18 December 2005

Brilliant Boa Morte sparks Fulham

Fulham 2-1 Blackburn

Luís Boa Morte returned from suspension to put in a man-of-the-match display and help Fulham pull clear of the relegation zone with a crucial win over Blackburn.

The Portuguese winger created the game’s first clear-cut opening in the 22nd minute when a clever chipped pass found Collins John running through the middle, but the Dutch striker’s effort was well-saved by Brad Friedel.

On the stroke of half-time the wonderfully named Papa Boupa Diop got on the end of a Boa Morte free-kick to give the home side the lead.

Just five minutes after the break Boa Morte picked up the ball in the box and coolly fired into the net to make the points safe for Fulham.

Fulham coach Chris Coleman was full of praise for his Portuguese captain in his post-match comments, saying, “When Luis Boa Morte and Papa Boupa Diop are in the team, we have got more purpose, pace and strength about us.”

“They are important players for us and it is unthinkable to talk about them leaving in January.”