Martin Djetou's goal after 10 minutes was enough to secure a valuable Premiership win for Fulham and heap more misery on beleaguered Leeds boss Terry Venables.

Leeds were atrocious in the opening half and, despite improving after the break, there was little to suggest that they are on the verge of a much-needed improvement.

Venables' team were up against a Fulham side who had collected just five points from a possible 24, and who were without their four first-choice strikers.

Fulham boss Jean Tigana selected Luis Boa Morte alongside Steed Malbranque in a makeshift forward formation, while midfielder Paul Okon made his full debut for Leeds.

Key moments

10 mins: Djetou heads Fulham into the lead 31 mins: Malbranque hits the crossbar 42 mins: Robinson brilliantly saves from Wome then Malbranque 74 mins: Van der Sar saves Fowler's header 74 mins: Boa Morte's shot is parried by Robinson

Despite their injury problems, the home team settled quickly and were rewarded with an early goal.

Martin Djetou was not picked up in the Leeds area and headed Pierre Wome's corner past Paul Robinson.

Boa Morte had almost scored before Djetou's opener, but he dragged his shot wide of Robinson's goal.

It's a concern for everyone every time a game ticks by - and if you ask me if I've made mistakes, I'd say 'yes' Leeds United manager Terry Venables

Leeds struggled defensively throughout the opening period, showing no understanding whatsoever and inviting the opposition to push forward.

Bjarne Goldbaek blazed just wide of Robinson's goal wide with a shot from the edge of the area and Sean Davis forced a good save with a flying header.

And Venables must have been hugely relieved that Malbranque hit the crossbar from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

The match was difficult viewing for the Leeds bench

With half-time looming, Robinson kept his team in touch with a superb double save, parrying Wome's initial effort before blocking Malbranque's follow-up.

But Tigana must have gone into the break wondering how his team had failed to add to their early goal.

Leeds improved considerably in the second-half.

Michael Bridges - making his first Premiership start in over two years - met Ian Harte's cross but guided the ball wide of Edwin van der Sar's post.

It was a great win with fantastic attitude and great quality Fulham assistant manager Christian Damiano

Van der Sar came to his team's rescue again, denying substitute Robbie Fowler after the striker had headed powerfully at goal after 74 minutes.

Seconds later Boa Morte was denied by Robinson as Fulham hit Leeds on the break.

And as the match wore on Fulham retained possession superbly, condemning Leeds to their fourth successive Premiership defeat.

Fulham: Van der Sar, Finnan, Melville, Wome, Brevett, Goldbaek, Malbranque, Davis, Legwinski, Boa Morte, Djetou.

Subs Not Used: Inamoto, Taylor, Knight, Stolcers, Willock.
Booked: Legwinski, Davis, Wome.

Leeds: Robinson, Kelly, Woodgate, Duberry, Harte (Mills 73), Bakke, Okon, McPhail (Milner 57), Wilcox, Smith (Fowler 45), Bridges.

Subs Not Used: Martyn, Lucic.
Booked: Bakke, Fowler, Wilcox, Woodgate.

Attendance: 17,494

Referee: P Durkin (Dorset).