Viduka puts spring in Boro's step

Fulham 0 Middlesbrough

They may come with more baggage than a kleptomaniac out of control on the nearby King's Road but Mark Viduka and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink last night showed, in their first appearance together, exactly why Middlesbrough have put their faith in the troublesome twosome.

A slickly-constructed goal by Viduka paved the way for Middlesbrough's first win of the season, and Fulham's first defeat. Despite the home side's effort it was a worthy victory for the visitors. The result was made all the more rewarding as it came so soon after their late blitzing at Highbury.

Last season's meeting marked Chris Coleman's first game in charge after being confirmed as Fulham manager. His team and formation has changed much since then but in Andy Cole he has shrewdly acquired a goalscorer and in Claus Jensen a creator.

Middlesbrough may also have solved their scoring problems - with five goals in their first two games - but unfortunately a previously taut defence has been punctured. At least manager Steve McClaren could include Gareth Southgate, sorely missed through injury, while Viduka completed a two-match ban. It made a difference even if Viduka looked bulkier than normal, adding weight, in more ways than one, to the Middlesbrough attack.

Early shots by Ray Parlour and Hasselbaink were a sign of intent while Boudewijn Zenden threatened. He needed to. For all the promise his squad offers they arrived with only one win in seven.

Fulham, by the way, must have the tallest team in the Premiership but they, too, were quick to move the ball along the sodden turf, rather than through the air, with Cole, three times, coming close inside the six yard area while the giant midfielder Papa Bouba Diop headed wide.

Despite the pressure Viduka should have secured the lead shortly after the break when a swift counterattack led to Hasselbaink's low ball in. His strike partner stumbled as the goal beckoned. But Fulham didn't heed the warning. Moments later and there was a repeat of the move and when Hasselbaink crossed, this time from the right, Viduka swept the ball in.

Fulham responded. A shot from Carlos Bocanegra fizzed wide but Hasselbaink came closer forcing a sharp block by Edwin van der Sar. Once again it proved a marker and within seconds another low cross, from another rapid break, this time by Franck Queudrue, was nudged in by substitute Szilard Nemeth. It was his first touch and it killed off Fulham.

Fulham (4-2-1-2-1): Van Der Sar; Volz, Goma, Knight, Bocanegra; Legwinski, Diop (Boa Morte, 74); Jensen; Radzinski, John (McBride, 62); Cole. Substitutes not used: Crossley (gk), Pembridge, Bonnissel.

Middlesbrough (4-1-3-2) Schwarzer; Parnaby, Riggott, Southgate, Queudrue; Boateng (Doriva, 89); Zenden, Parlour, Mendieta (Nemeth, 77); Viduka (Job, 71), Hasselbaink. Substitutes not used: Nash (gk), Cooper.

Referee: D Gallagher (Banbury).