Fulham beats Middlesbrough 2-1

London:

Brian McBride and Heidar Helguson scored first-half goals and Fulham beat struggling Middlesbrough 2-1 in the English Premier League on Monday. Helguson converted a penalty kick in the 12th minute after George Boateng brought down Moritz Volz. McBride doubled the lead in the 35th with a shot that deflected off Middlesbrough defender Chris Riggott. Middlesbrough pulled within a goal in the 74th minute when Mark Viduka capitalized on a poor goal kick from Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi. Fulham improved to 23 points and 11th place, while Middlesbrough remained in 17th, putting pressure on manager Gareth Southgate, who is in his first season as a manager after retiring as a player at Boro in May. Middlesbrough now hasn't won in six league games. Manchester United leads the league with 44 points, followed by Chelsea with 42.