as the hosts dominated the first half.Damien Duff fired home a second before Zamora converted Johnson's cross with a first-time shot to stretch the lead.Steve Sidwell completed the scoring ahead of a third-round qualifying tie against either Domzale or RNK Split.Fulham will take play away in either Slovenia or Croatia on 28 July before returning to Craven Cottage on 4 August.After the contest Cottagers boss Martin Jol expressed his high hopes for the partnership of Johnson and Zamora."Even if you have got a tough defence you know you can score goals," said Jol."Last year Bobby was of course injured and Andy was the same, he only had 16 starts. I feel there is a lot more goals in Andy Johnson. Every game when I see him he is quick and he can score goals."I think he has scored three goals already and that is what you want, not the two goals last year. If you saw Bobby in the first half, if he is in the flow he is a very good target."Matthew Briggs who had scored Fulham's first against the Belfast side in the first leg, was shunted from left-back to right-back to make way for debutant John Arne Riise.But the 20-year-old looked just at home on then opposite flank and created Fulham's first chance for Johnson, who forced a save out of Sean O'Neill.

Johnson was not be denied for long however, and fired in after Zamora's dummy.

A pass from centre-back Philippe Senderos sent Duff clear early in the second half and the Republic of Ireland winger slipped his shot just inside the far post to double the lead on the night.

Fulham's superior fitness levels told in the last quarter of the match as Zamora took advantage of some tiring legs in the Crues' ranks before Sidwell headed home.

Should Fulham emerge victorious from the third round, a play-off would be the final obstacle between them and the group stages of the competition.

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