Ipswich Town (1) 1 Fulham (0) 0
Written off some six weeks ago as too far adrift to avoid relegation, Ipswich appear intent on making good their escape with months to spare. Marcus Bent's early goal lifted them out of the bottom three and there is little to suggest they will return.

George Burley's team responded to the disappointments of the past three days - a heavy home defeat by Manchester City and a return to the bottom three courtesy of Middlesbrough's win at Sunderland - with a determination which has now brought six Premiership wins out of a possible seven.

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Although scarcely inspired, last season's surprise packages were steady enough not to be unwrapped by Fulham's attackers. In Sixto Peralta, they had the outstanding player on the pitch.

The Argentinian drifted menacingly in the area of uncertainty between Fulham's defence and midfield and only the outstretched leg of Edwin Van der Sar prevented Peralta sending Bent in for a second in the closing minutes.

George Burley made four changes to the side beaten by Manchester City but there was no danger of his leaving out Bent, who waited only 10 minutes to extend his hot scoring streak to seven goals in eight games.

This one could scarcely have been simpler, owing much to a glorious reverse pass from Sixto Peralta to free Alun Armstrong down the Ipswich left. Although Zat Knight made good ground to deny Armstrong a sight of goal, he succeeded only in deflecting the subsequent cross in a delicate arc towards the far post, where Bent applied the finishing touch.

Fulham's deficiencies in front of goal reflect Louis Saha's inability to reproduce last season's sensational form. His lack of confidence was illustrated in the 18th minute when the chance to strike Steed Malbranque's enticing pass first time was lost. An apparent desire to work the ball on to his left foot, allowed Chris Makin to clear.

It took a slice from Ipswich defender Mark Venus to extend goalkeeper, Andy Marshall, who palmed the ball out for a corner which Sylvain Legwinski headed narrowly over.

Jean Tigana responded to Fulham's lacklustre first-half display by introducing John Collins and Barry Hayles at half-time. The former's first contribution presented the ball to Matt Holland, who failed to mark his 200th consecutive league start with a goal by a matter of inches.

Fulham began to retain good possession in the final third for the first time and Collins produced their first moment of menace with a 20-yard free kick, which forced a sprawling save from Marshall.

Ipswich: Marshall, Makin, McGreal, Venus, Hreidarsson, Wright (Reuser 83), Holland, Peralta, Clapham, Marcus Bent, Armstrong (Stewart 69).

Subs Not Used: Sereni, Counago, Bramble.

Booked: McGreal.

Goals: Marcus Bent 10.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Goma, Brevett, Goldbaek (Collins 45), Knight (Hayles 45), Malbranque, Legwinski (Ouaddou 68), Marlet, Saha.

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Stolcers.

Booked: Goma (31) foul, Finnan (82) dissent.

Att: 25,156 Ref: A Wiley (Burntwood).

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