Bullard inspires Fulham

Jimmy Bullard provided the inspiration once again as Fulham clinched their first win of the season in a tense 1-0 victory against Sheffield United.

The 27-year-old's delivery was a menace all afternoon but he saved the best for the 40th minute when he curled home a sublime 28-yard free-kick.

And his contribution was not confined to dead-ball situations as he once again proved Fulham's most inventive player, impressing with a typically industrious display in midfield.

After just three games Bullard has emerged as a fans' favourite and his #2.5million transfer from Wigan looks good business for boss Chris Coleman.

It is the second time in four days that Bullard had starred but his brilliance did not mask Fulham's chronic lack of creativity elsewhere on the pitch.

Steed Malbranque - the French midfielder who has been banished to the reserves by Coleman - is sorely missed, especially with skipper Luis Boa Morte having another off-day.

One consolation for Coleman is that his defence looks to have shaken off their demons following the 5-1 opening day thrashing at Manchester United.

They were assisted, however, by a United outfit who offered little threat until late on - even with striker Rob Hulse back in the side after recovering from a thigh strain.

Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi hardly had a save to make all match, although the home side had to weather a nervy last 20 minutes when the Blades began to play with more urgency.

United were in the contest until the final whistle and manager Neil Warnock, who returned to the dug-out after completing his two-match touchline ban, could be encouraged by another spirited effort.

Bullard was the difference between the teams and the Newham-born midfielder made a big impact early on, swinging in a free-kick for Ian Pearce and then forcing a fine save from Paddy Kenny.

A crafty back-heel from Boa Morte released Franck Queudrue but Chris Montgomery, who replaced David Sommeil in the starting line-up, prevented the move developing with a timely tackle.

Fulham strung a host of passes together in the 18th minute with Papa Bouba Diop commanding the midfield but Bullard's final shot sailed over the crossbar.

A quick free-kick from Queudrue allowed Bullard to try his luck again but the ball deflected off left-back David Unsworth, taking it away from danger.

United striker Danny Webber made a eye-catching run into the box from the left but was dispossessed by Philippe Christanval just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Fulham nearly broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when John hit the post with Kenny beaten and Leigh Bromby cleared before the home side could convert the rebound.

United were making some headway down the right with Bromby firing a couple of useful crosses but Fulham's defence, with Christanval prominent, was in a resolute mood.

Blades skipper Chris Morgan was given a free header from Michael Tonge's corner but his accuracy was poor and the chance was gone.

Bullard's set-piece delivery was still causing problems as John nodded inches wide a 33rd minute cross with the linesman then raising his flag for offside.

Fulham could not be denied in the 40th minute, however, and predictably it was Bullard who provided the goal.

Morgan brought down Boa Morte 28 yards out and Bullard curled the free-kick into the top left corner, giving Kenny no chance.

Webber had the ball in the net in the 45th minute with a cool piece of finishing at the other end only for the linesman to signal offside.

Tonge was booked for bringing down Michael Brown who had broken free and Hulse then smashed wide of the right post from long range as the Blades continued to look sharper in the second half.

Mikele Leigertwood was shown a yellow card for kicking Bullard, who was at the hub of everything Fulham did, in a good piece of refereeing from Poll who played advantage first.

Diop was booked for hacking down Tonge and John - who was named on the bench for Bolton - was then booed as he was substituted, replaced by Heidar Helguson.

Brown was replaced by Tomasz Radzinski and the Canadian international made a marauding run down the right which he ruined when he tried to find Boa Morte instead of shooting.

The ball fell to Bullard whose powerful shot struck the post and Brian McBride went close in the dying moments as Fulham went in search of a second.