A first-half strike from Hugo Rodallega was enough to hand Fulham a vital victory over Norwich City in the Premier League clash at Craven Cottage.

Fulham started brightly and could have taken the lead when Pajtim Kasimi's header was flicked into the path of Hugo Rodallega who fired an effort at goal, but his shot went wide of the target.

Norwich came back into the game and could have been ahead if not for a great save from David Stockdale as he managed to beat out a volleyed effort from Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

From the resulting corner, Stockdale kept his side level again this time to deny Leroy Fey as the midfielder powered a header at goal, but the keeper reacted quickly to palm his effort away.

Those saves were to become crucial as Fulham took the lead in the 40th minute through Rodallega, who latched onto a free kick from Lewis Holtby and fired a low shot into the net with his left foot.

After the break, Rodallega had the chance to double his side's lead when he met Kieran Richardson's cross at the back post, but his close-range header went wide of the target.

Norwich had an excellent chance to level when Martin Olsson raided down the left and drilled a ball across the face of goal, but Brede Hangeland somehow manage to divert the ball away from Robert Snodgrass in the middle.

Fulham had the opportunity to wrap up the game when Scott Parker and Sidwell both had late efforts from distance, but neither could find a way past Ruddy.

The Canaries pressed late in the game but couldn't find a breakthrough, as Fulham secured a vital win in their battle against relegation.