Fulham advanced to the quarter-final stage of the FA Cup for the first time in 27 years this afternoon with a 2-1 victory over first division strugglers Walsall.
Fulham went in front two minutes from half-time when Walsall captain Tom Bennett turned Frenchman Steed Malbranque's free-kick into his own net after colliding with team-mate Matt Carbon.
But Walsall substitute Darren Byfield levelled the scores four minutes after the interval, heading home from close range after Fulham's Holland international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar had failed to deal with Dean Keates' corner.
However, the midlands side, who ousted Premiership outfit Charlton in round four, were unable to stay on level terms for long.
Fulham's leading goalscorer Barry Hayles restored the Londoners' lead in the 61st minute, acrobatically volleying Steve Finnan's right wing cross past James Walker in the Walsall goal.
Byfield came close to equalising for Colin Lee's men four minutes from time but his towering header was brilliantly clawed away by van der Sar.
The last time Fulham progressed past the fifth round, back in 1975, they reached the final, losing 2-0 to London rivals West Ham.
Later today FA Cup favourites Arsenal host first division Gillingham at Highbury and Middlesbrough are at home to Blackburn in the all-Premiership clash at the Riverside Stadium.
In the day's other fifth round tie first division West Brom entertain third division Cheltenham at the Hawthorns.