Fulham 2-0 RNK Split (2-0)

Johnson's goal was his third in Fulham's Europa League qualifying campaign

Fulham are through to the Europa League play-off round with a 2-0 win over Croatians RNK Split at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers had struggled in last week's away leg but largely dominated on home turf and took the lead through Andrew Johnson's header from a corner.

Fulham sealed their progress when Johnson was fouled by Velimir Vidic in the box and Danny Murphy slotted home the resulting penalty.

Johnson thought he had added a third soon after but was ruled offside.

The victory maintains Fulham's unbeaten record during this qualifying campaign, during which they have yet to concede a goal at home in three matches.

The Cottagers defence had to be on top form to preserve their clean-sheet record as Goran Milovic, Ante Vitaic and Roman Oblinovic all came close to scoring in the second half.

However, it was ultimately a deserved win for Martin Jol's side, who now face a two-legged play-off on 18 and 25 August to book their place in the Europa League proper, a competition they in which they were runners-up in 2010.

The home side's determination to make up for a disappointing stalemate in Croatia last Thursday was evident from the off as Damien Duff threatened from Danny Murphy's free-kick.

It did not take long for the early pressure to pay off though when Johnson lost his marker to head home Duff's corner in the 19th minute.

The home side continued to press, but Johnson was unable to add to his opener when his shot was blocked before Murphy was denied by the visitor's goalkeeper Andrija Vukovic.

After the break, Split looked rejuvenated and and came close to equalising through Vitaic's stunning 30-yard free-kick, which dipped over the wall but fell just wide of goal.

However, a rash challenge from Vidic on Johnson gave Murphy the chance to ease Fulham's nerves and the former England midfielder made no mistake from the spot.

Johnson thought he had further extended his side's advantage minutes later when he rounded Vukovic to net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

At the other end, Milovic was unfortunate to see a close-range shot ricochet off the bar, while Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer was forced to save low from Oblinovic's 25-yard drive, but there were no further scares for the home side.

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