Newcastle 2-1 Fulham: Dempsey scores for Fulham in 2-1 loss

In an otherwise poor first half showing from both sides, Newcastle began to threaten in the final 10 minutes of the half, with Gabriel Obertan sparking into life to put pressure on young right-back Matthew Briggs before crossing dangerously into the box, only for Lovendkrands to falter under pressure from Brede Hangeland.

Schwarzer was forced into action just before the break, with the Australian diving down well to save from Jonas Gutierrez’s header, after the Argentine rose to meet Tiote’s floated cross, before Obertan again turned provider down the right, only for Leon Best’s goal bound effort to be blocked by Hughes.

Martin Jol’s team should have grabbed an equalizer 10 minutes later, when Sidwell stole a yard on right-back Danny Simpson to meet Duff’s cross, only for the midfielder to direct his point-blank header straight at goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Newcastle doubled the lead 20 minutes into the half when substitute Demba Ba controlled Obertan’s cross-field ball well before firing a low cross into the path of Best. The striker's sublime first touch opened up just enough space for a calm finish..

Fulham kept pushing with Dempsey and Danny Murphy both putting headers on frame, but it seemed destined to end 2-0 until the American gave his team a lifeline in the 88th with a header in over Krul's outstretched arms.

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