Fulham ended their long wait for a win last night as Hugo Rodallega’s header proved enough to dispatch the challenge of Newcastle in an entertaining encounter at Craven Cottage.

The Colombian’s goal was the difference in a tight affair by the Thames in which the west Londoners ensured their winless streak would not stretch to an eighth match. Fulham came into the game without a victory since mid-October but got off to an ideal start when Steve Sidwell’s 19th-minute strike deflected off Mike Williamson and looped in.

It was the Cottagers’ first goal in 317 minutes and they would have had several more was it not for some poor finishing and the fine form of goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Newcastle, though, were proving an increasing threat and Hatem Ben Arfa drew the visitors level in the 54th minute with a deflected effort. However, Fulham were not to be denied and, nine minutes after the Magpies had drawn parity, Rodallega headed home a free-kick by former United midfielder Damien Duff to secure all three points.