Fulham newboys see off Bolton

Fulham's newboys combined to give Roy Hodgson's side a third successive victory as they defeated Bolton 2-1 on Saturday.

Zoltan Gera, a pre-season signing from West Bromwich, opened the scoring in the first half and Bobby Zamora, a recent arrival from West Ham, added a second before the break.

Bolton pulled one back through Kevin Davies in the closing stages but it was too late to stop the Cottagers extending their impressive start to the campaign.

Andrew Johnson, a 10 million pounds signing from Everton in the close season, made his debut up front in place of South Korea's Seol Ki-Hyeon and the home side were suitably inspired.

Hungarian winger Gera should have put Fulham ahead inside the opening minute but he skied a corner from eight yards out.

But Gera made amends in the 15th minute. When Zamora crossed from the left, the ball was only cleared to the edge of the area, where Gera lashed a powerful shot past Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Bolton threatened for the first time when Gavin McCann saw his looping shot tipped wide by Mark Schwarzer.

That was as good as it got for Gary Megson's side though. Zamora's low header was well saved by Jaaskelainen, but the former West Ham striker was soon celebrating.

In the 41st minute, he span away from clumsy challenges from Danny Shittu and McCann on the edge of the area and buried a low shot in the bottom right corner.

Simon Davies and Danny Murphy tested Jaaskelainen after the break as Fulham pressed for a third goal.

Bolton manager Gary Megson sent on former Fulham striker Heidar Helguson in a bid to spark his side.

But it was Fulham who continued to look more dangerous. Gera powered a header off the crossbar before Zamora went close with a shot that was deflected wide.

Helguson did play a part in Bolton's 82nd minute as Davies turned in his flick.

Fulham had a chance to end Bolton's revival when Davies raced clear but the Welsh midfielder fired straight at Jaaskelainen.