[AMERICANS IN BRITAIN] Clint Dempsey scored his fourth goal of the English Premier League season, stabbing a close-range shot past Reading's American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann for the second goal of a 3-1 win. It was Fulham's second victory of the season and the 26th goal Hahnemann has conceded in 12 games. Two other American goalkeepers fared better.

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel good saves off efforts by Liverpool's David Bentley and Steven Gerrard in Blackburn's scoreless tie. Keeper Tim Howard helped Everton to a 3-1 win over Birmingham.

Fulham's American defender Carlos Bocanegra was serving an accumulated yellow-card suspension while Reading's Bobby Convey was 76th minute sub.

Neither Eddie Lewis nor Benny Feilhaber made the game day squad for Derby, which lost 2-0 at Aston Villa. Derby is mired in last place of the EPL with only six points.

Defender Jonathan Spector was 50th minute sub for West Ham in its 1-1 tie with Bolton and headed a shot off the line.

In Scotland, DaMarcus Beasley went the distance in Rangers 2-0 win over Inverness CT that keeps it within four points of leader Celtic. Beasley had a goal called back for offside, struck another effort into the outside side-netting, and nearly set up a goal.