Dempsey: Hat-trick hero

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Fulham 4-0 Charlton Athletic

A Clint Dempsey hat-trick and a late Damien Duff goal gave Fulham a comfortable win over League One leaders Charlton at Craven Cottage.

American striker Dempsey took his tally for the season to 12 with another impressive performance for Martin Jol’s side, who made a mockery of pre-match predictions that in-form Charlton could cause one of the shocks of the FA Cup third round against the Premier League side.

Fulham got off to the perfect start when they went in front after just eight minutes, with Dempsey finding the bottom corner after Danny Murphy’s shot had deflected into his path.

The Addicks rallied, though, and went close to an equaliser when Johnnie Jackson fired wide before Bradley Wright-Phillips then tested David Stockdale with a decent effort.

Fulham had other chances in the first half, too, but Dempsey and John Arne Riise were off target when finding themselves in good positions.

They did extend their lead just past the hour mark when Dempsey again finished well from Bryan Ruiz’s pass. The American found the bottom corner of the net to effectively kill off Charlton’s chances in the tie.

Bobby Zamora could have made it 3-0 sooner than Dempsey eventually did but he saw an effort well blocked by Matt Taylor before defender Philipe Senderos then blazed high over the bar after Charlton failed to clear from a corner.

The result was sealed, however, with 10 minutes remaining when Dempsey completed his treble from the spot. John Sullivan brought down Ruiz and the striker made no mistake to ensure Fulham’s safe passage and also claim the match-ball.

There was still enough time for Duff to get in on the goalscoring action when he fired in the fourth with just three minutes to go as the Cottagers finished the game in style.