Marlet seals Intertoto win for Cottagers

Aegaleo 1 Fulham 1

(Fulham win 2-1 on aggregate)

France international striker Steve Marlet proved to be the hero for Fulham as their Intertoto Cup adventure continued apace in Athens.

Marlet fired home a first-half equaliser to settle his side’s nerves after the plucky Greek outfit had looked to be in control on the night.

The Cottagers, leading 1-0 from last week’s first leg at Craven Cottage, had found themselves a goal behind on the night in the Greek capital after Yiannis Chloros netted from close range after 24 minutes.

It was no more than the hosts deserved after an energetic opening against a sluggish Fulham side but the 2,500 or so fans at the Leoforos Alexandras stadium were soon silenced by the Gallic frontman.

Steed Malbranque began the move and fed Luis Boa Morte down the left, who fired over a low cross for Marlet to apply the finishing touch after 34 minutes.

Jean Tigana’s side survived another scare late in the half when Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was forced into a double save to protect his side’s aggregate lead.

The visitors looked edgy after the restart as Aegaleo again looked to wrestle the advantage from them.

They almost got the break they desired after just three minutes of the second half as some slack defending let in Daniel Edusei but his finish flashed wide.

Boa Morte forced a good save out of goalkeeper Nenad Bikic after 55 minutes, running 30 yards before unleashing a powerful shot.

Bikic produced an impressive double stop from Boa Morte, who was enjoying a little more space as the Greeks pressed forward, and Steed Malbranque who should have done better.

Edusei did well to beat three defenders with 25 minutes remaining but fired high over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy and Fulham dug in to kill the game as their rivals tired.

Fulham now face French outfit Sochaux in the two-legged semi-finals following their aggregate victory over FC Synot tonight.