Fulham scrape past Euro minnows

Fulham's European adventure is still on track but Jean Tigana's Premiership outfit were pushed all the way by the minnows from Finland yesterday.

France striker Steve Marlet put the Cottagers ahead in the 47th minute and, although Sami Ristila equalised for the Finns, they held on and are still on course for a place in the UEFA Cup.

Having been thwarted by a superb display from Haka goalkeeper Mihail Slawuta in last weekend's goalless first leg, Fulham arrived in Finland facing a tricky task at the Tehtaan Kentta stadium in Valkeakoski.

Haka, fifth in the Finnish league, had star striker Valeri Popovitch back in their side after the 32-year-old Russian missed the first leg due to his fear of flying.

But it was Fulham who started brightly, with striker Louis Saha causing the Haka defence concern.

The Frenchman was sent clear by Sylvain Legwinski's long ball after just five minutes but failed to trouble Slawuta.

Haka, who were defensive in the first leg, came out of their shell in front of their home fans after the early exchanges and troubled the Fulham backline with a series of crosses as the visitors struggled to keep possession.

Fulham could have taken the lead in the 32nd minute had Legwinski been able to control his shot when he fired wildly over the bar following a corner.