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Fulham 3-1 Aston Villa
Match Reports, 17:20, May 9, 2009 ,
Diomansy Kamara's second-half brace clinched a 3-1 victory for Fulham over Aston Villa that propelled them into European contention.
Fulham started quickly and took the lead after just six minutes thanks to a Danny Murphy penalty. The former Liverpool midfielder slotted past Brad Friedel after James Milner had needlessly shoved Kamara to the floor.
However, Martin O'Neill's side shot straight back at the Cottagers with Ashley Young terrorising John Pantsil down the Villa left flank. It was the PFA Young Player of the Year who fired the visitors level in the 14th minute, as James Milner's cross was inexplicably allowed to travel all the way across the six-yard box before reaching Young, who could not miss.
Roy Hodgson's side created the better of the chances throughout the opening period and Brad Friedel had to be at his best to deny Kamara and then Erik Nevland on two occasions. There was nothing the American keeper could do though as Kamara fired Fulham back in front just 26 seconds after the interval, as he latched onto Murphy's clever through ball.
The former West Brom striker than trebled his tally for the season with his second of the afternoon with an audacious backheel to divert Paul Konchesky's corner beyond Friedel.
The third goal took the stuffing out of Villa and this latest defeat leaves them just one point ahead of sith placed Everton, while Fulham rocket into seventh place and contention for the Europa League next season.