Karlheinz Riedle enjoyed a winning start to his career as Fulham manager as Geoff Horsfield’s first half strike clinched a tight London derby.

The German took control of Fulham until the end of the season on Thursday, when former boss Paul Bracewell was sacked after a dismal run, which saw the side claim just one point from a possible 12..

Riedle, who drafted in his former Liverpool boss Roy Evans as coaching assistant, claimed yesterday he had no interest in taking the job on a full-time basis, but may have reason to change his mind if Fulham can mount a playoff charge.

He opted to leave himself out of the starting line-up due to his recurring back strain, and selected recent signing Eddie Lewis, a £1.3m buy from American side San Jose Eathquakes, for his first Fulham start. The American was impressive, and combined with Steve Finnan to set up Geoff Horsfield for the only goal of the game.

Horsfield , returning from injury after seven games on the sidelines, struck the ball past ‘keeper Matt Gregg, replacing Fraser Digby, on 17 minutes for his 14th of the season, but his first since January 12. The towering striker has been linked with a possible move to the Premiership, but has been plagued by injuries since the turn of the year.

Palace were unfortunate not to gain at least a point after dominating the game for long periods and creating several chances. Young Finnish striker Mikael Forssell had two gilt-edged chances to fire Palace to an upset win in the second half, but squandered both. Forssell missed the ball completely in front of goal on 62 minutes, and two minutes later saw his 20-yard drive turned around the post.

Horsfield’s strike aside, the Eagles defence again performed capably. They have conceded just four goals in seven matches, but manager Steve Coppell’s problem lies in his side’s inability to score regularly.

Coppell’s sode were able to force Fulham into desperate defensive measures late in the game, but were frustrated by ‘keeper Maik Taylor.

Meanwhile, Bracewell’s departure has paved the way for owner Mohammed Al-Fayed to appointment a high-profile manager next season. Former French World Cup star Jean Tigana has emerged as favourite to assume the Craven Cottage hotseat in the summer, raising Fulham fans’ hopes of a serious promotion challenge.

Fulham: Taylor, Finnan, Melville, Coleman, Morgan (Collins 70), Goldbaek, Phelan, Hayward, Lewis, Horsfield (Davis 87), Peschisolido (Hayles 70).
Subs Not Used: Hahnemann, Symons.
Booked: Lewis.
Goals: Horsfield 17.

Crystal Palace: Gregg, Austin, Mullins, Zhiyi, Foster, Cole, Linighan, Carlisle (Hunt 80), Morrison, Forssell, McKenzie.
Subs Not Used: Kendall, Woozley, Hibburt, Smith.
Booked: Hunt.
Att: 16,356
Ref: P Richards (Preston).

RIEDLE PRAISES FULHAM COMMITMENT

Karlheinz Riedle praised Fulham’s commitment and said he was satisfied after his first experience as a professional manager.

“It was not the best game we have ever played,” he said. “But the players gave 100 per cent and you can’t ask for any more than that.”

Riedle admitted that Palace had given his side a fright and said: “They played well and overlapped us at times, but the important thing was that we won.”

The German insisted this week that he has no interest in taking the Fulham managerial seat on a permanent basis, and said he was surprised at Paul Bracewell’s dismissal.