American blow to Spurs European dream

Fulham's Carlos Bocanegra (R) celebrates his goal with teammate Luis Boa Morte during the English Premiership soccer match Fulham versus Tottenham, at Craven Cottage, in London. Fulham won 1-0.

Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra blew a hole in Tottenham's Champions League ambitions with a stoppage-time winner for the west London club.

Just as it seemed the two clubs were destined to share the points after an uninspiring 90 minutes, the American connected with Simon Elliot's cross to snatch a precious 1-0 victory for Chris Coleman's relegation-threatened side.

It was a cruel blow for Spurs, who had played the final 20 minutes with ten men after Michael Dawson's sending off for a second yellow card offence, but no more than Fulham deserved for their hard work.

Everton's steady climb up the Premiership table continued with a draw away to Wigan in a match both sides ended with ten men.

Everton's Duncan Ferguson was shown a straight red card for an apparent punch on Paul Scharner ten minutes from time. The Scot was followed down the tunnel by Wigan striker Jason Roberts, who was sent off three minutes later after a clash with his marker David Weir.

Everton had gone ahead somewhat fortunately in the ninth minute after Tim Cahill combined well with James McFadden to work his way into a shooting postion.

The Australian's effort was blocked by Stephane Henchoz but the loose ball ended up in the net off the boot of Wigan midfielder David Thompson as he attempted to prevent Leon Osman from scoring.

Wigan equalized on the stroke of half-time, Pascal Chimbonda flicking on a Henchoz cross to allow Austrian defender Scharner to sidefoot the ball past Everton goalkeeper Richard Wright.

Middlesbrough finally halted an alarming slide down the Premiership table by claiming their first win in 10 league matches by beating north-east rivals Sunderland 3-0 in a relegation derby at the Stadium of Light.

Austrian defender Emanual Pogatetz headed in Stewart Downing's free-kick in the 19th minute to put Boro ahead and any semblance of resistance from bottom-side Sunderland dissipated when the visitors claimed a second goal in the 31st minute.

After breaking away down the right, midfielder Stuart Parnaby exchanged passes with Mark Viduka before firing a low shot into the corner.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink completed a comfortable win in the 71st minute, by which time hundreds of the Sunderland supporters had already headed home in disgust.

In the evening's other match, West Brom edged slightly closer to Premiership survival after holding Charlton to a goalless draw at The Valley.