Bentley completes Fulham defeat

David Bentley was the surprise name on the Tottenham teamsheet but the wantaway winger made a telling contribution in the 2-0 win over Fulham to keep his club in the Barclays Premier League top four.

Bentley is desperate to leave Spurs and his first start since the beginning of December could attract attention from other clubs - it was a determined performance, capped off by a free-kick that flew in off Bjorn Helge Riise.

Peter Crouch had opened the scoring at White Hart Lane after escaping the attention of Chris Smalling, who was playing at centre-back hours after it was announced Manchester United had agreed terms for the youngster to play at Old Trafford next season.

Tom Huddlestone had the first attempt on goal, fizzing a volley that Mark Schwarzer parried after Jermain Defoe's flick and Crouch's dummy.

Schwarzer's palms were stung by another Huddlestone drive and Crouch headed wide after Gareth Bale lofted a cross to the far post.

After Damien Duff crossed in the 13th minute, Zoltan Gera deftly cushioned a pass for Bobby Zamora but Heurelho Gomes rushed out to save the finish and needed treatment after the brave block.

The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute thanks to Luka Modric's impish skill.

Most had expected Bentley's deep cross to drop for a goal-kick, including Riise, but Modric did not give up and managed flick the ball over the Norwegian. He then scissor-volleyed inside and Crouch escaped the attention of Smalling to tap home.

Modric almost doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, the Croatian curling in a shot that kissed the crossbar.

But the second goal arrived just before the hour mark after Bale was tripped on the edge of the area. Bentley's free-kick took a wicked deflection off Riise, and totally wrongfooted Schwarzer.