Everton denied by Jenson's deflection

Fulham 1-0 Everton:Claus Jensen's deflected second-half strike gave Fulham the points at Craven Cottage as Everton failed to hit the back of the net for the first time this season.

The Toffees still have not beaten Fulham in London since 1966 but it was Jensen who was the keenest on the day to make up for lost time.

The Dane missed almost all of last season through injury and was only in the side because other midfielders were absent but put in a performance that helped turn Fulham fans' initial boos into hearty cheers

Before that, Everton's Andrew Johnson had been the game's most significant individual.

He came close to opening the scoring in the 13th minute by latching on to a long throw from the right by Phil Neville that had been helped on its way by the head of Tim Cahill.

The England striker showed his predatory instincts by losing no time in firing in a shot from eight yards but Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi reacted quickly enough to tip it round his left-hand post.

Another side to Johnson's game is his habit of going down in the box and it was not long before referee Mike Atkinson had a decision to make on that score.

Johnson had certainly been first to the ball as Ian Pearce came in to challenge but the official was quick to make it clear play was to continue.

Niemi pulled off another fine stop to tip over a header from Leon Osman, who had arrived beyond the last defender at pace, although it would not have mattered if he had not as an offside flag had been raised.

And that saved Johnson's blushes towards the end of the half after Neville had been booked for a late challenge on ex-Evertonian Tomasz Radzinski.

Cahill's cross from the left was just perfect for the forward who met it no more than four yards in front of the front post yet somehow poked it over with Niemi helpless.

The pressure Fulham had been able to exert at the other end was largely from set-pieces delivered by Jensen, although Everton had actually out-scored them on the corner tally at the other end.

But actual chances were rare and it was not until the 45th minute that one fell to lone forward Brian McBride, the other former Toffee in the home line-up.

The American swivelled to send off a shot from six yards out but fellow countryman Tim Howard was able to smother it to make his first significant contribution of the afternoon.

Neither side made changes following a first half that had seen Fulham skipper Luis Boa Morte, just back from a broken cheekbone, and Everton defender Alan Stubbs need lengthy treatment as well as Radzinski.

Fulham started sluggishly again, allowing Cahill and Mikel Arteta the time and space to set up Simon Davies for a shot that was deflected across goal and just wide.

Johnson needed treatment after coming off worse in a centre circle tussle with Carlos Bocanegra but was also able to continue.

No free-kick had been given but Radzinski was awarded a dubious looking one in the 56th minute that saw Fulham almost take the lead.

After the Canadian had gone to ground as Arteta challenged, Jensen's delivery found the head of the veteran Pearce in a crowded six-yard box and it took a good save from Howard to divert it round his near post.

That had been the home side's best chance by far and Howard was fortunate that when he punched a Boa Morte cross only as far as Wayne Routledge the winger's first touch was poor.

Chris Coleman's side looked to have discovered some confidence at last and there was applause for McBride after he had headed a Radzinski cross just wide at the back post.

That was soon translated into a roar when Jensen fired the home side in front in the 66th minute, with his shot from the edge of the box looping over Howard thanks to a deflection off Lee Carsley as he moved in to close Jensen down.

Everton boss David Moyes sent on an extra striker in the shape of James Beattie for the final 18 minutes, with Davies the man making way.

Niemi pulled off a double save to deny Johnson after he had been put through by Arteta and had stayed on his feet as Pearce tried in vain to stop him.

The Finn came out to parry his first effort and recovered in time to stop Johnson putting the loose ball in the net.

Fulham survived more than five frantic minutes of stoppage time to cling on to the points.