Viduka finishes with double blast

MARK VIDUKA capped what could prove to be his Middlesbrough swansong with a clinically-taken double as the Teessiders eased past Fulham.

The 31-year-old Australian, whose contract expires at the end of next month, fired his side ahead on 34 minutes and claimed his 19th goal of the season within a minute of the restart.

Manager Gareth Southgate, however, has not given up hope of extending his contract. Had it not been for a fine save from Antti Niemi, Viduka would have collected a hat-trick and become the first Boro striker to score 20 goals in a season since Fabrizio Ravanelli a decade ago.

The Teessiders wobbled briefly when Simon Davies cashed in on an error by David Wheater to level on 42 minutes, but the defender made amends in first-half stoppage time with a header to restore his side’s lead.

Victory ensured Boro finished the season one point and two places better than in Steve McClaren’s final campaign at the Riverside Stadium.

Opta Fact: This is Fulham’s lowest ever Premiership points tally and the first time they have failed to reach 40.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Schwarzer, Davies, Woodgate, Wheater, Pogatetz, Downing, Boateng (Morrison 68), Rochemback, Arca, Lee (Yakubu 68), Viduka (Johnson 90)

FULHAM: Niemi, Rosenior, Christanval (Queudrue 50), Knight, Bocanegra, Dempsey, Volz (Briggs 77), Davies, Radzinski, Helguson (John 64), McBride.

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire).