Veteran Garry Nelson stalled Fulham’s promotion bid with a brace as Torquay United came from behind to secure an impressive victory at Craven Cottage this evening.

The Cottagers began brightly and deservedly hit the front when Rob Scott volleyed into the far corner from Mike Conroy’s pass. The home side are utterly dominant and look like they will score several goals, but Torquay gradually get a grip in midfield, disrupting Fulham’s early rhythm and they reap the rewards in the second half.

Fulham boss Micky Adams bemoaned basic defensive errors after watching his side succumb to a second successive home league defeat after they failed to deal with two long throws. Former Charlton forward Nelson who outmuscled Simon Morgan to equalise and then headed home a second proved in the thorn in the Cottagers’ side and a chastening evening went from bad to worse as the Whites lost top spot in in-form Carlisle United.

FULHAM: Walton, P. Watson, Herrera, Cusack, Angus, Blake, Scott (Brooker 71), Carpenter, Morgan, Freeman (Thomas 71), Conroy. Subs (not used): Cullip.

GOAL: Scott (17).

TORQUAY UNITED: Gittens; Stamps, A. Watson, Barrow, Hathaway, Oatway, McCall (Hancox 87), Baker, Wilmot, Winter, Nelson (Laight 85). Subs (not used): Thomas.

GOALS: Nelson (78, 83).

ATTENDNANCE: 4,459.