Two-goal Johnson fires Fulham to OB victory

Andrew Johnson scored twice as Fulham FC were rewarded for taking their chances with a UEFA Europa League Group K victory against Odense BK.

In an open first half, it was Johnson who made the telling contribution nine minutes before the break with a low drive which slipped under Stefan Wessels. The forward then rounded off the scoring two minutes from time for Martin Jol's side, who sit alongside FC Twente at the top of the section thanks to a first win in nine matches in all competitions.

Less than a minute had elapsed when Bashkim Kadrii chanced his arm at the Fulham goal, but the Premier League side promptly replied with Clint Dempsey twice bringing the best out of Wessels.

Mark Schwarzer then did brilliantly to deny Djiby Fall from close range, and, after Fall had sent an acrobatic effort wide, the goal both sides had been threatening arrived on 36 minutes. Dempsey's persistence paid dividends and the United States striker set up Johnson for a cool finish under Wessels.

The second half started as the first had ended - with more openings, the best of which fell to Peter Utaka, who was unable to beat Schwarzer. Johnson showed him how it should be done, though, bringing down a long clearance and finishing inside the far post in the closing stages. OB's frustration was merely heightened by the late dismissal of Kalilou Traoré for a second booking.