By Paul Brown

Ron Atkinson was looking forward to an exciting second half at Craven Cottage - but believes Fulham's quickfire double killed off the game as a spectacle.

Atkinson thoroughly enjoyed the first 45 minutes and was impressed with what he saw from the claret and blue troops.

But the former boss insists Diomansy Kamara's second half double was vital.

He told AVTV: "It was a great first half - the 45 minutes were terrific.

"I was really looking forward to the second half. I spotted that Martin has switched Ashley to the right and James to the left at the start of the second half. I think that was to see if Ashley could get at Paul Konchesky who had been attacking in the first half. I could definitely see the value of that.

"And then within 30 seconds, Villa were a goal down and then they went another goal down soon after. And then it was all over. Goals change games and the one just after half-time had a big impact.

"I think Villa will be knocked by that - but I am sure they will bounce back. They now have two big games - both for themselves and for their opponents. They will be very interesting.

"They will be frustrated by the second half display at Craven Cottage but I thought a lot of good things came out of that first half.

"Full marks to Fulham though - they have beaten Arsenal and Manchester United at Craven Cottage so they are obviously a good side."