Sunderland
2-2
Fulham

Gardner (37' pen.), Sessegnon (70')

FT(HT: 1-2)

Riether (34'), Berbatov (16' pen.)

Build-up

Half-Time Report: Dimitar Berbatov, Sascha Riether put Fulham in control

By Liam Power, Reporter | 02 March 2013

Dimitar Berbatov, Sascha Riether and Craig Gardner are all on target in the first 45 minutes this afternoon, with Fulham holding a 2-1 lead over Sunderland at the break.

Fulham are 2-1 up against Sunderland after a frantic first 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light.

Fulham's Dimitar Berbatov scores a penalty against Sunderland on March 2, 2013 © AP Photos

Ashkan Dejagah was brought down by Craig Gardner but after initially appearing to wave away Fulham protests, referee Mark Halsey elected to award a spot kick.

Berbatov coolly slotted past Simon Mignolet for his 10th goal of the season.

Fulham claimed a two-goal advantage after 33 minutes when Sascha Riether stormed forward to turn home Dejagah's cross on the counter.

Sunderland were handed a lifeline just two minutes later when Halsey pointed to the spot for a second time.

Phillipe Senderos looked bemused after being penalised for a push in the area, with Garnder making no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit.