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Zesh Rehman and Heidar Helguson were on target as Fulham took a commanding lead into half-time of their Carling Cup second-round clash with Lincoln.
Both goals arrived in the space of four minutes and left outgunned League Two outfit Lincoln - who failed to muster a shot on target - with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Fulham suffered a raft of fresh injuries during the 2-1 defeat by West Ham on Saturday forcing boss Chris Coleman to name a completely different starting line-up against Lincoln.
Former France defender Phillippe Christanval was asked to make his full debut in the centre of midfield and he seemed comfortable with his new role early on, showing some delicate touches.
One wild shot from the 27-year-old was warmly greeted by the travelling fans but they had little else to cheer about during a lifeless opening 20 minutes.
Right-back Liam Rosenior threatened briefly after collecting a beautiful cross-field pass from Adam Green but he took the wrong option with Fulham players queuing up to stick the ball in the net.
Australia international Ahmad Elrich fired a lethal pass across the face of goal which the onrushing Collins John and Helguson failed to meet by a matter of inches.
But Elrich's impressive work did not go to waste for a second time with the 24-year-old midfielder collecting a neat pass from John before crossing to the unmarked Rehman, who nodded home in the 26th minute.
Lincoln goalkeeper Alan Marriott saved a powerful John shot and then made another great stop from the Dutchman moments later, but this time he palmed the ball into the path of Helguson, who made no mistake from close range.
With two goals in four minutes Fulham were well set and they looked in little danger of conceding themselves given Lincoln's lack of threat, although keeper Ricardo Batista needed to be alert for two quick balls into the box.
Full story to follow .....
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