Bullard strike gives Fulham overdue win

An 86th-minute free-kick from Jimmy Bullard gave struggling Fulham FC a 2-1 comeback win against Aston Villa FC while a late Robert Huth header earned Middlesbrough FC a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United FC.

Late goals
A tight game at Craven Cottage came to life in the second half as Fulham defender Aaron Hughes diverted a Shaun Maloney corner into his own net on 69 minutes. However, the home side were level just four minutes later as Bullard swung in a dangerous cross which Simon Davies flicked into the net.

Bullard winner
Bullard, who has only recently returned from a serious injury that saw him spend 18 months on the sidelines, then won the game with a 25-metre free-kick in the game's final stages. The win helped the London club to their first win in 13 league games although they still sit 19th in the English Premier League and are three points from safety.

Disallowed goal
Earlier, Newcastle had started the Tyne-Tees derby against Middlesbrough brightly and had an early goal disallowed after Owen was penalised for a foul on away goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. However, the rest of the half was a cagey affair and neither side carved out a clear-cut opportunity.

Owen strike
After an hour, though, Newcastle struck when a Charles N'Zogbia set-piece was headed in by Michael Owen for the Magpies' first goal in manager Kevin Keegan's second stint leading the club. However, Middlesbrough got a deserved equaliser as Huth looped in a header from a Julio Arca cross and then nearly won it in injury time when a Stewart Downing free-kick hit the post with Jérémie Aliadière's follow-up ruled out for offside.