HT Roma 0-1 Fulham: Kamara clicks into gear to give Cottagers half-time lead

Fulham led 1-0 at half-time in their Europa League Group E clash against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Diomansy Kamara put the Cottagers ahead in the 19th minute after converting a penalty he earned when he was brought down inside the area by Marco Andreolli.

Clint Dempsey could have made it 2-0 shortly before half-time with a diagonal effort from Jonathan Greening´s assist.

Manager Roy Hodgson handed Clint Dempsey a start in their Europa League Group E clash against Roma.

The American winger, who was dropped against the Romans in the 1-1 draw in London a fortnight ago, was rewarded for scoring in his side's 3-1 triumph over Liverpool at the weekend.

Diomansy Kamara was also in the starting line-up, partnering Dempsey up front.

The Cottagers, unbeaten in the competition, went into the game in second position in the standings, one point clear of the Italians.

With Francesco Totti sidelined through injury, Roma coach Claudio Ranieri fielded Stefano Okaka and Julio Baptista in attack.

The game began at a frenetic pace with both teams determined to impose themselves.

Fulham put a good move together in the eighth minute with Paul Konchesky feeding Bjorn Helge Riise inside the area, but Riise's right-footed shot was blocked by Philippe Mexes.

At the other end, Aaron Hughes did well to clear Stefano Guberti's dangerous cross from the left.

Dempsey then tried his luck from 18 yards but his central effort was saved by Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni.

Fulham then broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.

Marco Andreolli brought down Kamara inside the area and referee Kevin Blom immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

Kamara sent Doni the wrong way to give the Cottagers the lead.

Roma should have equalised in the 24th minute but Mexes' header from Cicinho's cross from the right went inches wide of the far post.

On the half-hour mark, Baptista´s acrobatic kick went wide as Roma pressed forward in search of an equaliser.

In the 37th minute, Kamara had a golden chance to extend Fulham´s lead but his powerful header from Konchesky´s cross from the left went just wide of the far post.

Shortly after, Andreolli made a crucial tackle with Dempsey ready to fire from 18 yards out.

Dempsey could have made it 2-0 shortly before half-time but his diagonal effort from Jonathan Greening´s assist took a deflection from a Roma defender.