Premier League - Krul howler keeps Fulham alive

Ashkan Dejagah of Fulham celebrates scoring against Newcastle United during their English Premier League soccer match at Craven Cottage in London, March 15, 2014. REUTERS

Premier League, Craven Cottage – Fulham 1 (Dejagah 68) Newcastle United 0

A goalkeeping error from Tim Krul helped Fulham keep their survival hopes alive with a deserved 1-0 home win over Newcastle. Krul should have kept out Ashkan Dejagah’s low strike, but the ball flew through him to give the Premier League’s bottom club a vital win that leaves them two points from safety with eight games remaining.

An uninspiring first half remained goalless, with the best opportunities falling to Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse and Fulham’s Lewis Holtby, both of whom were denied by good saves from David Stockdale and Krul respectively.

Fulham improved in the second half, with Pajtim Kasami finding the back of the net only to see his effort ruled out as Steve Sidwell was offside in the build-up. There was then a double appeal for a Fulham goal as John Heitinga’s shot hit the underside of the bar and appeared to cross the line – but the technology proved that part of the ball was touching the white paint. Cauley Woodrow finished off the rebound, but he was offside.

Newcastle, with manager Alan Pardew absent due to his headbutting ban, almost took the lead as a terrible pass from William Kvist – not for the first time – sent Cisse through, but Stockdale denied him with a fine stop.

Seconds later Fulham were in front as Dejagah, who had just come off the bench, cut in from the left and let rip with his favoured right foot. Krul should have at least parried it, but the Dutchman's error was costly.

The onus was on Fulham to cling on and, for once, they were able to do so, with Luuk de Jong’s flashing header the closest to an equaliser, while Howard Webb rejected a last-gasp penalty appeal.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Steve Sidwell (Fulham) – Made some brilliant tackles, went on driving runs and was generally the standout player - in contrast to midfield partner Kvist, who was awful.

PLAYER RATINGS

Fulham: Stockdale 7, Heitinga 7, Hangeland 6, Amorebieta 6, Richardson 6, Kasami 6, Kvist 4, Sidwell 8, Kacaniklic 6, Holtby 6, Woodrow 6; Subs: Dejagah 7, Riether NA, Burn NA

Newcastle: Krul 5, Yanga-Mbiwa 6, Coloccini 7, Williamson 7, Dummett 5, Sissoko 7, Anita 6, Tiote 6, Gouffran 6, De Jong 6, Cisse 6; Subs: Marveaux NA, Armstrong NA, Shola Ameobi 6