Fulham pile the pressure on poor 'Boro

Fulham eased their relegation worries as goals from Heidar Helguson and Brian McBride secured a 2-1 win against struggling Middlesbrough.

Chris Coleman's side climbed away from the bottom three thanks  to Helguson's penalty and a fine finish from McBride, but Middlesbrough, who pulled one back through Australian striker Mark Viduka, are sinking into deep trouble after a sixth game without a win.

Fulham had lost four of their last five matches but they are back on track after punishing some woeful defending from Middlesbrough, who are still to win away this season and are above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Coleman and Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate are firm friends after spending several years together as players at Crystal Palace.

But there was no room for sentiment at Craven Cottage as both managers desperately needed a win to pull clear of the relegation fight.

It was Southgate's team who were more inventive early on and Antti Niemi, playing for the first time since undergoing knee surgery last month, saved well to keep out James Morrison's shot after the young winger sprinted past three defenders.

However Fulham quickly got into their stride and went ahead after 12 minutes as Moritz Volz caused panic in the Middlesbrough defence.

The German midfielder was granted space to burst into the area and he won a penalty as George Boateng clumsily clipped his right ankle. Helguson stepped up to roll the spot-kick past Mark Schwarzer for his third goal of the season.

Middlesbrough threatened to draw level through Aiyegbeni Yakubu as the Nigerian striker's powerful run ended with a swerving shot that Niemi turned away for a corner.

But Fulham always looked dangerous on the break and they went two goals in front in the 35th minute.

Tomasz Radzinski's pass picked out McBride on the edge of the area and, with Middlesbrough backing off, the American looked up and curled a shot that deflected off Chris Riggott as it flew past Schwarzer.

Middlesbrough, without first-choice centre-backs Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth, were unconvincing in defence and McBride flashed a shot just wide as the visitors were caught out again.

Helguson nearly got his second goal in the 64th minute as he looped a header goalwards from Liam Rosenior's cross, but Schwarzer managed to claw it to safety.

Just as Middlesbrough looked to have run out of ideas, they were gifted a goal in the 74th minute as Niemi's goal-kick only reached Yakubu. The forward's header found Viduka and he kept his composure to lift a shot over the Fulham keeper.

Middlesbrough laid siege to Fulham's goal in the closing minutes and Yakubu went close with a header, but the hosts were able to hold on for a crucial win.