Fulham stun Chelsea to take derby spoils

LONDON, Mar 19 (Reuters) Premier League leaders Chelsea suffered their third defeat of the season today with Fulham winning a pulsating west London derby 1-0 to ease their relegation fears.

The champions threw everything at Fulham after defender Paulo Ferreira's clearance had cannoned against Luis Boa Morte's knee to beat Petr Cech on 17 minutes but were repelled time and again by Chris Coleman's side.

Chelsea's French defender William Gallas was sent off in stoppage time after a touchline melee.

Chelsea remain on 75 points from 30 games, 12 ahead of Manchester United who have a game in hand.

Earlier, third-placed Liverpool cruised to a 3-1 win at Newcastle United, who had defender Jean-Alain Boumsong sent off six minutes after halftime.

Well-taken goals from Peter Crouch and Steven Gerrard put Liverpool in control before Shola Ameobi replied late in the first half. Boumsong earned a straight red for hauling down Crouch and French striker Djibril Cisse made it 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Reuters SY BS2339