Runaway leaders Fulham continued their romp towards the top flight as they plunged London neighbours Crystal Palace to their sixth successive defeat at Selhurst Park.

Two goals from Luis Boa Morte stretched his tally to the season to 20 as Jean Tigana's side notched their 26th win of the season.

Although the west Londoners were unable to show off their accustomed superior passing skills - the heavy pitch saw to that - the Cottagers were never in any danger of fluffing the points once they went in front on 14 minutes.

Hayden Mullins scuffed his clearance on the edge of the box allowing Barry Hayles to intercept and slip a short pass to Boa Morte, who from 10 yards out placed the ball wide of Alex Kolinko.

Earlier Lee Clark and John Collins had good chances stopped by Kolinko, while Palace's best effort came from Mikael Forssell, whose goalmouth shot was cleared off the line by Welsh defender Andy Melville.

The second half was a mere stroll for Fulham once Boa Morte added a second on 69 minutes. Former Palace youngster Steve Finnan split the home defence wide open with a perfect pass which fell into the path of the ex-Arsenal hit-man who cleverly drew Kolinko from his goal before slotting the ball neatly into the corner of the net.

Palace never really bothered Maik Taylor in the Fulham goal although Mullins fired a foot wide and near the end Simon Rodger hit the post.