Goals from Louis Saha and Luis Boa Morte ensured Jean Tigana’s Fulham beat his former employers Monaco in a competitive friendly at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The game, arranged at Tigana’s behest so that he could ensure his new signings and players not involved in international action this weekend would retain their match sharpness ahead of a London derby at Charlton Athletic, was played at a frenetic pace by the banks of the Thames. The home side began brightly, playing their possession football against a Monaco outfit who appeared happy to sit back and try and hit their opponents on the break.

Fulham went in front in the ninth minute through a well-worked free-kick. The former Monaco midfielder John Collins floated a ball to the back post, where Zat Knight climbed and headed it across goal, leaving Louis Saha with the simplest of headers to make in 1-0. Knight was outstanding in a makeshift back four, with Alain Neilson – who is still training with the club despite being released last summer – pulling on the white shirt again and operating at right back.

The Whites dominated both possession and territory and it was no surprise when they doubled the lead on the half hour mark. Boa Morte tormented three Monaco defenders before drawing a foul just outside the area. Collins curled a fine effort against the crossbar but Boa Morte was alive to the rebound and nodded home to make it 2-0.

Monaco were much improved after the break after a stern talking to from Didier Deschamps. Whilst clear-cut chances were at a premium, the visitors were more combative in the tackle and spread the play to their wingers, who had barely seen the ball in the first half. They got a lifeline when Cyril Rool’s venomous volley was turned past his own goalkeeper by an unfortunate Jon Harley.

But the Whites held on to claim an impressive victory against continental opposition with Monaco’s frustration illustrated by a number of late bookings.

FULHAM (4-4-2): Hahnemann; Neilson, Brevett, Ouaddoh, Knight; Collins, Legwinski, Clark, Harley; Saha, Boa Morte. Subs: McFrederick, Symons, Trollope, Lewis, Betsy.

GOALS: Saha (8), Boa Morte (30).

REFEREE: Graham Barber (Lougborough).